Centering and the Rule of Thirds

Tuesday, June 27, 2006, 3:44 PM
Graphic Design by John (Article #69)

One of the most commonly parroted design concepts is the so-called Rule of Thirds, that states any image can be made more interesting by moving its focal points to the four point defined if you the image into thirds (nine squares total).

What is surprising is the number of people who take this to mean that centering is inherently evil, lazy, stupid, whatever.

I have seen very few people try to take advantage of the Rule of Thirds while centering their subject. Not only is it possible, but when overlayed with a more tradition Rule of Thirds layout, is can add additional interest.

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What the Rule of Thirds give us are four points, nine zones and four axes to work with. Depending upon our goals, we can use any number or combination of these 17 elements. For example, if we wanted to create a sense of isolation, we could use just one zone of in a corner. Very direct singular interest can be done with a round object (often a human eye) at one of the four points. You get the idea.

For our purposes, we are interested in the top horizontal axis.

Let's take a look:

Since we're really only looking at the axes, our chart should look a bit more like this:

As the graphic says: you can center AND use the Rule of Thirds.

It's not a big concept. Perhaps that's why it often gets overlooked.

I allow for some zone along the axes. Truth is, these zones are established about where the thirds of the thirds are.

It's OK to spill off those spaces. Just realize that the more you do it, the closer you are to using zones rather than axes. And the composition will reflect that change.

So, that's it.

Using the axes rather than the points, it is very possible to use the Rule of Thirds to center your subject without being too boring.

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Welcome!

Wonder where to start with your web design business?

This blog follows along with my efforts to build and grow a website design business, Pro Content and Design.

The goal of this blog is to fill in blanks that may be empty as you get your business rolling.

This blog, particularly the source code section, is not intended for beginners. If you are not comfortable with databases, Ajax, DOM objects and other advanced methods, I strongly suggest you go take a look over at W3 Schools before even reading -- let alone tinkering with -- any of the code here.

I hope this blog has some value to web designers as they attempt to get their businesses going.

Good luck, and happy reading.

Thank you,
John Crawford
Pro Content and Design