Elementsand

Principlesof Design

The elements of design are the building blocks used

to create an artwork.The principles are ideas that

incorporate the elements.They apply to all artwork, whether

it is two-dimensional or three-dimensional. They work together

to create a unified whole, a specific message, and a visually

exciting artwork.

A line connects two

points and may be 2-D as drawn on

paper,

3-D as in a wire sculpture.

Line describes contours (edges), gestures, shows structure,

or may be decorative. There are infinite varieties of line.

Lines communicate emotion through character and direction. Horizontal lines suggest quiet and stability.

Vertical lines convey a feeling of

loftiness and spirituality.

Diagonal lines suggest movement, direction and depth.

Shape encloses an area.Geometric shapes are based

on mathematical constructions such as squares, triangles

and circles.

Organic shapes have an irregular outline.

Value is the range between lightness or darkness. Value gives

volume and depth to shapes.

Color is the most direct way we see all the other principles and is the most expressive. Colors are formed by

reflections of different wavelengths of light and change according to their

surroundings.

Texture is the surface quality that describes how something feels. It can

be actual as in a surface you can touch,

or implied as in a drawing.

The principles of

design

Unity gives an artwork a sense that everything belongs together. There is a visual connection that

is not created by chance. The whole is more important than the parts. You see the whole image

first, then notice the parts.

Emphasis or Focal Point draws your eye to something and leads

it around the rest of the work. Something in the composition is

dominant, but is supported by the other elements. It makes a work interesting and not confusing.

Balance is an equal arrangement of objects or colors

in a work of art.

A lack of balance is disturbing.

Symmetrical

Asymmetrical

Radial

Scale or Proportion refers to the relative size of objects in the

composition

Pattern is achieved by repetition of

lines, shapes or colors. It can be used to decorate or to make things

recognizable.

Contrast draws attention by

creating tension between

opposites such as light and dark or big and small.

Rhythm is also based on repetition. It

creates a flow and helps move the

viewer’s eye around the

page.

Composition is a pleasing

arrangement of objects on the page.

A medium is the tool used by an artist.

Media is the plural.

Ambigram