Visual Techniques

space

The area around, between, or within objects; can show distance, emptiness, or closeness.

allusion

A reference to another text, event, or idea to add deeper meaning.

gaze

Where a character is looking; can guide the viewer’s attention or suggest emotion.

salience

The part of an image or text that grabs attention first.

symbolism

Using objects, colors, or actions to represent deeper ideas or themes.

body language

Non-verbal communication through gestures, posture, and facial expressions.

contrast

Strong differences (light/dark, big/small, rough/smooth) that highlight meaning.

positioning

Where people or objects are placed to show importance or relationships.

angle

The viewpoint from which something is shown (high, low, eye-level); changes how we interpret it.

color

Can create mood, symbolize ideas, or draw attention.

framing

How elements are arranged within the edges of an image; focuses attention.

texture

The surface quality (smooth, rough, soft) that adds depth or realism.