What’s a ‘flat lay’?
Even in case you’ve by no means heard the phrase ‘flat lay’, you’ve seen it earlier than: a photograph of meticulously organized gadgets, photographed from above.
It’s a method that’s notably fashionable amongst meals bloggers and #way of life bloggers, however yow will discover it all over the place – from large tech product launches to small enterprise web sites. Right here’s just a few examples of internet sites large and small utilizing flat lays of their designs:
Apple
From apple.com/watch.
Sq.
From Square.
Kellysnapshappy
From photographer @kellysnapshappy.
Etsy
Etsy home page, 2017.
We love flat lays. They’re visually interesting and simple to work with – a easy method to visualize an idea. Plus, there’s one thing satisfying a couple of completely lined up set of art supplies, or an imagined Instagram-perfect journaling session. It’s inventive, distinctive, and simple to make your individual – whether or not you employ a inventory picture, or seize your digicam (okay, iPhone) and go the DIY route.
We hate flat lays. They will really feel inauthentic and overused, particularly when it’s utilized to a tech product. If Facebook killed the gradient, then Apple will kill the flat lay.
Like it or hate it, the flat lay design fashion is one which’s made a big effect in graphic design, social media, and extra. Try the three million posts tagged #flatlay on Instagram for proof. If accomplished appropriately, we predict that flatlays generally is a good selection in your web site (even in case you’re not a meals blogger) (however particularly if you're). Listed below are just a few of our suggestions for using flatlay design nicely:
The golden guidelines of flat lay design
1. Does your flat lay format really make sense?
“Okay, I’ve completed my Rubix’s Dice, obtained my single fried egg prepared and had a sneaky chew of this donut.. time to get all the way down to enterprise” pic.twitter.com/LI8AOxz9JP
— Chris Martin (@chris_mrtn) October 11, 2017
Nothing distracts from a flat lay design fairly like a bizarre mixture of things. If it doesn’t look pure, then it’ll simply be a distraction.
2. Is it unique?
There’s over 10,000 ‘flat lay’ designs on Cheapwp Elements and GraphicRiver, so it’s seemingly that you simply’ll have the ability to discover one which matches the look you’re going for. For those who’re on the lookout for a design that undoubtedly hasn’t been used elsewhere, you may additionally work with a customizable flat lay fashion scene generator. With these, you'll be able to transfer gadgets round, add your individual designs, or incorporate your emblem into the scene.
three. Is it a balanced composition?
A flat lay is . Which means it ought to adhere to be primary guidelines of pictures – and composition is among the most related for this fashion. Whether or not you select a flat lay that aligns all of the gadgets in direction of one central merchandise, or the gadgets are scattered all through the picture, ensure that there’s a focus in your design.
Some flat lay designs we’d really use
For the foodies
Flatlay of pastel pink strawberry and coconut ice cream scoops
Disregarding the truth that no human particular person eats ice cream on this method, this can be a fairly picture composition. And millennial pink continues to be on-trend, proper?
Mushrooms or seashells?
Vegan tacos with pickled zucchini and chili pepper
These undoubtedly don’t appear like tacos within the conventional sense, however they’re good to have a look at.
A pleasant, balanced design (even whether it is lacking the precise ice cream).
Belgium waffles with raspberries and yogurt
For one thing somewhat brighter.
For the sweetness blogger
Flat-lay of woman’s fall accessories and coffee
A vintage-style design.
Creative beauty feminine arrangement of flowers and cosmetics
Neon yellow eyeshadow may not be our shade, however this flat lay is well-balanced and makes use of the pocket book as a focus.
Informal sneakers, test, automobile key, test.
Female outfit laid out on bed, morning light
The imperfections on this picture – just like the unmade mattress – provides some authenticity to the picture.
Festive flat lays
Christmas homemade decoration flat lay
This writer’s portfolio is filled with gingerbread males and sweet cane designs.
The ‘we’re a tech firm’ flat lays
Desk with various gadgets and office supplies
Subsequent trick: ingesting espresso whereas sporting digital actuality goggles.
Miscellaneous
Gardening tools on wooden background flat lay
Sufficiently subtle that it might be used as an internet site background or sample.
Like it or hate it? Try our assortment on Cheapwp Elements and GraphicRiver, and tell us how you're feeling about flat lays @cheapwp.
Because of Jade Butler for inventive collaboration, and to Chris Martin, who wrote a tweet that impressed this text.
