By For any cinematographer, bringing the focus of attention to your subject can set a professional apart from an amateur. However, achieving such a dynamic final product is not as easy as a front-facing design. This is precisely where the rule of thirds can come in to save the day! From the genius angles of a Wes Anderson film to the aesthetic grid on an Instagram feed- this geometric concept is just everywhere.
So, where does this technique fit in the world of graphic design? Moreover, how can you use it to bring out the magic of your projects? In this Simplified blog, we’ll cover the fundamentals you need to know and give you the best examples to get started!
A Brief History of the Rule of Thirds
Art and Design Composition
The ‘Rule of Thirds,’ originated in the 18th century. It is a principle of composition guiding artists to construct and design their paintings. In Simplified terms, it is a rough guide or rule to help you compose an image while also drawing attention to a subject’s focal point or chief point of interest. You can visualize this by dividing the painting through two horizontal lines and two vertical lines equally spaced apart on the canvas.
According to the theory, any marked horizontal or vertical features in your scene should follow one of the lines on the grid. It is done instead of placing the desired object explicitly in the middle of the page. The final result? A perfect blend of geometry and aesthetics in the way you execute your artistic vision!
Photography
In the realm of photography, any subject in the camera frame is positioned in the left or third right of an image, leaving the other two-thirds more open. Most smartphones today come with a similar viewfinder feature shaped like a rule of thirds grid which helps you envision your final capture according to the lines on the screen.
Ideally, this sh