“To do it is not to learn it. To do it again and again is the learning process.” — Fred Griffin, PNW artist, instructor at Burnley School of Art, and Cornish Fine Art, Seattle, WA and creator of the Fred Griffin Design Code
The previous lesson described Perspective and all variations. This 11th and final tutorial, 64 Compositional Arrangements in Design completes the series and includes a downloadable visual poster illustration of every combination.
The Secret Code of Great Composition
Hint: It’s Been Hiding in Plain Sight! Do you know that moment when your whole being sees something for the first time—like when shadows crisscross a sidewalk, appearing like a sky scrapper, or how a crumpled candy wrapper echoes the shape of a nearby leaf fluttering in the wind? That’s composition at play.
Design is everywhere. Once you start seeing it, you can’t unsee it. This 11-part design series is about unlocking that kind of vision.
Seeing through new eyes starts with the provocative: Fred Griffin.
Fred Griffin: The Man Who Saw Art in Everything
Fred Griffin didn’t just teach design—he lived it. He had a way of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. I remember days when he would come into the classroom eager to teach by showing us his latest art journal sketch.
He’d pull out the overhead projector, place his sketchbook, flip on the light, and show us a projection of a discarded gum wrapper and a fallen leaf he found on his walk—then place tracing paper over how they overlapped. Like magic with a few strokes of his pencil, he’d uncover hidden connections between the two, transforming these found objects into something exciting and entirely new.
Fred saw design possibilities everywhere.
That’s what made the Fred Griffin Design Code so brilliant. He was a visual explorer; he understood the relationships between elements and what makes great compositions work. His design methods continue to provide artists a clear, structured approach for creating balance, movement, and impact in their work—igniting the freedom to create something by just rearranging elements in a new way.
He taught at Burnley School of Commercial Art in Seattle from 1960 to 2010, and trust me, if you studied under him, his lessons stuck with you and you have scrapbooks to prove it!
Learning to See the Griffin Way
I graduated in the last class available from Burnley in 1986, and Fred Griffin’s teachings completely rewired how I see the world. His Design Code didn’t just influence my work—it made me more aware of how everything around us is designed, whether intentional or accidental. While design isn’t at the core of everything I do, his approach has enhanced the way I observe, interpret, and create across all aspects of my life.
That’s why I wanted to document his design code and offer this series as a way to inspire other creatives that may not have an opportunity to attend an expansive art school. I wanted to keep his teachings alive and share them with anyone looking to level up their creative game.
8 Multiplying to 64
In summary, the heart of Griffin’s system are 8 Compositional Devices—the building blocks of great design. Think of them as the notes in a musical scale. When you start combining them, the magic happens! With just these eight devices, you can create 64 Composition Variations.
That’s a whole universe of design possibilities that stem from:
- One Dominant – A strong focal point
- Two Dominant – A dynamic push-pull balance
- Pattern – Rhythm through repetition
- Negative/Positive – Playing with figure-ground relationships
- Movement – Guiding the viewer’s eye
- Structure – A framework for organization
- Frame – Defining boundaries
- Perspective – Creating depth and dimension
The Grand Finale: All 64 Combinations in One Place!
To wrap up this series, please feel free to download my poster that showcases all 64 Composition Variations—a visual playground of everything you’ve explored in this 11-part free design series.
Always remember that great composition is about seeing possibilities, making connections, and creating with intention exploring your inner joy!
Downloadable Poster
You can also purchase a professionally printed poster for wall art in your creative space. You might like the design on a mini poster to sit on your desk. You can also find other items, like greeting cards, or art journals. I just ordered the tote bag so I can take the design code with me wherever I go.
To check out professionally printed items, click > 8 Compositional Devices, 64 Arrangements Design Poster
Whether you’re a designer, artist, or just someone who loves looking at the world in a new way, I hope this series has sparked some fresh inspiration. I’d love feedback of how the series has helped your creative journey. Or, if you have any additional questions please leave me a comment.
Now, go experiment, explore, and most of all—have fun invoking your creative spirt!
To start at the beginning of the series, click here> Graphic Design Compositional Device Series
Leave a Reply