Layout and Composition: What's the Difference? (Patreon)

Hello everyone.

I often notice in meetings that people tend to confuse layout and composition. Since both terms are related to visual representation, it’s understandable that they get mixed up. This confusion can lead to miscommunications, especially when these terms are used as common language in discussions.

What's the difference between layout and composition?

Simply put, layout refers to the 'arrangement of objects', and composition is about 'how subjects are presented on the screen', like camera angles.

↑ Layout: Arrangement of objects.

↓ Composition: How the subject is presented.

However, the definitions of these two terms can vary slightly depending on the industry.For example, in web design and other media without cameras, the term "layout" is used, but "composition" may not be used as frequently. It might be used in the sense of guiding the viewer's gaze.

In film and other camera-based media, both terms are frequently used. However, regarding composition, it refers to how the subject is presented on the screen, so it may include not only camera angles but also lighting and the texture details of the scene.

Which comes first in the creative process?

When creating visual content, which should be considered first: layout or composition?

Typically, the process follows the sequence of 1. Layout, then 2. Composition. However, on closer examination, it might flow as 1. Overall layout, 2. Composition, and 3. Layout in relation to the screen.

To explain in more detail:

Setting the Stage: Deciding the placement of necessary objects and characters.

Deciding Camera Angles: Determining how the subjects are presented.

Adjusting the Screen: Fine-tuning the placement of objects and lighting.

For instance, in live-action filming, this process is easier to visualize. In Anime production, stages 1 and 2 are generally completed during the storyboard phase.

Considering Special Cases.

So far, we've discussed the process of creating something from scratch. Let's consider a more unique case. What about situations like a Vtuber streaming screen, where materials are already provided?

In such cases with pre-existing materials, how would the process change?

Firstly, like in stage 1 of the layout process, you’d start by setting up these materials as your stage.

In stage 2, the composition process, since the orientation of characters and the perspective of the background are predefined, significantly changing the camera angle can be challenging. However, you can still adjust the framing and impression of the shot to some extent.

By changing the size, you can give the impression of a telephoto lens or adjust the balance of the screen by repositioning the characters.

Even using the same materials, you can greatly change the impression by altering their placement and size.

Moving positions can feel like adjusting the layout, as you are moving objects. But it's also adjusting how the scene is presented, which pertains to composition. When materials are already available, you tend to make adjustments to both layout and composition simultaneously, which can be a bit confusing.

nderstanding layout and composition correctly and adjusting them appropriately can make it easier to create more appealing videos and designs. Let’s use these techniques wisely to create more captivating works!