The Elements and Principles of Design

The Elements
and
Principles of
Design

By: Shriji Patel
2nd Block Digital Design

The
Elements of
Design

Line

A line is the most basic and known element of design and is seen everywhere.
A Line, simply put, is the path traced by the movement of a single point. It can
be used to define shape, contours, and outlines. It can also be straight or curved,
and may be smooth, rough, continuous, broken, thick, or thin.

Color

When light waves strike an object and reflect to the optic nerve in a human’s
eyes, the sensation they perceive is called color. Artists and designers use color
to depict and describe the subject. Color is used by designers to portray mood,
light, depth, and point of view. Designers use the color wheel and the tenets of
color theory—a set of guidelines for mixing, combining, and manipulating colors—
to create color schemes.

Shape

In its most basic form, a shape is a two-dimensional area that is surrounded by an
outline. There are three types of shapes: organic shapes which occur naturally in
the world, geometric shapes which are angular and mathematically consistent,
and abstract shapes that represent things in nature but aren’t perfectly
representative.

Space

Space is the arrangements of objects on the picture plane. There are two
different types of spaces: Negative space is the space between or around the
focal point of an image. Positive space is the space that your subject matter takes
up in your composition.

Texture

Texture is one of the elements of design that is used to represent how an object
appears or feels. Tactile texture is a physical sense of touch, whether it’s rough,
smooth, or ribbed. Visual texture, on the other hand, refers to the imagined feel
of the illustrated texture, which can create more visual interest and a heightened
sensory experience.

Value

Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. The values of a color are often
visualized in a gradient, which displays a series of variations on one hue,
arranged from the lightest to the darkest. Value creates depth within a picture
making an object look three-dimensional with highlights and cast shadows, or in
a landscape where it gets lighter in value as it recedes to the background
giving the illusion of depth.

Form

Form pertains to the way that a shape or physical configuration occupies
space. While shape is only 2D, form is 3D. When combined with other elements
such as value and color, form can be used to give the illusion of other objects and
cast shadows.

The Principles of
Design

Balance

Balance is the visual weight of elements in a composition. It is a commonly used
design principle that is used to equally weigh elements symmetrically. Balance is
used to add stability, add structure, create emphasis and to create dynamics.

Emphasis

Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer's attention. It is done
through contrasting the emphasized area with other areas in the design.

Movement

Movement is controlling the elements in a composition so that the eye is led to move
from one to the next and the information is properly communicated to your audience.
Movement creates the story or the narrative of your work, and is usually achieved
using lines, shape, and color.

Pattern

Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art. 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.

Repetition

Repetition simply means the reusing of the same or similar elements throughout
your design. Repetition of certain design elements in a design will bring a clear
sense of unity, consistency, and cohesiveness. Repetition can be regular or
irregular and even or uneven.

Proportion

Proportion refers to the relationship of two or more elements in a composition
and how they compare to one another concerning size, color, quantity, degree,
setting, etc. A relationship is formed when two or more elements are combined
in a painting.

Rhythm

Rhythm is a principle of design that suggests movement or action. Rhythm is
usually achieved through repetition of lines, shapes, colors, and more. It creates
a visual tempo in artworks and provides a path for the viewer's eye to follow.

Variety

Variety is the principle of art that adds interest to an artwork. Variety works
through juxtaposition and contrast. When an artist places different visual
elements next to one another, he/she is using variety. Straight lines next to curvy
lines add variety.

Unity

Unity is the principle of design that unifies all other principles within a piece of work,
allowing each individual element to coexist with one another to form an aesthetically
pleasing design. It essentially gives a sense of harmony and flow between all parts of
the design which generates a feeling of wholeness.

Bibliography

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