Composition - Static

29/09/14

Composition is the combining of distinct parts or elements to form a whole, and the manner in which such parts are combined or related.
As visual designers we are all concerned with using and understanding visual imagery. This part of the unit examines what happens when elements combine to form compositions and how they can change the mood and over all visual effects within a frame. It is not possible, and it would be wrong to set out rules for composition, this should only act as a guide.
Research:

Composition can be used to create a feeling to the viewer with regards to how the elements within a frame are positioned. This is because when an element is placed in a space, it has a relationship to its space. An example of this is if a bold element were to be placed centrally within its given space (shape or text) this would make it the main focal point and would give it the appearance of being important and solid.

This example is showing True Symmetry. A composition which can be mirrored or almost mirrored and shows an obvious balance in the composition. This can lack interest however creates a feeling of solidity, tradition and self satisfaction. This type of composition is often more comfortable in appearance. It is showing one main focal point and directs the viewer where to look within the frame easily. 

Elements in a composition each have character and when combined with other elements make an overall character together. 

This is an example of how two elements within one frame have created an overall character depending on where and how they are positioned. In this frame the shapes are very close together creating tension between them as the space between them suggest that they will touch, however they do not quite. The proximity in which they are placed makes us percieve them as one image as the eye will generally look at both at once. If they were further appart the would be seen as seperate as the eye would have to look at one before the other: 

This is an example of how the distance between the shapes separates and isolates them and forces the viewer to look at one before the other which makes this separation. In this instance both shapes being exactly the same either side the shape in which a viewer will look at first will vary from person to person however generally will be looked at depending on the direction the individual reads from (left to right for example however in some cultures this would be right to left). 

The compositions within a frame can be used to imply shapes, forms and textures depending on where they are places etc as well.

Implied Texture is shown in this example with regards to the various sizes and therefore different feel for each shape (bumps on a page) implied 3D space can also be seen in this example as the circles various sizes create an almost illusion after looking at the image a little longer as small shapes represent and give the appearance of being far away when contrasted with the larger shapes which appear close up. This example shows a rather chaotic composition and does not direct the viewer where to look first making no importance to the composition. However generally the eye will be directed to any of the larger shapes first.

This example is showing implied line through repetition of the placement of the dots. they are evenly repeated one after the other creating the appearance of a line. The viewer will usually find a point in which to look at along the line (left or right) and will usually be lead visually to the other end of the line (following each other dots from one end to the other) this creates movement in the composition as the viewers eye is being directed to move across the composition. 

This example is showing implied form or a 3D shape. The shapes and how they are compositioned together make the suggestive 3d form of a circular band (the shape of a ring). Form describes 3 dimensions and shape describes 2 dimensions.

We 'like' a shapes relationship to its space within a frame in some positions (for example the central dot in the first example) symmetrical positioning is seen as pleasing to the eye however we are made to feel more uncomfortable when they are positioned in a less 'pleasing' position in the frame.

This example is showing an asymetrical compositioning as the overall placement of the shape is not balanced. Asymetry means that everything is not perfectly lined up and mirrored. Asymetrical compositions can still be balanced however with regards to weight of shapes spread through out a frame sizes etc. The effect of asymetrical compositioning is a less important visual impact along with potentially uncomfortable appearences. It can also however create a more interesting appearence as it is diffrent and with regards to film framing allows the viewer to see whats in the background.

The fibonnacci sequence is a framing tequniche that uses ratios commonly found in nature to create interesting compositions within the frame:

Rules of thirds is another framing technique used to try and create interesting compositions, the idea is that by placing a shape on any of the four central cross over points of the lines of the grid, the composition will appear more interesting and will be asymmetric.

Extreme Asymetry:

 This is an example of extreme asymetry where the composition is very off balance creating a very uneasy feel about the shapes within the frame. This example also shows tension between the shape and the edge of the frame, again emphasising this uncomfortable appearence to the compoasition.

By adding another element to this composition the peace become slightly less uncomfortable due to the fact that the lines start to balance out the composition slightly. it is still asymmetrical but the dominance of size and shape is starting to be spread across the frame rather than weighted all to one side by having just the bold shape to the left. This new addition also creates relationship between these shapes. The eye is directed to look at the bold shape on the left first as this shape is more dominant. It is then however lead up and along the line because the line is placed so close to the shape. This piece is directing the viewer at how to look at it and how to 'read' it just by placing these elements close to each other. 

These two images show examples of how dominance can show the viewer which shape to look at first and what is the main focal point (the larger shape is the main focal point in the left image however by simply making the shape more opaque the line actually becomes more dominant and the main focal point in the right image even though the shape is larger still, this is because of the bold appearance the line has in contrast to the shape and so make the shape simply appear to be part of the background or in the background, and the line in the foreground. Changing the emphasis of shapes in these examples also seems to make the image on the right more balanced due to the main weight of the composition being more central (with the line) and not all to one side. 

