BackgroundComposition is the placement of elements on a digital canvas or how a videographer or photographer frames the scene. It is the arrangement of form and tone to communicate ideas to the viewer.
The narrative gains traction by choosing compelling visual or auditory elements to include that tells the story. It is best to back up and consider the bigger picture to determine the subject of a scene or shot before committing to the framing of elements. A good layout takes time and practice. ImportanceComposition makes a difference. The selection of elements in a portrayal, along with the layout of those elements, is what makes meaning. Daley (2003) suggests that visual literacy is more than reading visual forms but should include creation. She states the following in regards to creating NewMedia:
"Such principles as screen direction, the placement of objects in the frame, color choices, morphing, cuts, and dissolves all do much more than make a screen communication aesthetically pleasing. They are as critical to the creation of meaning as adverbs, adjectives, paragraphs, periods, analogies, and metaphors are to text. " Everything in an image or video activates meaning, so designers should exclude elements that do not enhance the message. Even something like blank space is communicating meaning.
No element is neutral. Subject & BackgroundA good composition has a clear subject and background. With a clearly defined topic and background, the viewer can easily interpret and navigate the representation. The form can link the topic with the background. Know what the subject is.
Composition is all about guiding the eye to the subject of the message. test - contextualizeA useful test of the composition is to put it into a context and see if it works. For instance, if it will be a poster on a wall, put it on a wall - you can do this virtually with Photoshop or other image editing applications. The virtual plant and vase below (Potted Weirdness) is an example. The plant and vase were created in a 3D modelling application but when placed on the texture of a virtual floor, one gets a sense of how this would look in a context
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NoteIt may be more logical to divide composition into two categories: design elements and design principles. The author will try to reorganize this section accordingly at some point in the future. ...requires more thought.
PurposeHere is a list of potential purposes of effective composition:
Surprise...go big or go home! Remember, our eye and attention are drawn by what is different, so surprise is highly effective if used judiciously.
Further StudyTo understand the concept of composition further, explore the following sections:
PerspectiveDepthSimplicityLine & ShapeBalance & TensionProportionNegative SpaceColourContrastDominanceContinuityCoherenceREPETITIONHierarchyPositioningHarmonyTextureCaptionsBreaking rules |
References
Adams, Sean. (2013). Foundations of Layout and Composition, Lynda.com. retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-tutorials/Foundations-Layout-Composition/
Daley, E. (2003). Expanding the concept of literacy. Educause Review (Mar./Apr.) Retreived February, 2004 from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0322.pdf
McWade, John. (2013). Before & after: Things every designer should know. Lynda.com. Retrieved from
http://www.lynda.com/Design-Page-Layout-tutorials/Before-After-Things-Every-Designer-Should-Know/
Daley, E. (2003). Expanding the concept of literacy. Educause Review (Mar./Apr.) Retreived February, 2004 from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0322.pdf
McWade, John. (2013). Before & after: Things every designer should know. Lynda.com. Retrieved from
http://www.lynda.com/Design-Page-Layout-tutorials/Before-After-Things-Every-Designer-Should-Know/