Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds is a principle that if you divide your image with two vertical and two horizontal lines, the areas where your lines intersect will become focal points of your design. It is useful way of lining up the subject of an image and making it as aesthetically pleasing as possible (think perfect symmetry).
Resolution
The term resolution refers to the number of units, measured in either DPI or PPI, that occupy a linear inch an image. Resolution is used to denote the quality of an image on a computer device or on print.
Repetition
To maintain a cohesive look, designers repeat elements throughout a graphic design for consistency reasons.
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Scale
Scale refers to the size of an object in relationship to another object. Two elements of the same size are being equal. Whereas elements with a clear variation in size tend to be different. When putting together a design, think about how you can use a scale to assist you to illustrate the meaning behind your image. Scales facilitates the change of the size of an object while keeping its shape and proportions intact. Large scale can create drama and moods of tension, and smaller-scale can create fine detail and moods of ease.
Space
Space is the canvass that the graphic designer is expected to use. Space is important as it could be negative space (see above) or it could be a design consideration that recognises the importance of empty places in design.
Stock art
Stock photos and art are licensed images created by a third party and unprofessional quick design solutions like Canva will have lots of stock photos and art that can be used by anyone.
Using stock images saves on the cost of having a professional photoshoot.
Saturation
Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a colour. The more saturated a colour is (as the colour increases saturation) the purer or brighter it appears. Whereas desaturated colours appear a little washed-out and pale.
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Typography
Typography refers to the aesthetics of fonts but more importantly to the artistic arrangement and order of type in a readable and visually appealing way. Typography is therefore about the design and usage of different fonts in a way that helps to communicate ideas better visually and if used correctly, typography can convey a certain mood or feeling. All graphic designers will deal with typography at some stage of their professionals careers—whether they are developing new fonts at a type foundry, making own typefaces, or heading up a project on the latest marketing campaigns.