The Non-Designer’s Design Book, Third Edition

Chapter 5. Contrast

Contrast is one of the most effective ways to add visual interest to your page—a striking interest that makes a reader want to look at the page—and to create an organizational hierarchy among different elements. The important rule to remember is that for contrast to be effective, it must be strong. Don’t be a wimp.

Contrast is created when two elements are different. If the two elements are sort of different, but not really, then you don’t have contrast, you have conflict. That’s the key—Robin’s Principle of Contrast states, “If two items are not exactly the same, then make them different. Really different.”

Contrast can be created in many ways. You can contrast large type with small type; a graceful oldstyle font with a bold ...