What is CONTRAST?
LARGE, small, black and white, circles and squares, all examples of contrast. It does not matter is you are creating a flyer or website, contrast is a key element in graphic design. When contrast is applied correctly, contrast attracts the eye. When done incorrectly, the design will stick out like a sore thumb.
Contrast can exist between size, color, shape and type. Contrast of size adds a visual interest that can lead a viewers eye throughout a design. An example, a text centric poster. If all of the text is the same size, the design will be unappealing and boring however if the font sizes vary implementing hierarchy, you have a interesting and attention drawing poster.
Contrast of color also a key principle of design. Black and white is easy, other colors not so much. Pairing colors that contrast but aren’t eye straining is crucial. You also don’t want to work with colors that are very similar like orange and red. The best way to select colors that contrast but use one of the colors as an accent color to reduce eye bleed.
The next type of contrast is shape. You can bring attention to a layout by keeping consistent shapes then throwing in a different shape for contrast. An example, if there is a page full of rectangles, you can add a circle, perhaps in a different color to create the ultimate contrast.
Finally, there is a contrast of type. Using a serif font and a san-serif font is a nice contrast. Also using a bold font and a thin font also creates contrast. You can see this in logos, stationary, etc.
Using contrast in conjunction with the other elements of graphic design will help you create a great design.