The power of Red

Whenever red is included in a graphic design, especially a magazine spread…I can’t help but notice and get sucked into the content. Red is considered a warm color and catches anyones attention. In this particular design from Glamour magazine, the repitition of the color red makes it even more strong, with the jacket, the lobster, the bow in her hair and the sign on the truck all a very vibrant red. The spread also uses gestalt by making the deckhead red as well.

Another reason I love this particular magazine spread is the color contrast. All of the other colors are dull, using primarily blacks and whites and beige. When red is put against colors like that, as opposed to being put with other warm colors like orange, it really makes the brightness stand out. Since the lobster is pointing inwards towards the other page (with the writing), the red pointed object moves our eyes.

Although a subtle connection, the bold black opposite the black tights and high heels is a great repitition that actually moves my eyes from the red color, down to her black tights and over to the bold black writing. The drop cap also helps since it is such a bold black, you can’t help but bring your eyes there after reading the red deckhead.

All in all, the red between the photograph  and the writing is what is directing the readers eye through the design and onto the writing.