Simple Basic Design Rules

2018 is a year of changes and new beginnings for me. One of those changes is to get back into using this blog to teach interested parties about card making by posting at least once a month some sort of information or card. This time I'll make the promise stick ... so let's start with some basic design rules.

Yes, just like every where else, there are rules to designing and they fall into three categories: composition, color and pattern. These items will help you in identifying or defining the style and the feeling you want to convey and create.

Composition:

Composition is the organization of your items within a set background area and is usually the first rule to be addressed.

• An even number of items will create a more symmetrical layout and this is usually associated with a more classical style. An odd number of items will create a looser layout and this is usually associated with a more modern style. The exception is a single item, which can cover both styles.
• Centering an item is usually associated with a more classical style. Off-setting an item is usually associated with a more modern style. When off-setting an item make sure the off-set is big enough to look like it was planned and part of the overall layout rather than like a misalignment or mistake.
• Size creates emphasis. One single large item with a number of smaller items around it makes the larger item take on more importance, whereas if all the items are the same size they all carry the same importance or non-importance.
• Busy backgrounds go better with single large items and bold text. Plain backgrounds go better with several items and smaller text.
• One of the old design adages is “less is more”. Keep that in mind when laying out your work … it is easier to add something than to remove something.

Color:

• Soft monochromatic schemes and pastel color schemes are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look. Dark monochromatic schemes and bright color schemes are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look. Either can be used for children.
• Black and white color schemes (but especially photographs) will look classy and timeless. These can be further enhanced by coloring just a single item within the back and white photograph.
• Sepia color schemes will make just about anything look antiqued, dated and old. The same goes for irregular edges, which when darkened make the item look antiqued.
• Darker backgrounds will make the images appear smaller, while lighter backgrounds will make the images appear larger.
• Larger and darker colored items not only appear closer but also give them a sense of importance or dominance. Smaller and lighter colored items not only appear farther but also give them a look of being faded.

Patterns:

Patterns can be mixed and the standard rule to mix and match patterns is to mix an organic pattern with a geometric pattern of the same color schemes with one being a larger pattern than the other. If the patterns are both the same size they tend to visually fight for dominance and the effect of mix and match is lost. Pattern mix and match also follows all the rules of color noted above.

• Curvaceous, highly detailed and ornate designs are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look. Straight lines, non detailed and simple designs are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look.
• Soft materials, such as linens, ribbons etc, are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look. Hard materials, such as wood, metal, etc, are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look.
• Organic backgrounds are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look; however trees, leaves and rocks are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look. Geometric backgrounds are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look, with the exceptions of stripes that can go either way. However again, slim and soft colored stripes are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look while wide and bold colored stripes are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look. Dots and circles are usually associated with a more playful style and with children.
• Soft colored patterned backgrounds are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look. Bold colored patterned backgrounds are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look.
• Round or oval frames are usually associated with a more classical or feminine look while square or rectangular frames are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look.
• Several layers of framing can accentuate an item and usually works better when a single large item is featured.
• Partial corner frames are usually associated with a more modern or masculine look.

These simple basic rules are important in establishing an overall design concept, but are by no mean set in stone. Remember rules are meant to be broken and as such they can be mixed and matched to suit your needs or to express your personal design philosophy.

But most of all remember that making cards should be fun and relaxing and not become a stressful challenge! Also remember that rules are meant to be broken, so enjoy yourselves and create!