![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-24.png)
23. Monochromatic variation mimics folded surfaces
Positioning rectangles of similar shades close to one another can give the impression of a folded surface, like a piece of paper.
![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-27.png)
24. Spotlights create hard shadows
Spotlights create hard shadows, because they emit directed light at high intensity.
![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-26.png)
25. Diffuse lights create soft shadows
Use diffuse lights to create a soft shadow, which can be recreated using blur effects. To achieve this, select an object, and adjust the Gaussian Blur setting in the Inspector.
![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-28.png)
26. Use the distance between an object and its shadow
By changing the distance a shadow has to its parent object, you can create the illusion of distance between an object and a surface. In this example, the object resembles a bouncing ball.
![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-23.png)
27. Multiple light sources
You can illuminate objects with light from multiple sources. Create this effect by copying and flipping rectangular shapes to mimic beams of light, and then adjust the opacity setting for each object.
![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-29.png)
28. Horizon line
By introducing a horizon line to a composition, you can create a sense of perspective and viewing angle.
![](https://storage.designlab.com/blog/sketch-tips-25.png)
29. Overlapping objects
By overlapping shapes and text, you can create associations between the elements of a composition. By doing this systematically, you can form distinct groups, which contribute to visual hierarchy.
More Sketch Tips
If you’d like to learn the fundamentals of contemporary design, Designlab offers a Design 101 course that combines online lectures, curated resources, hands-on exercises and expert mentor support. Find out more about Design 101.
As a Designlab student, you can also get 50% off the price of a Sketch license. Find out more about student perks.