These images show an examples of how elements touching form groups and relations between the shapes in a composition and by simply placing the shapes away from each other the composition will say a completely different thing and create a diffrent atmosphere. the image in the right shows two seperate groups. (it also shows extreme asymetry and tension with regards to the spacing between the bold line and the frame and the overall positioning of all the sahpes being to the edges of the frame. 

BALANCE - in design is the distribution of elements across the design. Balance is a visual
interpretation of gravity in the design. Large, dense elements appear to be heavier while
smaller elements appear to be lighter. You can balance designs in three ways:
symmetrical balance
asymmetrical balance
discordant or off-balance
UNITY/HARMONY - bringing together elements in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Similarity, concert, organisation, blend.
CONTRAST - offers some change in value creating a visual discord in a composition.
Contrast shows the difference between shapes and can be used as a background to bring
objects out and forward in a design. It can also be used to create an area of EMPHASIS.
EMPHASIS - in design provides the focal point for the piece. It is a way of making the
element that is most important stand out in the design. Emphasis is sometimes called
dominance.
RHYTHM - regularity, irregularity. repetition, sporadic, staccato, languid. Visual Elements
like the beat of music.

Josef Muller Brockmann Exhibition Poster 1953:

This poster shows balance across the spread of the frame with the weight of the shapes used and where he has positioned them. the two thick lines on the left and right of the poster create even balance of positive space from left to right and then the block at the bottom balanced the two small lines above the text.

Jan Tschichold Phoebus Palast Poster 1928:

This poster shows how the artists has used emphasis on the main title at the top to direct the eye to the title and has then used line to lead the eye to the images suspended within the lines. 

Josef Muller Brockmann The Swiss Automobile Club Poster 1952: 

This poster shows how the artist has used dominance to create a feeling in the composition as it makes the motorbike look large and threatening and the boy look small and vulnerable. putting across the message of awareness of the danger of motorbikes. 

After looking into composition, to get a better understanding of it myself and experience experimenting with composition i have been given a selection of individual words along with a selection of shapes and a frame. I will use the shapes to experiment with creating compositions within the frame that display the emotion and characteristics of the words i have been given.
I decided for each word i was given i would also use a thesaurus to find the synonyms and antonyms for each word to get a better understanding of the word and the opposite of the word in order to help me create my composition.

Tranquil:
Synonyms - Mild, Restful, Serene, At Ease, At Peace, Pleasing, Smooth, Soft, Soothing, Still, Untroubled, Whispering, Placid, Calm, Undisturbed, Bland

Antonyms - Agitated, Harsh, Stormy, Chaotic, Noisy, Wild, Troubled.
. From these words i would imaging that to represent this word i would use a simple arrange meant of not much shapes involved inside the frame, and composition the shapes in a aesthetically pleasing manner (symmetrical and possibly centred as opposed to asymmetrical and quirky).

For the word tranquil i decided to create a symmetrical balanced composition would be best as this is the most pleasing and comfortable composition (which i spoke about earlier in my research) and tranquil is a pleasing and comfortable feeling. i decided to use only small shapes, no bold over powering shapes as the feeling of tranquil holds rather simplistic qualities and large bold shapes can create louder, harsher visual messages. The use of the waved line also creates a sense of flow in the piece and soft movement (softened by the curves in the line) the space between each wave in the line also suggest a slow movement which comes with a rather tranquil peaceful emotion, like water and the word tranquil suggests a slow pace and peacefulness as opposed to lively. I left lots of white space in the frame around the shapes in my composition to create a feeling of openess and freedom (feelings that could associate with tranquility) and to add breathing space, as well as emphasise this feeling of simplicity.

Threatening:
Synonyms - aggressive, close, warning, dangerous, sinister, grim, unlucky, unsafe, scowling, uneasy, overwhelming, near, alarming.

Antonyms - Good, safe, nice, away, far, pleasant, remote, distant, kind.

To create the composition for this word i decided to use the pointed edges of shapes and point them in towards the centre of the frame as the points appear more threatening and dangerous. I pointed them into the centre from all angles of the frame as it creates elements from all around the whole of the frame creating no space for escape and creates a more daunting appearance as all the shapes are targeting inwards. I left not much white space as this emphasises the darkness and threatening feel of the composition leaving less breathing space and room around the shapes suggesting less space for escape. I also made the boarder thick, and bold in this creation with the dark shapes appearing as the are coming out of the darkness to create the appearance of this threatening sharp darkness closing in on the space making it appear more suffocating and threatening to close in on all of the white space. I made the size of the frame smaller and more square for this piece again to emphasise this idea of a daunting closing in emotion. All the shapes i used were thick bold shapes as i thought the feeling of threat is obvious and loud and when felt becomes an overpowering emotion, the shapes i used reflect this as they cannot be ignored or missed. If i had involved smaller shapes they might not have been seen or noticed when placed next to the thick shapes and i wanted the whole pice to show this obvious loud threatening appearance.

