8 Principles of Scrapbook Page Design

  1. FOCAL POINT is the center of interest, the part of the design that first catches the viewer’s attention. Focal point is an area that stands out by contrast to other areas. A focal point can be created by placement within the design or differences in size, color, texture, shape, etc. SEE MORE ABOUT FOCAL POINTS.
  2. BALANCE – Balance provides stability and structure to a design. It’s the weight distributed in the design by the placement of your elements – the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. Elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.
  3. RHYTHM (movement) – The use of reoccurring elements that help direct the viewer’s eyes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the design.
  4. ALIGNMENT – Allows us to create order and organization. Aligning elements allows them to create a visual connection with each other.
  5. REPETITION – Repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements. It helps to create association and consistency. Repetition can create rhythm (a feeling of organized movement).
  6. CONTRAST – Contrast is the juxtaposition of elements in order to highlight their differences and create visual interest: light/dark values, rough & smooth textures, opposite colors on the color wheel, direction – horizontal/vertical).
  7. HARMONY– brings together a composition with similar elements.  If your design uses wavy lines and organic shapes you would stay with those types of lines and not put in just one geometric shape. (Harmony can be achieved through the use of proximity, repetition, and continuity of the elements in a design.)
  8. SPACE –  to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within elements. Both positive and negative space are important factors to be considered in every design.
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