Welcome to Part 3 of our series of tips to help you use Sketch more productively. In Part 2, we looked at useful techniques for editing objects and exporting graphics. This time, we’re going to focus on how you can apply your skills in Sketch by managing light and shadow in a composition.
21. Over the edge
Placing one element over the edge of another expresses tension or movement. In this example, the circle seems to be pushing or pulling the rectangle.
22. Combine light and dark to create depth
Light shades appear closer (more to the foreground) than dark shades.
23. Monochromatic variation mimics folded surfaces
Positioning rectangles of similar shades close to one another can give the impression of a folded surface, like a piece of paper.
24. Spotlights create hard shadows
Spotlights create hard shadows, because they emit directed light at high intensity.
25. Diffuse lights create soft shadows
Use diffuse lights to create a soft shadow, which can be recreated using blur effects. To achieve this, select an object, and adjust the Gaussian Blur setting in the Inspector.
26. Use the distance between an object and its shadow
By changing the distance a shadow has to its parent object, you can create the illusion of distance between an object and a surface. In this example, the object resembles a bouncing ball.
27. Multiple light sources
You can illuminate objects with light from multiple sources. Create this effect by copying and flipping rectangular shapes to mimic beams of light, and then adjust the opacity setting for each object.
28. Horizon line
By introducing a horizon line to a composition, you can create a sense of perspective and viewing angle.
29. Overlapping objects
By overlapping shapes and text, you can create associations between the elements of a composition. By doing this systematically, you can form distinct groups, which contribute to visual hierarchy.
More Sketch Tips
- Sketch Tips Part 1: Objects, Layers, and Artboards
- Sketch Tips Part 2: Editing and Exporting
- Sketch Tips Part 3: Composition, Light and Shadow
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