Principles of Design

Balance

• Visual & Physical balance
• The distribution of elements within a design

Symmetrical Balance

• Formal
• Identical or visual weight in relation to center line or axis

Asymmetrical Balance

• Informal
• Not identical but provide a balanced visual weight

Radial Balance

• Distribution of Components in a circular pattern around a center point

Emphasis

• Draws attention to one area
• Focal point
• Size, Placement, Shape, Contrast, Use of Lines

Contrast

• Relative difference between elements
• Can be used to emphasize an element

Color type of Contrast

• is complementary to the image 

Value type of Contrast

• Relativeness of the image to light or dark value

Direction Type of Contrast

• Shows the direction in something using Vertical and Horizontal Directions

Rhythm

• Repeated use of line, shape, color, texture, or pattern
• Harmonious pattern or sequence

Regular Rhythm

• Regular- element is just repeated

Random Rhythm

• Repetition is random, situated or irregular intervals

Gradated Rhythm

• Identical pattern  with the size  increasing or decreasing

Graduated Rhythm

• Repeated element closer or further apart

Proportion

• Comparative relationship between elements in design with respect to size

Scale

• Size of an element in relation to others

Unity

• Consistent use of design elements

Unity of Ideas

• elements combine to make a piece whole, and balanced

Visual Unity

• Visual connection between all components of the composition

Harmony

• brings together a composition with similar units

Economy

• Bare minimum of elements
• Less is more

Movement

• Path your eyes follow

Ways to achieve Movement

• Repetition
• Direction
• Pattern
• Rhythm