I tend to agree with Tim.
The trick is to show that there's a heirachy of meaning in how the banner is visually interpreted. The most important elements should be more intense (more contrast, stronger, warmer redder, colours etc) and arranged towards the front, while the less important elements have muted colours and are slightly cooler (bluer) and towards the back.
The eye is also drawn to areas of higher contrast which can sometimes be seen in paintings by the Old Masters. This technique is called 'forced contrast'. It helped the painter convey meaning and composition more successfully.
Whatever meaning you wish to be interpreted, you also have to make that meaning very literal and explicit. Too much clutter will make the layout appear confusing. People have a certain visual sensitivity and the most successful graphic design understands this range of sensitivity. BTW composition is also something to consider. The whole impression should be capable of being comprehended in a glance of about 0.5-2 seconds.
Last edited by Steve_M; 04-29-2007 at 07:37 AM.
|