PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN USED IN THE GRAPHIC ARTS

Balance

A feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc.  Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced.  Objects, values, colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc., can be used in creating a balance in a composition.

Balance

Emphasis

Is a “center of interest”. An area that first attracts the attention in a compostion. This area is more important when compared to the other objects or elements in a composition. Emphasis can be created through the use of contrasting colors, placement and size of elements.

Emphasis

Pattern/ Repitition

Repeating visual elements such as line, color, shape, texture, value or image tends to unify the total effect of a work of art as well as create rhythm.

Pattern

Pattern

Proportion

Refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole.

Proportion

Movement

The path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to a focal area. It can be directed along lines, edges, shapes, and color. Movement is closely tied to rhythm.

Movement

Movement

Movement

Rhythm

Rhythm is described as timed movement in space. The presence of rhythm creates predictability and order in a composition. Rhythm relies heavily on pattern and movement.

Rhythm

Contrast

Refers to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.

Contrast

Contrast

Unity

Occurs when all the elements of a piece combine to make a balanced, harmonious, complete whole. Unity is another of those hard-to-describe art terms but, when it is present, you eye and brain are pleased to see it.