Elements & Principles of Design

A Complete Overview!

Mrs. Fox

Design Elements• Line (continuous dot….)

• Shape (enclosed line)

• Color (hue)

• Texture (surface quality)

• Form (3D shape)

• Value (lightness/darkness)

• Space (Positive/Negative)

• Design Elements:– Basic

components used by an artist when making a piece of art.

• Answer the question:– “What is it

made of?”

Use the “Rules” toMake it Interesting!!!

• Design Principles are the “rules” that govern the use of the “tools” (Design Elements)

• How well we use the rules to arrange the tools determines the level of interest in our artwork

(a.k.a. Focal Point)-arrangement of design elements (tools) to create an area of interest in a work of art; method of “drawing the viewer in” – visual communicating a welcome

•Placement of subject matter (the “what” in the picture plane)

•Use the Rule of Thirds

•Placement of hue or value (Design Elements)

•Placement of contrast of hue or value (Design Principle)

Balance: how design elements are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work of art

Three types:Symmetrical: two sides of a composition are identical/they reflect each other

Asymmetrical: two sides are not identical, or are “off balance”

Radial: composition “radiates” outward from the center

Pattern: The repetition of any one thing – line, shape, color, also called a “motif” in a design

Movement:•Arrangement of design elements to create a sense of motion; a suggestion of motion in a work of art

•Use OVERLAPPING

Contrast:•Juxtaposing design elements to stress the differences between them (dark against light, bright against dull); creates interest in a work of art

•Great way to create a focal point!

Rhythm:A visual beat.Ordered movement in a work of art attained through patterns in timing, spacing, repetition of the design elements(Often paired with Movement)

Unity:Quality of “oneness” or “wholeness” that is achieved through the effective use of design elements and principles. All the parts work together to unify the whole work of art.

Ask yourself:

“If I take remove any one thing from the picture plane, does the composition still work effectively?”

Elements and Principles Collage• Mrs. Fox will give you two numbers. Write them down

on the back of your illustration board next to your name in the top right hand corner

• Identify your Element and Principle of Design on the overhead based on your two numbers

• Using the 6 x 9 inch illustration board as a base, cut or tear and glue the paint samples to create an interesting collage with your element and principle being dominant in the design (you may use other elements and principles, but yours should be dominant)

• Craftsmanship is key! Cut clean and glue neat, as Mrs. Fox is an evil shrew who insists on fabulous work!

• Review the rubric to find out how to get a fabulous grade on your fabulous design