The formal aspects of picture-making—the elements and principles of design— are storytelling tools at your disposal, according to Robles. “The colors you use, for example, can help to tell a story,” she says. “The way you illuminate something to have a high amount of contrast can help. Even the way you use space can support a story. You can use these means to create a hierarchy, pointing the eye where you want it to go so that it moves in a certain way that helps reveal the story.”
If you have an idea but are unsure where to start or where it’s going, Robles suggests reviewing the elements—color, value, line, shape, space, form and texture—and principles—contrast, balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, variety and unity. “Think, ‘How can I apply them,…
