One of the key ways to create a story in your design is to use transitions and contrasts of color. For example, using a gradient in your design is an easy way to lead the eye from one place to another.
In the cover for my latest ebook: the 7 Deadly Sins of Typography, I used a gradient to lead the reader from the title to my name.
Another option is to go from greyscale to color. Try using a bland background with bright foreground elements that jump from one to another.
You can also use color to signify the importance pieces of information or parse out all the information.
In the handbill for the AIGA chapter I am trying to start, I used orange to guide the eye.
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