Rule Of Thirds in Graphic Design
Upon attending a networking event, I received the following compliments on my business card: “I really like your card. The design really stands out and caught my attention.” Next – to the slight bemusement of the person before of me – I proceeded to rip up another of my business cards (..I carry a few to this type of networking event you see..). “What are you doing?” they asked hastily. “Showing you the design principle behind them.” I replied.
Many an occasion, I deliver my business card to someone, receiving the words of promise – “Thank you. I will give you a call.” – and a good few of them do too, which is great! On slightly fewer occasions though, someone (.. it has to be said, usually a someone with background/interest in design..) notices something about my card and says something.
As I shared the design principle to them, I would like too, to share it with you.
Please, take the opportunity to look for yourself first, before I type on…
Did you notice anything?
(Don’t scroll to far…)
The design principle I chose – if you didn’t catch it in the URL or click a link from digg… – is that of The Rule Of Thirds.
…yes, the reverse-side too!
The Rule Of Thirds
In its simplest form, The Rule Of Thirds is a compositional rule for artists, designers and photographers, to aid in drawing attention to the subject of a piece. This could be in a graphic, painting, photograph or possibly too, a business card.
The way to identify these areas, is to divide your image into thirds – horizontally and vertically – lining up the point(s) of interest upon these dividing lines or upon one the four crossing points.
Note: There is no law or bible for design – as such – and designs, paintings and photographs often stand out on their own because they oppose such rules. In the end, it is all very much up to you and the message of the piece.
More has been written before me, so for some further reading, please see:
So just think, the next time you receive a business card, there might just be that something more to it than first meets the eye.
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Alex | Zen
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Excellent post. Some very good ideas. Thank you.
@Nethead -
Thank you, @Nethead, I’m glad you liked the post and found it helpful.
has nothing to do with zen though. zen is the opposite of logical-mathematical order.
@gfdgfdg: I don’t think I wrote implying that the Rule Of Thirds was in any way associated with Zen but a practice of art, design and photography. If you picked this up from my article however I apologise, it certainly wasn’t my intention and you’re right, Zen has nothing to do with Rule Of Thirds.
Great article. From the Rule of Thirds we arrive at the whole sacred spiral and connect with more of feng shui of design which all a bit Zen@Zen Elements -