principles of

design

• Emphasis

• Balance

• Rhythm

• Proportion

emphasis

• A dominant focal point or center of interest in a garment or an outfit created by the use of line, shape, color, texture, and/or pattern.

• A point for the eye to rest on for a period of time.

• An outfit without a dominant point of interest appears uninteresting, boring, and unfinished.

Too much emphasis

• Two or more dominant areas or points of emphasis, are distracting and confusing… the eye becomes overly stimulated and the effect is spotty and displeasing.

• Other points of interest may be present… but they must be less obvious in their claim for attention. The eye notices them, does not rest there, but returns to the dominant point.

emphasis

balance

• Balance indicates an equality or steadiness in the design.It produces a feeling of rest or lack of movement.

• Two types of balance:• Formal Balance (Symmetrical)• Informal Balance (Asymmetrical)

Formal BalanceSymmetrical

• Design Details are divided equally. (Both sides of the CF / CB are the same)

• Identical details are arranged the same distance from the center on the right and left sides.

• Most common type of balance in clothes.

• Simplest and least expensive to produce.

Symmetrical Balance

Informal BalanceAsymmetrical

• Design details are divided unequally from the center.

• Different arrangements on either side of the CF or CB of the garment.

• May be more interesting and unusual.

• Often done with diagonal lines.

AsymmetricalBalance

Rhythm

• The pleasing arrangement of the design elements so the eye moves well over the apparel.

• Repetition- repeats lines, shapes, colors or textures.

• Gradation- A gradual increase or decrease of similar design elements. Light to dark colors. Fine to heavy textures or lines.

Rhythm(con’t)

• Radial- Lines begin from a center point or fan outward.

• Opposition- Created when lines meet or cross. Checked or plaid fabric. Square necklines.

Rhythm is broken when lines, fabrics, do not match well at seams.

Rhythm ______________RepetitionRepetition Repetition…

Rhythm

Gradation

Rhythm

Radial

Rhythm

Opposition

Harmony

• Harmony is when all parts of the garment or outfit have visual unity. All the elements of design are used effectively according to the design principles.

• Harmony gives the feeling that all the parts of an outfit belong together.

• Designers may sometimes break the rules of design; but they know the rules so well, they still create a product with good Harmony.

Proportion

• The size relationship of all parts to the whole.

• Proportion is determined by how the total size is divided. One part should not be out of proportion in relation to the other parts.

• Proportion is not good when all parts are parts are exactly equal in size.

Proportioncon’t

• Odd number of parts such as three or five is more interesting than even numbers.

• Garment designs should be related to the structure and proportion of the body.

Harmony

Harmony Assignment

Choose a picture that demonstrates the good harmony.Attach it to a paper and write a paragraph below.

Paragraph: Explain why this outfit or garment has good harmony.

What elements were used?How were the principles used?

EXTRA CREDIT: turn it into a portfolio page.

Emphasis assignment

• Choose a picture that demonstrates the principle of emphasis.

• Attach it to a paper and write a paragraph below.• Paragraph:• Describe where the eye is drawn due to the emphasis• Tell which elements cause the emphasis• Discuss other points of interest that may help or distract

from the main focal point.• EXTRA CREDIT: turn it into a portfolio page.

Portfolio Example