The Rule of Thirds is A Graphic Design
As a business owner or CEO, you likely don’t have the time to become a graphic design expert. However, understanding some basic principles of design can help you communicate better with your team and make more informed decisions about your branding. In this blog post, we’ll explore two essential concepts in graphic design: layout and the rule of thirds.
Symmetry & Asymmetry in Layout Design
Layout is the foundation of any good design. It’s the overall structure or plan for your design, and it determines how individual elements will be arranged on the page. There are three basic types of layout: grid, asymmetrical, and hierarchical.
The grid layout is the most structured of the three; it uses a series of vertical and horizontal lines to create a framework for your design. This system is often used in print design, as it helps ensure that all elements are properly aligned.
Asymmetrical layouts are less formal, and they often create more interesting designs. As the name implies, asymmetrical layouts are not based on perfect symmetry; instead, they use uneven balances and proportions to create visual interest.
Hierarchical layouts are similar to asymmetrical layouts in that they also employ imbalance to create visual interest. However, unlike asymmetrical layouts, hierarchical layouts use size and scale to create a sense of importance or hierarchy among elements. This type of layout is often used in infographics or data visualizations.
Once you’ve chosen a layout for your design, you can start thinking about composition—or how individual elements will be arranged within that framework. The rule of thirds is a helpful guide for composition; it suggests that an image should be divided into nine equal sections using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Then, important compositional elements—like the subject of your photo or the focal point of your infographic—should be placed along those lines or at their intersections.
