A repetition of visual elements throughout the design unifies and strengthens a piece by tying together otherwise separate parts. Repetition is very useful on one-page pieces, and is critical in multi-page documents (where we often just call it being consistent).
How to get it Think of repetition as being consistent, which I'm sure you do already. Then push the existing consistencies a little further - can you turn some of those consistent elements into part of the conscious graphic design?
At first, simply find existing repetitions and then strengthen them. As you get used to the idea and the look, start to create repetitions to enhance the design and the clarity of the information.
Repetition is like accenting your clothes. If a woman is wearing a lovely black evening dress with a chic black hat, she might accent her dress with red heels, red lipstick, and a tiny red corsage.
What to avoid Avoid repeating the element so much that it becomes annoying or overwhelming. Be conscious of the value of contrast (read the next lesson on contrasting type).
For instance, if the woman were to wear the black evening dress with a red hat, red earrings, red lipstick, a red scarf, a red handbag, red shoes and a red coat, the repetition would not be a stunning and unifying contras t -it would be overwhelming and the focus would be confused.