The rule of thirds is widely used throughout many creative communities including photography, painting, graphic design, and card making. But what is it? How is it used? And most importantly, how does it benefit you? Let’s explore the rule of thirds in card making, and how it can apply to the projects that you make!
What is the Rule of Thirds?
First things first, what exactly is the Rule of Thirds? At its core, it involves dividing your card into nine equal parts by overlaying two horizontal and two vertical lines, resulting in a grid-like structure. This division serves as a visual roadmap for placing your elements strategically, creating a balanced and captivating design.
Now, the key idea behind the Rule of Thirds is to resist the temptation to center everything on your card. Instead, you’ll shift your primary focal point and essential elements away from the center and toward the four intersecting points of the grid. By doing so, you’ll create a dynamic composition that draws the viewer’s attention precisely where you want it to be.
First, separate your card design into thirds.
The rule of thirds encourages you to split your design into 3 equal parts. 3 vertical sections, or 3 horizontal sections. Using this method, you can choose to place your focal element or accents into one of these three sections to pull focus to that area. Here are 6 different ways that you can separate your design by using the rule of thirds on an A2 (4.25×5.5 inch) greeting card.
Next, use the intersections.
You can also leverage the intersection where the horizontal and vertical lines touch. Positioning your focal point here can help to create a dynamic design that is balanced and visually appealing. In many designs, the viewer’s eye is naturally drawn to the most important elements. When you place them at an intersection, you create a sense of movement and visual interest. This helps enhance the overall harmony of the card, making it more pleasing to the eye. You’ll find these 4 intersections below.
Practicing the Rule of Thirds
Here’s how you can apply the rule of thirds to your card making:
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Divide the Card: Segmenting your card base can feel like a daunting task. So I’ve created this template that you can print on paper or vellum to help. Then divide your design into nine equal parts.
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Place the Focal Point: When deciding where to place the focal point or main element of your card, aim to position it near one of the four intersection points created by the grid lines. This placement draws the viewer’s eye to the important element and creates a visually engaging design.
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Balance and Harmony: Distribute other elements, such as sentiments, embellishments, or illustrations, across the grid to create supporting elements that give the design balance and harmony. Try to keep them away from the central area of the card and utilize the other sections of the grid.
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Negative Space: Leave some open or blank areas on the card, known as negative space. This can provide breathing room for the eye and create a clean, uncluttered design.
Example Designs
Here are some examples of cards I’ve made and how I’ve used the rule of thirds as my guide. Notice that sometimes I use an intersection, and other times I use a full section. Lastly, in some cards, my primary focal point is on an intersection, while my supporting elements take up a whole other section.
Keep in mind that the rule of thirds is a guideline, not a strict rule. It’s meant to assist you in creating visually appealing cards, but there may be times when breaking the rule can lead to more creative and impactful designs. Experiment with different placements and arrangements to find what works best for your specific card-making project.
I hope this article was helpful. Find more basic card making inspiration here, like how to find card making inspiration, and stay as long as you’d like! Don’t forget to sign up for my creative inspiration newsletter for the latest card making tips and tricks. You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest for the latest at One Paper Street! Or shop my handmade cards and artwork here!