Uncomfortable:
Synonyms - Annoying, awkward, harsh, troublesome, distressing, difficult, cramped, painful, ill fitting.

Antonyms - agreeable, mild, easy, straightforward, happy, simple, soft

For the compositions i created for the word uncomfortable, i decided to place all my elements asymmetrically to one side and create a fairly unbalance composition as these techniques are less aesthetically pleasing and creates a more uncomfortable visual emotion. I placed the shapes diagonally to create a more uneasy feel about the composition and squashed them all un close to each other. The space i have left to the left of the composition emphasises the lack of space and uncomfort of the shapes and exaggerates this uncomfortable appearance. I think the first image shows a better example of this word visually as in the second image i think i have used too many elements and perhaps crowded the composition slightly and making it more confusing. The effect of the second one i think could appear as overwhelming due to the abundance of shapes.


Euphoric:
Synonyms - Dreamy, enchanted, heavenly, joyous, cool, cozy, floating, spaced out, elated, in ecstasy, delighted.
Antonyms - Grieving, miserable, unhappy, upset, low.

For this word i was try to create a fairly light looking composition by leaving lots of space in the frame creating space. I also wanted to give the appearance of happy, yet crazy emotions as these are what come with the feeling of euphoria and so to do this i used lots of small fairly scattered elements in each trail of my compositions, however not too scattered as this may become too visually unpleasing and chaotic, i still wanted some kind of balance and pleasing visual compositions to my piece to put across this emotion. I decided to use the large circle as a main focal point as rounded shapes are not threatening and create a soft happy appearance due to their lack of edges and give the appearance of flowing (never ending cycle of the flow of the line around them, one line that creates the shape does not end end).

Heavy:
Synonmys - Huge, large, abundant, obese, bulky, big, awkward, chunky, beefy, built, massive, gravid, top heavy

Antonyms - Little, tiny, unimportant, graceful, thin, insignificant.

For this composition i made the boarder itself chunky and bold, as this immediately itself creates the idea of a heavy frame and imitates the meaning of the composition. My idea behind creating this composition was to have a large shape with regards to the size of the space in the frame with straight edges as this looks more sturdy and difficult to move (connotations of the word heavy) then use line to direct the ye to a smaller rounded shape that looks light in contrast to the heavy shape. The contrast between these two shape would be what show the heavy in this composition (this is because the larger shape is bolder and there fore the more dominant shape meaning the attention is on the larger shape and there for the attention is on the heavy) I did this non figuratively and think it works this way, however it could be looked at figuratively with regards to how i have compositioned the shape and due to the fact that the heavy shape is 'floating' in the frame, could make it look light especially seeing as the line i have placed in the composition could look like the string of a balloon and the shape the balloon. If i had placed the square closer to the bottom of the frame the appearance would probably change and appears more heavy and weighted down, simply flipping this image upside down could achieve this appearance.


Precarious:
Synonyms - Dangerous, rocky, tricky, doubtful, unsettled, unreliable, risky, insecure, hazardous, uncertain.

Antonyms - Cetain, definite,  strong,  reliable, guarded, safe, protected.

I positioned these shape sin funny angles and emphasised the points of shapes in both compositions to create a rocky dangerous appearance (words i found were synonyms of precarious) I placed the shapes in diagonal positions again to create feelings of uncomfort visually and made them unbalance again to make them appear uneasy.



Tense:
Synonyms - strained, firm, rigid, stiff, taunt.

Antonyms - Flexible, loose, soft, calm, limp, slack, laid back, relaxed , uncaring.

To create a feeling of tension in this composition i decided to place my objects extremely close to each other leaving only a small space between the shapes. This creates expectation of touch and, near touching of the shapes creates this feeling of tension before they touch. I first created the composition using these shapes in the centre of the frame. i then decided to make the piece seem even more tense i would place them all to one side as this creates a visually more uncomfortable feeling about the composition due to the fact that it becomes more asymmetrical by doing this and tension is usually an uncomfortable feeling so this emphasises the feeling of tension more. With regards to the top image i have place the square to the left of the rectangle to open up the composition as before placing this square it could be confused with claustrophobia due to the fact that the square to the right of it would appear trapped and squashed in near the frame by the rectangle. 

