Elements of Design

The elements of design are the seven basic building

blocks of art & design.

Without these building blocks the principles are meaningless. Think of them as “Legos:” parts, pieces or elements of something

bigger or whole. We use directions and rules to make something.

Principles of Design

The basic rules of aesthetics that guide in the organization of elements in a work of art.

Without these directions the elements are meaningless. Think of them as “Legos Directions:” Rules or steps to utilize

many different, similar and identical elements to create a meaningful, cohesive and understandable piece of artwork.

Balance

This is an example of symmetrical balance in which the design is the same on both sides of

the center axis.

This is an example of asymmetrical balance because the object is not the same on both

sides.

An appearance of evenness in an artwork. There are two kinds: symmetry and

asymmetry

Vertical symmetry

Horizontal symmetry

Radial symmetry

Asymmetrical

Draw 1 example of Asymmetry in the 1st box using shapes.

Contrast

A large difference between elements in an artwork. Green and Red, dark and light, large and small, thin

and thick, bright and dull.

Emphasis

Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or morefocal points in an artwork.

Contrast is a very effective way to create emphasis.

Movement

The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the artist’s use of elements in an artwork.

M.C. Escher

Variety

Variety is a combination of difference and change that create interest in an artwork.

Variety can create Rhythm & Pattern by repeating similar or identical elements like: colors shapes, lines, values, forms, spaces, and textures.

Proportion

The relationship of size in artwork compared to how it would be viewed in reality.

Unity

A sense that all of the parts belong together as one piece of artwork.

All the principles work together to create unity and therefore a successful design.

Salvador Dali Andy Warhol