Background images serve as a setting for your content. It is the canvas of which the artist creates and plays a vital role in communicating your narrative. In this post, I will be showing you the different sentiments a background image can evoke. With each example, you will learn how to apply different background images and background styles, and how it affects your message.
You could try out these tips by creating an account on Piktochart for free.
Backgrounds as an indication of your subject matter
The same copy, used against different backgrounds, can influence a viewer’s perception of your content.
We can see that both backgrounds strike an impression of “lifestyle” when associated with the header “Stress and Health.” However, the image on the bottom left indicates that the scope of the topic will be on the causes and risk factors due to its dark and dull color scheme. The image on the right on the other hand, may focus more on the solution as it has a brighter outlook and uses ‘active’ icons.
Using images as background to reinforce your point
Let’s look at the following example using the same background, but with different copy. This is to show you how same background can be perceived differently with accompanying copy.
The background image used in both infographic headers above is simply a picture of a road at dusk. It is subjective in nature but may be used to portray a lonely journey, a secluded path, or simply just a road at dusk.
However, accompanied by a copy, the background on the bottom left does not just complement the topic—unexploited marketing strategy, it also delivers the message effectively. On the subject of “The Road Less Taken” (where road refers to marketing strategy), the background image carries an implicit meaning of novelty or something not done by many.
The example on the right draws out the subject of safety tips for hitchhikers. This, on the other hand, brings out an impression of a dark and dangerous road, so it amplifies the message about the need to be safe.
This example shows us that an image can be perceived in many ways. You just need to look for an image that can tell your story. With access to over 400 photos in our gallery, you can even upload some of your own high quality images to customize your infographics.
How to make background images look more professional
Now, let’s get down to business. You have selected the right image to convey your key message. How do you make it look pretty and make your text stand out? There are a few very simple tricks that can be used to create a banner for your next email campaign, call-to-action for your signature, or small visuals to go along with your social media post.
Let’s illustrate them using header banners from our latest #PiktoTips series of emails. You could follow along by signing up on Piktochart.
1. Create an additional layer to add effects to your photo
To do that, simply add a rectangle shape to your canvas and cover your image with it. Next, change its color and opacity. You can play around with it to see what works best with your text. In the example below, our rectangle was black with the opacity of around 20%. This made our white text stand out better as the original image was too bright.
2. Add different fonts, numbers and icons to the mix
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different kinds of fonts and have some fun experimenting with their sizes! Take a look at some font tips in our typography blogpost if you need guidance. In the example below, we used Poiret One for the number, Not Courier Sans for the second text and Lanenar font for the third one. For the cleaner and more consistent look, try not to use 2-3 different fonts though.
3. Take advantage of Text Frames
You might have noticed that most of the thumbnail images that accompany our blogposts consist of an image and an icon with text. We use nothing but our own Text Frames for it! You can find them under “Text” in the editor and drag and drop them to your image. This way you don’t even need to think of pairing fonts and icons.
Key takeaways
- Whether it’s using icons or photos, make sure to keep the style consistent.
- Select your background purposefully. Your background must be relevant to the content.
- When in doubt, keep your background plain.
To avoid
- Inconsistency: Starting with a 100% image background in the first block then followed by blocks of colorful iconography.
- Too many background patterns: Avoid having too many different background colors or patterns in different blocks.
We hope this post gets you inspired to create enriching stories with compelling and meaningful background images whether using icons or photos.
With Piktochart, you can also create presentations, infographics, reports, social media graphics, and more. Get started by signing up for free.
Happy Piktochart-ing!
