The Principles of Design

Uses the Elements of Design - Line, Shape, Value, Texture, Form, Color and Space to create amazing

compositions for all types of art.

For Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Landscape Design, etc. etc.

Composition

• Proportion (Scale)• Balance• Movement• Rhythm• Contrast• Emphasis• Pattern• Harmony/Unity

Proportion

• Proportion is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole.

Elements seem to be an appropriate size for the space they fill.

Proportion

• The ratio of one part to the whole.

• Things just look right.

Formal Balance

• One side is a mirror image of the other side

Informal Balance

• Objects on each side of the central dividing line are different.

• More exciting and dramatic

Movement

• The use of lines, color and repetition to create the illusion of motion.

• Drawing the eye around the composition.

Movement

• The use of lines, color and repetition to create the illusion of motion.

• Drawing the eye around the composition.

Movement

• The use of lines, color and repetition to create the illusion of motion.

• Drawing the eye around the composition.

Rhythm- Repetition

When a design element is repeated

Rhythm-Gradation

Light to Dark

Thin to Thick

Small to Large

Rhythm- Radiation

Lines flow out from a single point.

Contrast

• Contrast is using opposite or sharply different color, shape etc. to provide variety which creates interest.

Contrast

• Color

Contrast

• Line, shape

Emphasis

• Emphasis creates a center of interest

• An area that dominates

• Attracts the viewer’s eye

• Also referred to as a Focal Point

Emphasis

• Dominates by size, texture and color

Emphasis

• By color and placement

Pattern

• Pattern means the repetition of an element (or elements) in a work.

• An artist achieves a pattern through the use of colors, lines, shapes, etc.

Pattern

• A little more random

Pattern

• Found in nature

Pattern

• Recognize it in the world around you.

Pattern

• It’s everywhere just look closely.

Harmony/Unity & Variety

• Harmony is achieved when Unity and Variety are effectively combined.

Unity

• The design is seen as “whole”.

• Unity is blending elements in a pleasing way, uncomplicated and soothing.

• Sometimes can seem monotonous.

Variety

• The subtle differences we see that create the variety of life for us to enjoy.

• Artists combine elements in different ways to create a unified composition.

• Variety captures our attention and creates interest.

Harmony/Unity & Variety

• What make’s it have Harmony?

Harmony

• Is it harmony?• What do you think?

Conclusion

As you can see the Principles of Design overlap some but through practice and

exposure you will see these principles come to life all around you.