Page 81 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

Graphic Design 69

Figure 3.26 Example of rhythm

Repetition

Repetition creates visual consistency in page designs or in visual identities, such as using the same style
of headline, the same style of initial capitals, and the same set of elements, or repeating the same basic
layout from one page to another (see Figure 3.27).

Excessive repetition, however, creates monotony. This usually leads to viewer boredom and dull,
uninteresting compositions for the designer. Be sure to create a design system that allows the repetitions
within it to be lively and interesting page after page. The example above uses a simple set of rules, but
because the rules allow for colour and compositional changes, each discrete component is as interesting
on its own as it is within the whole. If you cannot avoid excessive repetitions, try to add some visual
breaks and white spaces where the eyes can rest for a while.