All graphic designers abide by a set of general, underlying principles as a basis for their designs. Dominance is one of those design principles. The principle of dominance states that all designs should have a single feature that stands out from the rest of the elements in the composition; all designs should have a focal point. Picture yourself going through life without any signs, maps, or role models to guide your way. You have no goals, no destinations, nothing to do. Wouldn’t you feel lost? And bored? Well, your eyes feel the same way when searching a composition for a focal point that doesn’t exist! Dominance provides a place for your eyes to settle in a composition. Sure, your eyes might wander around and explore other areas of a design, but the focal point is the starting point for that exploration.
