Also occasionally known as ‘opacity’, transparency refers to how ‘see-through’ an element is. The lower your opacity, the lighter and less noticeable your element is, and the higher it is, the more solid the element is.
Let’s look at an example that uses transparency. This stunning example by Jack Crossing layers various shapes of different colours, sizes, and opacities to create a truly beautiful graphic. In this way, adjusting and toying with transparency and transparency effects can allow you to emphasise your layers and shapes in a unique and striking way.
Transparency is also a great technique for generating a sense of movement in static images. For example, check out this poster by Filippo Baraccani, Mikko Gärtner, and Lorenz Potthast that layers various images with different levels of transparency to create an engrossing effect and sense of movement.
Transparency isn’t just limited to digital graphics either. Check out how this invitation card for the New York Museum of Glass has aptly been printed onto transparent glass, giving the design a unique and engaging effect. Consider what mediums your design will be printed on, what opacity and finish they can/will have, and don’t be afraid to get creative with it.
