Visual Hierarchy

Definition

Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement and organization of visual elements in a composition to guide the viewer's attention. It involves using size, color, contrast, and placement to create a clear order of importance.

Analogy

Think of visual hierarchy like a concert where the lead singer stands out from the rest of the band. The lead singer is visually dominant and captures your attention first, just like how important elements in a composition stand out from others.

Related terms

Balance: Balance is about distributing visual weight evenly across a composition. It can be achieved through symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements.

Emphasis: Emphasis is creating focal points or areas of interest that draw attention within a composition. It helps guide the viewer's eye and adds significance to specific elements.

Proportion: Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of different elements in relation to each other. It helps establish harmony and balance within a composition by ensuring that objects have appropriate sizes compared to one another.