Monday 16/2/20 - The Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical ratio found often in natural circumstances. In design it tends to utilise organic and aesthetically pleasing compositions which is why it has been used by both Da Vinci, Michelangelo and even brand such as Twitter and Apple.

This ratio is when a line, divided into two, features a longer segment (a) that when divided by the smaller (b) is equal to the sum of them both (a+b) divided by the longer (a). If b is 1 then a would be 1.618.

When the golden ratio is applied repeatedly it can create an array of smaller squares inside.

If an equal arch is drawn in each square, from corner to the opposite, it will create the Golden Spiral which is also a representation of the Fibonacci Sequence. This sequence is where each number is the sum of the previous (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 ,21, 34, 55 and so on). This Golden Spiral can be found throughout multiple forms in nature.

If a circle is drawn within each square, they will follow the 1:1.618 ratio in proportion to one another.

Despite the mathematics behind this, it is quite often applied to the concept of design with strong aspects of harmony and proportion. Our brains are able to subconsciously feel attracted to any designs, both objects and imagery, that use the Golden Ratio.

The Golden Ratio is a good template for design, spacing the elements, positive and negative space within the Spiral will aid with creating work that is visually appealing to the eye. One example is the decreasing of size as it gets closer to the spiral, a real life example of this would be Saastamoisen säätiö. An example of composition is the rule of thirds, it follows the ratio 1:0.618:1 and brings the viewers eyes to the centre through the lines. It's another way to crop imagery in a style that pleases the eyes.

Looking over all of this I actually found it really interesting, it genuinely is facinating and I want to make the most of this research. I feel like I could actually utilize some of the information I've learned here and use it in my final project. It could help me significantly with planning shots and the subject placement in the short video.

I sourced my information from: https://www.canva.com/learn/what-is-the-golden-ratio/