Music is often described as having three interrelated components: rhythm, melody and harmony. As a musician and a designer, I have come to understand the similarities between music and design and I often use these common elements in my work as a graphic designer here at OSD.
Rhythm and pattern
From the beating heart to the beating drum, no one can deny the power of rhythm to get things moving; it makes you want to dance.
Rhythm in art and design is expressed graphically through pattern. Besides the obvious use of a repeating pattern as a decorative element, a more subtle use of pattern is with an underlying grid in the layout of a page. Within the structure of the grid, much variation is possible. This syncopation helps to make the design interesting, yet coherent.
Melody and content
The melody flows along on top of the rhythm and is often what sticks with you. It’s the tune you find yourself humming. It is often associated with singing and when an effective melody is tied together with lyrics it gives deeper meaning to the listener.
This is true in design, as well. When both the images and type work together, they reinforce one another and communicate the message in a much stronger way.
Harmony and color
This is all about setting the mood. In music, harmony is typically expressed through chords. Chords add color to a song. For example, a song composed with major chords will have a lighter positive mood as opposed to the darker, more brooding minor chords.
In art, bright primary colors would be the equivalent of a major key. Darker, muted colors would be the minor key. Colors and chords can be harmonious with each other or clash with dissonance. The effective use and contrast of these elements give them such expressive potential.
Ultimately, music and design are really about how we communicate with each other – how we express and share ideas and emotions. Like a beautiful song, a well-designed brochure or website can really sing.
- Brian
