The Principles of Design are used to ensure successful, visually pleasing designs in art.

Thinking about design while constructing your ceramic works will keep your pieces interesting.

There are seven principles of design

BalanceMovementRhythmContrastPatternEmphasisUnity

Balance is the visual weight of an artwork. There are two types of balance:

Symmetrical balance is when you have equal weight distributed on each side of your work.

Asymmetrical balance is when one side of your work is “heavier” than the other. Symmetrical

Balance

AsymmetricalBalance

Lisa Conway, Asymmetrical balance

Christopher Jagers,Symmetrical balance

Movement is the path your eye takes while moving through an artwork. Movement can add interest and dimension to your works.

In ceramics movement can be created with the actual sculpting of your piece, or with glaze designs.

Bill ShinnEva Hild

Rhythm occurs in when an idea is repeated through out the artwork. Rhythm can be very obvious, or very subtle. It is a reoccurring idea.

Matthew ChambersFrancesc Burgos

Contrast can exist in an artwork in several different ways.

Contrast can exist in terms of color or texture.

Contrast can also exist in term of concepts.

Contrast adds interest and depth to your works.

Artist UnknownHeather Knight

Pattern is a constant, reoccurring set of lines or colors in an artwork. Pattern is much more structured and regular than rhythm. Patterns are usually detailed and clean.

Ben Barker

Emphasis is when one part of your artwork is the focal point. The entire work is created to bring attention to that one, most important component.

You emphasize what you want the viewer to see most.

Artist UnknownCheryl Williams

Unity occurs when all elements in an artwork- the structure, the colors, the designs, etc. work together. Sometimes unity is hard to define.

Unity is whatever occurs when you see a work and think, “It’s finished.”

Georges JouveArtist Unknown