Principles Of Design

Principles Of Design

By: Amara Williams

Balance

• Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of
objects, colors, texture, and space.

• Ex: A work of art that has a black background with
white text on one side and a white background with
black text on the other side,

• Pictures: https://goo.gl/3Uz3SH
• There are 2 main types of balance in design:

– Symmetrical - having equal "weight" on equal sides of a
centrally placed fulcrum.

– Asymmetrical - the two sides are not identical, but differ
from one another. The elements are arranged so that there
is a sense of balance.

Emphasis

• Emphasis is the part of the design that catchers
the viewer's attention by making areas stand out

• Ex: Making the font bigger in an area changing
the contrast in one area

• Pictures: https://goo.gl/1iAtxx
• Emphasis can be expressed by:

– Size
– Color
– Texture
– Shape

Movement

• Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes
through the work of art

• Ex: Psychedelic colors in art that make you feel
dizzy and/or look as if it’s moving

• Pictures: https://goo.gl/wKCQjo
• Movement can be directed along:

– Lines
– Edges
– Shape
– Color

Pattern

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

• Ex: A series of pentagons used in a piece of art
• Pictures: https://goo.gl/yYHESN
• A seamless pattern is one where every

element within a design, no matter how often
it’s repeated, combines to form a whole

Repetition

• Repetition means the reusing of the same or
similar elements throughout your design.

• Ex: Using the image a bird throughout a piece
of art to make the image one

• Pictures: https://goo.gl/TFetLa
• The use of repletion throughout a design is a

fundamental
• Repetition brings a clear sense of unity,

consistency, and cohesiveness

Rhythm

• Rhythm is created when one or more elements of
design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of
organized movement

• Ex: Using more than one element of design to
create a piece of art

• Pictures: https://goo.gl/i2pf9W
• To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is

essential to design
• Rhythm in design creates a mood like dancing to

music