The Principles of Design Tile Project
This is a great introduction or review activity for STUDENTS to deepen their
knowledge of the principles of design, Balance, Emphasis, Contrast,
Proportion, rhythm/movement, unity/harmony, repetition/pattern, Alignment
, etc
What are the principles of design?
The principles of design describe a variety of ways an artist
can use the 6 elements of art (line, shape, color, form,
space, texture) to create visually pleasing compositions. So
let’s begin the exploration…!
TILE 1 // RHYTHM
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: RHYTHM. Rhythm can be created by using
repetitious lines/shapes to create a sense of action
and movement.
One way to illustrate rhythm is by drawing a op art
design with a predictable pattern.
TILE 2 // CONTRAST
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design:
CONTRAST. Contrast can be created in an artwork
by showing two different elements next to each
other (such as light vs. dark, warm colors vs. cool
colors, bumpy vs. smooth, geometric vs. organic).
One way to illustrate contrast is to draw a squiggly
line down the middle of your tile and create an
interpretation of a yin-yang design. This shows great
contrast with the light and dark colors.
TILE 3 // VARIETY
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: VARIETY. Variety can be created in an
artwork by using a variety of shapes, colors, lines,
and more!
One way to illustrate variety is to draw at least 10
different types of lines. Vary the line weight, line
style, line direction. Get creative!
TILE 4 // BALANCE
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: BALANCE. Balance is how the visual
elements are arranged in an artwork. There are
three types of balance: asymmetrical, symmetrical,
and radial.
One way to illustrate a tile to show balance is to
render a symmetrical “ink blot.” Strive for the “ink”
look and be sure the left side mirrors the right side.
TILE 5 // EMPHASIS
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: EMPHASIS. Emphasis can be employed in an
artwork by making one element stand out amongst
other elements. The element that really POPS out
at the viewer is often referred to as the focal point.
Artists can make elements POP out by making them
larger, brighter, bolder, and more!
One way to illustrate emphasis is to draw a bunch of
shapes all the same size, but have one shape be
larger and more dramatic.
TILE 6 // UNITY & HARMONY
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: UNITY & HARMONY. Unity and harmony can
be achieved in artwork by making all the elements go
together visually to achieve a sense of
connectedness.
One way to illustrate unity and harmony is to draw a
design that all uses one type of shape. By repeating
this shape over and over, it will help to achieve a feel
that they all go together visually.
TILE 7 // MOVEMENT
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: MOVEMENT. Movement can be achieved in
an artwork by guiding the viewer’s eye around the
artwork, or suggesting a sense of motion.
One way to illustrate movement is to draw a bunch
of tightly woven, repeated curvy lines over and over.
This will create a sense of visual movement.
TILE 8 // PATTERN & REPETITION
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: PATTERN & REPETITION. Pattern can be
created by repeating an element in a predictable
manner. Patterns can be created with shapes, lines,
colors and more!
One way to illustrate a pattern is to show a
predictable repetition of an element, such as three
lines vertical… three lines horizontal… three lines
vertical… and so on.
TILE 9 // SCALE & PROPORTION
Draw a design that illustrates the principle of
design: PROPORTION & SCALE. Proportion is how
the parts of an artwork relate to the whole. Scale
can be used in an artwork by exploring how the
varying size of objects, from tiny to large!
One way to illustrate scale in an artwork is to draw
a variety of shapes from small to large.
INCORPORATING COLOR //
When all your tiles are finished, you may wish
to incorporate color. In this example, only one
color is added to the black and white and it
really helps to achieve a sense of unity (<–
hey! we are using one of principles of design).
Get creative with how you finalize your
design!
PHOTOSHOP/PHOTOPEA PROJECT SET UP //
FOR INDIVIDUAL TASK (Each Member)
FOR COLLABORATIVE TASK (all members)
