Elements of Design

The elements of design are the seven basic building

blocks of art & design.

Without these building blocks the principles are meaningless. Think of them as “Legos:” parts, pieces or elements of something

bigger or whole. We use directions and rules to make something.

Principles of Design

The basic rules of aesthetics that guide in the organization of elements in a work of art.

Without these directions the elements are meaningless. Think of them as “Legos Directions:” Rules or steps to utilize

many different, similar and identical elements to create a meaningful, cohesive and understandable piece of artwork.

LINESHAPECOLORVALUE

TEXTURESPACEFORM

Design Elements

BALANCEVARIETY

MOVEMENTCONTRASTEMPHASIS

PROPORTIONUNITY

Design Principles

An appearance of evenness in an artwork. There are two kinds: Symmetry &

Asymmetry

Balance

Principle of Balance

This is an example of symmetrical balance in which

the design is the same on both sides of the center axis.

This is an example of asymmetrical balance

because the object is not the same on both sides.

An appearance of evenness in an artwork.

Vertical symmetry

Horizontal symmetry

Radial symmetry

Asymmetrical

An appearance of evenness in an artwork. There are two kinds: Symmetry & Asymmetry

Symmetry

1. Add definition for: Symmetry2. In the first box Draw 1 example of Vertical

Symmetry.

Principle of Balance

A composition with identical or similar elements arranged on both the right and left halves of an image.

Vertical Symmetry

Principle of Balance

1. Add definition for: Vertical Symmetry2. In the first box Draw 1 example of

Vertical Symmetry.

Horizontal Symmetry

Principle of Balance

1. Add definition for: Horizontal Symmetry

2. In the first box Draw 1 example of Horizontal Symmetry.

A composition with identical or similar elements arranged on both the top and bottom halves of an image.

A composition with a center point from which the arrangement of elements radiate around in a circular

format.

Radial Symmetry

Principle of Balance

1. Add definition for: Radial Symmetry2. In the first box Draw 1 example of

Radial Symmetry.

A composition with a heavy and light amount of elements. Asymmetry uses disorder to create balance.

Asymmetry

1. Add definition for: Radial Symmetry2. Draw 1 example of Asymmetry in the 4th box.

Principle of Balance

Contrast

A large difference between elements. Green and Red, dark and light, large and

small, thin and thick, bright and dull.Contrast refers to differences in values, colors textures,

shapes and other elements.

A large difference between elements. Contrast

1. Add definition for: Contrast2. Draw an example of: Contrast in color in the 1st box.3. Draw an example of: Contrast in shape in the 2nd box.4. Draw an example of: Contrast in size in the 3rd box.

Principle of Contrast

Principle of Emphasis

Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or more areas of an artwork.

Areas of dominance or interest become a focus. Contrast is a very effective way to create emphasis.

Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or more areas of an artwork.

Emphasis

1. Add definition for: Emphasis2. Draw an arrow pointing to: The Emphasis in all 4

boxes using a colored pencil.

Principle of Emphasis

Principle of Movement

The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the artist’s choice of elements such as line.

M.C. Escher

The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the artist’s choice of elements such as line.

Movement

1. Add definition for: Movement2. Draw the line of visual Movement in all 4 boxes

using a colored pencil.

Principle of Movement

Principle of Variety

Variety is a combination of small differences or changes that create interest in an artwork. Variety can create Rhythm & Pattern by repeating similar or identical elements like: colors shapes, lines, values, forms, spaces, and textures.

A combination of small differences or changes that create interest in an artwork.

Variety

1. Add definition for: Variety2. Draw an example of: Variety in shape in the 1st box.3. Draw an example of: Variety in color in the 2nd box.4. Draw an example of: Variety in size in the 3rd box.

Principle of Variety

Principle of Proportion

The relationship of size in artwork compared to how it would be viewed in reality.

The relationship of size in an artwork compared to how it would be viewed in reality.

Proportion

1. Add definition for: Proportion2. Draw 1 example of: “Out of Proportion” using a

flower and a building in the 1st box.3. Draw 1 example of: “Out of Proportion” using one

figure in the 2nd box and remember no stick figures!4. Draw 2 examples of: “In Proportion” in your own way

in the 3rd and 4th box.

Principle of Proportion

Principle of Unity

A sense that all of the elements belong together as one piece of artwork.

All the principles work together to create unity and therefore a successful design.

Salvador Dali Andy Warhol

A sense that all of the elements belong together as one piece of artwork.

Unity

1. Add definition for: Unity2. Write: What do you think makes “Unity” in an

artwork?

Principle of Unity