Using graphics elements for maximum impact

If you were to create an analogy between design and acting, you could say that graphic elements are the supporting cast to the stars of typography, images and color.

When you look at a design, it’s unlikely you’ll say “oooooh, I love that line“. It’s invisible but it does help support the rest of the components and binds everything together.

There are 2 mistakes designers can make when using graphic elements in their design: they use too much of them OR they use too little.

Some supporting graphic elements:

1. Lines: Thick, thin, solid, dotted, circles, …
2. Borders and boxes: Thick, thin, two lines, color
3. Border Effects: Faded edges, torn edges, …
4. Backgrounds: Pictures that are “washed out”
5. Bullets: Squares, check marks, triangles, …
6. Corners: Corner effects
7. Dingbats: Ornaments, wood carvings, …
8. Patterns: Vertical or horizontal lines, repeating dingbats, …
9. Textures: Paper textures, textiles, …
10. Shapes: Starbursts, starts, circles, squares, …

C O N C L U S I O N

Although these are not the “stars” of a layout, a good designer makes use of these to add depth to the design. They are there to help organize the content (for example, using lines) and help with the visual hierarchy of a piece. After all, no everyone can be a star and even they can’t shine without the supporting cast.

SEE GRAPHIC ELEMENTS AT WORK:

Check out this piece in my case studies that makes use of lots of graphic elements.

Technorati Tags: Design Theory, Print Design

Related posts:

1. Choosing graphic elements to add impact
2. Creating contrast ensures your design success
3. Keeping it simple for maximum impact
4. Create impact in your designs with emphasis
5. Use repetition for maximum effect in your designs