# emphasis & contrast > [!note]- jump to content > - [[emphasis#concept overview|concept overview]] > - [[emphasis#emphasis is created through contrast|emphasis through contrast]] > - [[emphasis#compare and contrast different artists|compare & contrast]] ![[emphasis-banner.png]] ## concept overview Emphasis is one of the [[2d principles and elements]] of visual design. **Emphasis** is used as a way to attract the viewer's attention to a specific area or element within a composition. While [[unity]] is all about how to create a harmonious composition of elements, Emphasis is used to make individual elements stand out from the others. > [!card-right] > > The **Focal Point** is the element that stands out the most in a composition. It is usually the most important object in the design. Subsidiary **Accent** elements support the focal point by helping to point the viewer's eye toward the main focal point. They are less obvious but still support the primary focal point. > > ![[focalPoint.svg|diagram showing focal point and accents]] By controlling the relative importance of different elements, a **Visual Hierarchy** is be formed with the focal point as the most important element. Each element has a **Visual Weight** with heavier elements becoming more obvious while lighter and less important elements disappear into the design. A good designer uses visual hierarchy to control the sequence of what viewers see in the design. A clear Focal Point is not a necessity in a design. Sometimes an **Absence of Emphasis** is desired. Unchanging repeating patterns work well for things like clothing, wrapping paper, or architectural wallpaper. ![[emphasis-banner.png]] ## emphasis is created through contrast In visual design, **Contrast** is the difference between two or more elements that makes them stand out from each other. The higher the contrast, the more an object will stand out. It's one of the most important principles for creating emphasis and visual hierarchy. There are several different forms of visual contrast that can be used. Often multiple techniques are used together to make an element obvious. Basically, the idea is to set up a system and break that system by doing something differently. > [!card-left] > > ![[emphasis-Value.svg]] > > **Value Contrast** is a change in relative lightness and darkness of objects. While primarily based on grayscale design, this can also work with colored elements as well. > [!card-double] > > ![[emphasis-value-goya.jpg|Goya painting of main in front of firing squad]] > Francisco Goya, _The Third of May 1808_. > The strong lighting and [[value]] contrast helps the man on the left to stand out as the focal point. The large value range and bold lighting is a prime example of [[chiaroscuro]]. > > ![[emphasis-value-monet.jpg|Monet painting of sailboat on river]] > Claude Monet, _Waterloo Bridge_. > The strongest value contrast in the foreground water helps the sailboat become the focal point. --- > [!card-right] > > **Color Contrast** is a change in color. An element can easily stand out when it's color changes from the rest of the elements. (this content is part of the card callout) > > ![[emphasis-Color.svg]] --- Changing the **Size** of an element can make it stand out. This works both by making one element much larger or much smaller than the rest of the group. **Shape differences** definition. **Direction change** definition **Position** definition **Focus** definition **Highlight** definition **Isolation** definition **Economy** definition ![[emphasis-banner.png]] ## compare and contrast different artists --- > [!note] Learn more… > - links to additional content --- tags: #design #concepts home: [[2d principles and elements]]