Start creating your next layout

Some pointers from my notes I got while surfing. (An article written by Teryn Ashley)

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 cause all of the items to have this feeling of balance on your page, while an even number such as pairs or fours will separate them into sections.

3. Avoid trapped white space. We are all guilty of having done this once or twice?having a clump of white space on your page makes your layout look unfinished.

4.Using an odd number of elements on your page instead of an even number creates a more appealing look to your layouts and, again like the triangle technique?you end up with a more balanced looking page.

5. If you choose to use a certain texture such as metals, rough sanded elements,and so on in your page be sure to stay within those particular textures so that your page has more continuity.  For example, if you decided to go with decorative gold photo corners make sure that any other metal? embellishments on your page are gold as well.

6. Keep in mind, the “Rule of Thirds”. If you divide your layout into thirds vertically and horizontally, the best place to put the subject/focus of your layout is where these lines meet.  So, if you’re stumped on how to
design your next page, try this out?you’ll usually end up with an eye-pleasing layout.  )

7.If youfre creating your page using several different elements (i.e. fonts, size, shapes, space, and so on).  Try to stay away from having these being similar?  If theyfre different, show it.  Make them completely
different from one another and this can create an interesting, and fun, visual contrast.

8.Repeating certain elements in your page is also a very good idea to create a unity and/or continuity in your layout.  For example, carrying out the same textures, colors, fonts, or type of embellishments.

9.Stay away from looking like you sneezed?all the items onto your layout.  Sound a little weird?  Well, it’s basically like it sounds?.all of the embellishments, pictures, etc. look like they were just thrown on the
page.  Be conscious of the placement and alignment of everything that you put on your layout.  Each piece of your layout should have a visual connection with the others on the page.

10.Keep related items together rather than scattering them all over your page.  In doing this, the message and or theme that you are trying to convey on your page is able to be relayed much easier.