Focal Point

The focal point of a card or papercraft project is the area to which the viewer's eye is automatically drawn. It provides information about the theme or meaning of the project and helps the viewer interpret what they are seeing.

Most paper crafters understand and use focal points in a practical sense - it's where we place our main image or embellishment. It sets the theme of the project and gives the viewer information in a quick and concise way. For example, a Christmas card may feature an image of Santa or a shiny bell, holly sprig or little gift. It's the item the viewer notices first and provides them with information about what the card is for.

There are a few different ways you can emphasise or create a focal point. Areas of warm or bright colour will attract the eye, as does texture and contrast. As humans, we are always drawn to other people, so if you add a human form in your project it will automatically draw the eye of your viewer.

Some projects, such as the card above, have multiple focal points to help direct the eye around the image. Areas of dark or bright colour, sharp contrast and directional lines attract your attention and keep you moving around. Take advantage of your focal points by adding items that you want your viewer to notice, such as special sentiments or personalised embellishments.