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Create Contrast by Creating Obvious Differences

By , About.com Guide

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Use Obvious Contrasting Elements
contrast

The key to effective contrast is substantial difference

Graphic © J. Bear
Other methods of creating contrast include using texture, shape, alignment, direction, movement. Remember, the key is to use a substantial difference. A font size change that is barely noticeable and colors that are too close in value looks more like a mistake than an attempt to provide emphasis or interest.

Some Ways to Use Contrasting Elements

  • Add visual interest to a layout of tall skinny columns of text by using wide or irregularly shaped photos.

  • A series of static images with a single picture showing movement will draw the eye to the contrasting image.

  • Align text to the left but set subheads right-aligned in an adjacent column.

  • Typically, a layout may employ a combination of 2 or more contrasting elements.
  1. How Contrast Works
  2. Contrast With Size
  3. Contrast With Value
  4. Contrast With Color
  5. Contrast With Type
  6. this page

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