Section 5 · Visual Language

Value

Definition

The relative lightness or darkness of an element, independent of its hue.

Why it matters

Value carries structure. A composition that fails in grayscale is one whose structure was being propped up by color — and value mismatch is the most common reason collaged elements refuse to sit together.

Example

Converting a composite to grayscale to check whether the focal point still reads.

Note

The grayscale check is a thirty-second diagnostic you’ll keep using for years. Try it on a piece that isn’t working — the failure is obvious the moment color drops out.