Overwhelmed:
Synonyms - affected, moved, overpowered, devastated, vanquished, repulsed, stirred, doomed, sunk.

To create the composition for this word i decided to use many different shapes and sizes to fill the frame, to make the viewer unsure at where to look with no directional focal point. This itself creates and overwhelmed feeling for the viewer. I used lots of large shapes to fill lots of space in the frame making it seem overpowered and filled, i tried to leave not much white space again to give this appearance of overcrowded space. Some words i found that were synonyms of this word were words such as doomed and sunk, i decided to add some visual qualities of these words as they are emotions that can come with the feeling of being overwhelmed and so i added a thick daunting boarder creating a dark overwhelming appearance and used the lack of white and threat of overpowering dark shapes closing in on the light space to create a doomed lost feeling about the space in the composition.
Secure:
Synonyms - Protected, shelted, guarded, impregnable, unharmed, sheilded, defended, tight, stong, safe.

Antonyms - Endangered, moving, loose, unfixed, unprotected, unstable, undecided.

I used thick straight edges shapes in my compositions for security as these are more sturdy looking shapes in appearance and sturdiness suggests security. I placed each of these straight edged shapes either horizontal or vertical however i purposefully didn't place them horizontal as this is a less secure position and creates the appearance of movement rather than stability. The top image i created shows a thick rectangle securely positioned inside two lines either side of it. This suggests lack of freedom for the rectangle inside the two lines and there fore is secure. The pice shows a symmetrical balanced composition which in itself creates a safe comfortable appearance to a piece two feelings that come with the feeling of security. This piece would have looked more effective however if the two lines either side would have been thicker as the effect of them being thin as they are is a breakable appearance rather than solid, however i had limited shapes to work with. I tried to create another version of security using only thicker shapes which can be seen in the bottom image i made. This composition shows two sturdy thick lines trapped inside a larger sturdy line and suggests lack of movement and displays a secure composition.

Light:
Synonyms - Bright, Clear, Unobscurred, lucent, vivid, cloudless.

Antonyms - Grave, obscure, heavy, serious, weighted, dim, unhappy.

I decided for this composition to use a small rounded shape as round seems more light then solid flat shapes. I used a small circle as the only element in this composition to emphasise space and light of the space to put across this word. some of the words i found when looking at synonyms for light was clear and unobscurred, this is the appearence i was aiming to create by creating this space in my composition. By adding the dot to the side of the composition it creates a larger amout of space to its left emphasising the space and amplifies, visually, the space and room around the dot by having it a small size. Without the placement of this shape the space would not seem so vast and would meerly seem blank. the dot draws the eye towatrds it and then emphasises the space around it. I placed it in the bottom right corner as i wanted the space to be around by also abouve it to create a feeling of endless openess (like the sky) and had it s that it did nor touch the edges to create a visual feeling of levetation (suggesting it light in weight.) however perhaps placing the dot higher up in the frame would have made it appear lighter in weight as well (again as though floating and light), but this would be leaning to a more figurative image.

Claustrophobic:
Synonyms - Confined, limited, cramped, enclosed, narrow, airless, packed, opressive.

Antonyms - roomy, airy, calm, spacious, open, free.

I made sure i left a lots of space clear in the bottom image to emphasise the lack of space and claustrophobic appearance of the shapes in the corner. I positioned each of the shapes close to each other to create a cramped appearance with no breathing space, again making the white space to the right of the shapes seem more torturous. The top image i used a large square shape to push the smaller shapes into the corner as i used a different approach to this piece. I use the larger square to emphasis the claustrophobic feeling as it amplifies the lack of movement available for the smaller shapes to to its sturdiness and size, the size of the shape creates a crushing appearance in the piece and suggests it crushing the shapes into a small claustrophobic space.
Sedate:
Synonyms - Quite, placid, composed, deliberate, solemn, steady, tranquil, dignified, sober.

Antonyms - Agitated, loud, noisy, troubled, lively, excitable, upset.

My idea for creating this composition was creating a low sunken appearance while also keeping the appearance of it pleasant and happy as sedate is a more drowsy emotion of tranquil in a way and so would be more sleepy and sunken this is the effect i was trying to achieve. i used the block rectangle to suggests sturdiness and create a more flat slightly bland appearance as this is an aspect of the sedate feeling. however i also used a curved line to add some slow movement to the composition (the size of the curve suggests a slow movement, this relates to the movement of how sedate would be) i kept it symmetrical and balanced to create a pleasing appearance and create a comfortable stable appearance to the piece. The only problem i found with this piece is it could be looked at figuratively as heavy (as though the shape was bending the line with its weight) as people tend to try and create an image out of things they look at naturally and so this may be an off putting aspect of my composition.