Color’s Composition Effects

Fully saturated hues of some colors (yellow, orange) are lighter and appear to be larger and more voluminous than those that are darker at full saturation values (purple, blue).

Colors that visually seem to be enlarged (yellow, orange) may appear at closer distance to viewer than those that visually seem to be smaller (purple, blue). This effect is known as “warm and cool colors rule”: warm colors tend to bring an object closer to the viewer; cool colors tend to move object farther from the viewer.

Large object appear to be heavier than small object with identical coloration. To reach a balance, a several additional small objects might be used. Some objects are visually heavier when they have complex contour rather than simple. To achieve a balance, small object with complex contour and large object with simple contour might be used.

Saturation is a level of color brightness. Reducing black color, you will get your color brighter (more saturated).

A balance can be symmetrical and unsymmetrical in composition.

A proportion is a relation of one element to another or to the whole composition.

A part of the composition that first catches a viewer’s attention, is a center of the composition. Any detail in the center that is noticed first is dominant and all others are secondary.

Unity of the composition believed to be achieved when dominant and secondary elements perceived by eye as a whole design. Unity is a result of color harmony, simplification, repeating and balance. You can repeat the same color scheme in several elements like text, background, line, image; or you can simplify color scheme by choosing one color as a dominant and others as a sub-dominant that would just accent a dominant color.

An occurrence known as a dynamic in composition may be achieved when different (by hue, saturation and form) color spots are used; if there is not enough contrast between hues, that positioned together, the composition has a quiet or steady presentation. To create dynamic effect, use pure, contrasting hues.

When we create visuals that are intended to be rhythmical, we must repeat some forms, colors, text and space between elements; there are five types of the visual rhythm: chaotic, regular, alternative, smooth, progressive.