Principles of Design

Balance

• visual and physical balance

Symmetrical (formal)

• elements are identical in relation to a center line

Asymmetrical (informal)

• elements are not identical, still show a balanced visual weight

Radial

• distribution of components in a circular pattern around a center point

Emphasis

• used to draw attention to one area

Emphasis

• achieved through:
• size
• placement
• shape
• contrast and the use of lines

Contrast

• degree of relative difference in elements
• used to emphasize

Contrast Types

• Color- complementary colors

Contrast Types

• Value- lights & darks next to each other

Contrast Types

• Direction- horizontal & vertical

Rhythm

• repeated use of elements
• harmonious pattern

Rhythm Types

• Regular- similar elements are that identical or similar

Rhythm Types

• Random- repetition of the element is random 

Rhythm Types

• Graduated- repeated is identical with one of the details
• increasing or decreasing

Proportion

• comparative relationship between elements in a design with respect to size
• Scale- The proportion of size of an element in relation to the other elemen

Unity

• The consistent use of design elements

Unity of Ideas

• reinforced by relating the design to the idea being expressed

Visual Unity

• linking visual elements of the work

Harmony Unity

• effect of combining similar, related elements

Economy

• use of the bare minimum of elements

Movement

• path our eyes follow when we look at art