For one to be able to stand out from rest, one needs to go out of box, break rules, and some other clichés that apply to breaking out from traditional. But before breaking any rule, you have to understand first basic and foundation of rule itself.First off, let's talk about page layout.
The Rule – Too much boxes is bad for your health.
One designer said that a mark of a designer is when he or she starts to use boxes and rules in his or her pages. When you look at your page and realize need to make something attractive and creative out of boring stuff you've just made, and then decide to throw around a box or two or place rules between columns, then that's time when your creativity is getting out from confinement.
Before using all box there is in your software, just remember to do it in moderation. Anything in excess is a bad thing. Sure, boxes and rules are a good way to highlight important information. But if you're going to do it in all your pages, or put virtually everything in a box, then nothing will stand out from crowd.
The Rule – Do not divide page in halves.
The best way to infuse excitement and innovation in your documents is to divide page into thirds. Afterwards, place most important objects like headings, photos, and visuals, at top or bottom third.
Let's go to color.
The Rule – Contrasting colors make for greater readability.
Any designer knows that enough contrast between text and background makes for easy reading of text and material. Often, dark text is used on a light background. And vice versa.
Although light text on a dark background is easy to read, this technique should be used sparingly. It's proven fact that eyes get more tired when reading large quantities of text on a dark background, than other way around.