Composition-101

AJR · Apr 2010

Hello. I'd like to start a general thread on composition for images.

The single most important skill you can develop when rendering or taking screenshots of your art is composition. Feel free to discuss and ask questions about composition and post images you find intriguing.

Some basic food for thought when composing images:
1) What are you trying to showcase?
2) Where do you want the eye of the viewer to go?
3) What's the message?

Thanks.

- AJR

ZacD · Apr 2010

First of all, is the image going on a portfolio or are you just displaying a model? If its for a portfolio all that matters is what makes the model look good, if your looking for critiques on the model and posting a WIP, the angles don't matter as much as long as people can see whats going on.

I don't really think there's a point to posting a piece that you don't want it to be critiqued, this isn't an art show case forum.

Karmageddon · Apr 2010

Fibonacci?

AJR · Apr 2010

well done karmageddon! the golden ratio or the fibonacci spiral is a definite way to compose a compelling image.

i'll be posting other methods such as rule of thirds, the golden section and diagonal framing.

DrunkShaman · Apr 2010

*Removed*

stimpack · Apr 2010

If you want a in person composition class, marshall vandruff is the man. Ive attended his twice and its blown my mind both times. Id take it over and over if i could. There is SO so so so much more to composition than just that fibonacci spiral. If you want to get good at more than just making props, i suggest you dig deep on this subject and get old school with it. load up those master paintings and learn

kudos for kicking this off AJR.

marshalls site... https://www.marshallart.com/HOME/reviews/composition/

AJR · Apr 2010

thanks for that stimpack! keep the thread alive! so i know there are plenty of articles online but has anyone written a book on the fundamentals of composition?

AlecMoody · Apr 2010

Following rules for image composition leads to boring images.

MagicSugar · Apr 2010

AJR wrote: »

thanks for that stimpack! keep the thread alive! so i know there are plenty of articles online but has anyone written a book on the fundamentals of composition?

https://web.archive.org/web/20090803113815/http://www.animationarchive.org/2006/12/education-fundamentals-of-composition.html

bbob · Apr 2010

http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds
This is a good starting point for appealing images^

AlecMoody wrote: »

Following rules for image composition leads to boring images.

Knowing the rules, helps you break them successfully.

disanski · Apr 2010

Very interesting topic. I was thinking starting one myself

Eric Chadwick · Apr 2010

Added here.
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Concept_Fundamentals#Composition

SHEPEIRO · Apr 2010

bbob wrote: »

Knowing the rules, helps you break them successfully.

agreed,

composition in 3d space is slightly different, anyone studied feng shui?

Wells · Apr 2010

the rule of thirds is just an easy way to approximate the golden mean. If you're not working from a camera, might as well use the real deal.

doc rob · Apr 2010

Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne

good book - applies to everything, not just outdoor painting.

leslievdb · Apr 2010

Johannes_Vloothuis: Landscape Composition Rules (1 of 23)

bbob · Apr 2010

SHEPEIRO wrote: »

composition in 3d space is slightly different, anyone studied feng shui?

I thought feng shui was about the alignment of positive and negative Qi energy? How is that even doable in a computer?

Sectaurs wrote: »

the rule of thirds is just an easy way to approximate the golden mean. If you're not working from a camera, might as well use the real deal.

Point taken :P

adam · Apr 2010

I found getting in to photography to be a great exercise in composition, especially regarding positive & negative spaces.

sinistergfx · Apr 2010

Agreed, cross-training in photography will help your cg & traditional art skills. It will help to develop your artistic eye and composition skills.

AJR · Apr 2010

good to see this thread is alive! nice job on all the articles everyone. kudos to doc rob for "Composition of Outdoor Painting" by Edgar Payne. i agree with adam, and sinistergfx. taking your own photos is the best way to get a true understanding on composition.

here's an interesting article on guiding techniques in games. it goes over the rules of composition as well. check it out!

Push And Pull by Clement Melendez

- AJR