Principles of Design

Design Principles

Theoretical concepts that guide the positioning of design elements within a 2D or 3D space. Design process occurs in 2 major steps. First, selection process of art elements used: line, shape, space, texture, value, and/or color. Second, the placement/organization in a picture plane, 3D space, or another type of visual structure.

Unity

articulates the manner in which a composition holds together, the way that parts of a composition visually cohere. In a unified composition, the interaction of elements forms a configuration so interdependent that it bonds together visually. Unity is alternatively referred to as visual harmony: compositional components must harmonize in order to integrate. Unity is regarded as an indispensable design principle because visual harmony is essential for a successful piece of art.

Rhythm

concept directly corresponding to movement but with some distinct differences. Rhythm is a visual quality of movement, a pulsation in our eye's perception of a work of art. Visual rhythm describes the manner in which our eye moves through a composition. Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential. Rhythm describes the movement (its visual quality).

Variety

use of several different elements of design in an image to hold the viewer's attention and to guide the viewer's eye through and around the work of art by creating visual interest. Variety is the differentiation or deviation of an element in a repetitious visual structure.

Pattern

repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art. It is a regular arrangement of altered of repeated elements (lines, shapes, colors, etc.) or motifs.

Harmony

all parts of the visual image relate to and complement each other. Harmony pulls the pieces of a visual image together. Harmony can be achieved through repetition and rhythm.

Proportion/Scale

feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body. It is the relationship between objects with respect to size, number, and so on, including the relationship between parts of a whole.

Repetition

works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art.

Design Process

consists of both selection and location of elements in a piece of art, guided by compositional principles of design.

Balance

equal distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.

Contrast

juxtaposition of varying elements, or principles of design in order to highlight their differences and/or create visual interest, or a focal point. The clearest way to create emphasis in design is to develop some type of visual contrast. Our eye naturally focuses on whatever portion of a composition stands out visually as being different, unexpected, or contrasting within an overall composition. A contrast should be in visual opposition to its surrounding environment in some respect.

Emphasis

part of the design that catches the viewer's attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc. The design principle of emphasis, also called focal point, pertains to the formation of a specific area of interest in a composition. A focal point is not an essential component of design like unity, but an artist may choose to emphasize a specific portion of artwork to enhance a particular image or theme. To establish an area of emphasis/focal point, a composition must provide the viewer with visual clues to direct the eye to a particular area of focus. Numerous points of emphasis in a composition can all be of equal importance, or one point can be primary, one secondary, in a type of visual hierarchy. Methods to establish a point of emphasis in design are described in the next section. The design principle of emphasis, also called focal point, pertains to the formation of a specific area of interest in a composition. A focal point is not an essential component of design like unity, but an artist may choose to emphasize a specific portion of artwork to enhance a particular image or theme. To establish an area of emphasis/focal point, a composition must provide the viewer with visual clues to direct the eye to a particular area of focus. Numerous points of emphasis in a composition can all be of equal importance, or one point can be primary, one secondary, in a type of visual hierarchy.

Movement

path the viewer's eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art. The design principles of movement and rhythm are separate yet interconnected concepts. Movement is both literal and suggested motion in a work of art. There are also art forms that use actual movement, such as kinetic art and video. In installation art, for example, the viewer's actual movement through the art piece or interaction with it may be a factor in the impact of the piece. Artists also employ various means to depict motion in a static piece of art. Movement is the path the viewer's eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art.