Principles of Design
The "principles of design" help you use the essential 'elements of design' in most effective and interesting ways possible.
Artists use 'design elements' to fill their surfaces with marks and shapes, but must apply "design principles" to effectively compose them, thereby making the best possible arrangements of the parts.
The principles of a design are harmony, contrast, rhythm, repetition, balance, dominance and unity.
Harmony occurs when a design has similar elements that express serenity and calm
Contrast is based on differences between elements. For example, energetic diagonals in a placid, horizontal composition.
Rhythm is provided by repetitions of shapes, lines or colors.
Repetition creates 'movement' and moves the eye around the picture This is achieved by repeating shapes, colors and directions with several variations.
Elements that carry visual weight can be manipulated to produce Balance by using color, values, shape and line For example, a large light-valued shape being visually balanced by a small, intensely colored one.
Dominance unifies a design. One design element must be more important than the others; one of the design principles must rule.
Unity is the ultimate object of design. A feeling that everything in a work belongs - shapes, colors, textures, subject and concept working together toward a single purpose.
Artists use 'design elements' to fill their surfaces with marks and shapes, but must apply "design principles" to effectively compose them, thereby making the best possible arrangements of the parts.
The principles of a design are harmony, contrast, rhythm, repetition, balance, dominance and unity.
Harmony occurs when a design has similar elements that express serenity and calm
Contrast is based on differences between elements. For example, energetic diagonals in a placid, horizontal composition.
Rhythm is provided by repetitions of shapes, lines or colors.
Repetition creates 'movement' and moves the eye around the picture This is achieved by repeating shapes, colors and directions with several variations.
Elements that carry visual weight can be manipulated to produce Balance by using color, values, shape and line For example, a large light-valued shape being visually balanced by a small, intensely colored one.
Dominance unifies a design. One design element must be more important than the others; one of the design principles must rule.
Unity is the ultimate object of design. A feeling that everything in a work belongs - shapes, colors, textures, subject and concept working together toward a single purpose.
