Principals of Design

Principles of Design

AXEL ESPINOSA
5TH PERIOD

Balance

 Is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors,
texture, and space

 Examples include symmetrical balance, asymmetrical
balance, radial balance, and mosaic balance

 These elements should be balanced to make a design
feel stable

Unity

 Is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of
art, which creates a sense of completeness

 Examples include using repetition of shapes, grouping
similar objects together, and using proximity to create a
sense of unity

Rhythm

 Is created when one or more elements of design are
used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized
movement

 Examples include repetition of patterns, color, or size
 Also benefits the art work by moving the eye of the

audience around your artwork

Contrast

 Refers to the positioning of opposing components in a
work of art

 Examples include adding visual interest, excitement and
drama to an art piece

 Occurs when two or more related elements are strikingly
different

 Adds variety to the total design and creates unity

Proportion

 Is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes,
amounts, or numbers) relate well with each other

 Examples include color, size, quantity, degree, or setting
 Good proportion adds harmony, symmetry, or balance

among the parts of a design