Some basic elements of graphic design are:
symmetry: symetrical designs can vary in size and color, typography can still be engaging, is a strong choice despite the fact that symmetrical designs are traditional. Asymmetry is also possible in graphic design, it features designs that are balanced but irregular on opposing sides. It keeps the eyes intrigued, “energizes the page”. Either type of design should have movement and tension.
Scale: scale of objects or typography is relative to its context. It can surprise and create intrigue in the viewer if the scale is unexpeced. It can convey distance, differences, a message when contrasted…how do the elements of the page relate?
Framing: how do you direct the viewers eye using margins and borders? You can use a margin, bleed, partial bleed, or cropping. Cropping particularly can add intensity, drama, or change the way the viewer experiences the object – it could feel up close and personal or distant and mysterious. All framing tries to direct the viewer to concentrate on whats most important in the piece.
Visual hierarchy: this distinction of certain words or phrases by visual cues gives order to information. You establish the hierarchy in importance in phrases or words can be done by contrasting height and color, alignment, line space, indents, roman numerals or italics, horizontal or vertical, tone (shade of gray).
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