Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Contrast
This principle relates to the way in which contrast can be created and manipulated among
elements within imagery to create focus and help convey communication objectives. Dow
advocated the effectiveness of large-small and light-dark contrast as well as contrast of line,
colour and saturation
6
. Dow also looked to the nature for inspiration: “Its irregular spacings
contrast well with the symmetries of pattern.”
6
Similarly, Itten identified seven types of contrast in respect to colour alone: contrast of hue;
light-dark contrast; cold-warm colour; complementary and simultaneous contrast; contrast
of saturation; and contrast of extension.
38
The poster for
Basic Instinct
(1992) features contrast between the monochromatic Cyanop-
type photographic segment and the white 'foreground' area. This contrast reflects the film's
narrative and also serves to focus within the poster on the main characters and key text
blocks. Similarly, the poster for
The Colony
(2013) features contrast between the red mono-
chromatic film title segment and the blue monochromatic foreground/background, thereby
conveying key information about the film's narrative.
Figure 53. The principle of contrast in visual imagery.
Contrast can also be depicted via variations in texture: rough, smooth, shiny-metallic, dull-
coarse, organic-woven, textile, and so on. Varying textures within an image creates an added
