10 Composition Tips

Designers and decorators have been using composition tips for centuries. Many of them fit perfectly into the composition of a scrapbook layout. Below are 10 tips for creating a balanced layout.

1. Arrange your photographs so that the eyes of people in the pictures look inward towards the center of the page and/or lead the viewer to the next item on your page.
   


2. Create a visual triangle with photos and embellishments. Triangles pull all of the items together, while pairs or groups of 4 will separate them into sections.
   


3. Avoid trapped white space. Trapped white space is a block of unused space trapped in the gutter of a page.
   


4. Try to use the same element in odd numbers. 1, 3, or 5 of the same item will typically have a more finished look.
   


5. Keep your metals matched. For example, use all gold, all silver, or all brass accents rather than mixing the colors.
   


6. Remember the "Rule of Thirds". If you divide your layout into thirds vertically and horizontally, where those lines meet is generally a good place to put the main focus of your layout.
   


7. Create contrast in your pages. Avoid elements on the page that are merely similar. If the elements (font, color, size, line thickness, shape, space, etc.) are not the same, then make them VERY different to create a visual contrast.
   


8. Repeat visual elements of the design throughout the layout. You can repeat color, shape, texture, spatial relationships, sizes, etc.
   


9. Be aware of the alignment of all of the items on your page. Nothing should be placed on a page arbitrarily. Every element should have a visual connection with another element on the page.
   


10. Items relating to each other should be grouped close together. When several items are in close proximity to each other, they become one visual unit rather than several separate units.

These are some great starter tips for layout composition. As you keep these in mind, remember also that there are exceptions to every rule, and your photos and page elements will help you determine what composition is best for your page.

Case Study:
This layout uses elements in odd numbers by including three photos, three bulleted items, three flowers in the background, and three name labels. It also uses the gingham ribbon along two sides of the layout to enforce the visual triangle created by the photos. The subject in each photo is placed along the imaginary lines created by dividing the page into thirds. This layout demonstrates contrast by using both a light yellow patterned paper and black cardstock. Finally, the eyes of the subject in each photo are looking in towards the center of the layout… even in the photo where the baby is facing the outside of the layout but his eyes are looking back towards the center.

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