Border design

Correct answer: B. When it becomes too complex and attracts more attention than the main text

The governing concept is visual hierarchy in poster design. A poster normally has a primary message that must be read quickly, while a border is a supporting device used to frame or organize the page. If the border becomes extremely complex, dark, crowded, or visually dominant, the viewer’s attention may stop at the decoration instead of moving to the headline and essential information. Option B is therefore correct. Option A describes a useful, restrained border, not a harmful one. Option C can improve organization when the border remains subordinate. Option D also supports unity because a matching border reinforces the theme. Good design does not remove decoration completely; it keeps decoration proportionate to the communication goal.

Correct answer: A. It can distract from the main subject

The governing concept is visual hierarchy and balance in border design. A border should frame or support the main subject, while remaining subordinate to it. If the border becomes too dark, thick, crowded, large, or strongly contrasted, it may attract the viewer’s eye before the central subject does. This weakens hierarchy and can make the composition feel unbalanced. Therefore option A is correct. Option B is not generally true: a heavy border may compete with the subject instead of making it clearer. Option C is physically and visually unrelated, and option D is impossible because a drawn border cannot automatically change the paper’s size. The artist can prevent the problem by reducing scale, contrast, density, or visual complexity and by leaving suitable space around the main subject.

Correct answer: A. When they create rhythm and support the main design

A decorative border is successful when its forms enrich the edge of a composition without competing destructively with the central design. Repeated or carefully varied complex shapes can create rhythm, guide the eye, define the boundary, and support the theme. Option A is correct because it combines visual rhythm with a supportive relationship to the main design. Complexity alone is not the goal: if the border attracts all attention, option B, it weakens hierarchy. If shapes break their relationship, option C, the border loses unity. Random forms without a pattern, option D, usually create confusion rather than purposeful decoration. Variation may be used, but it should remain controlled by repetition, spacing, scale, and the overall composition.