Principles of design

Balance – is the distribution of the visual
weight of objects, colors, texture, and space.

Symmetrical balance:
• the elements used on one
side of the design are
similar to those on the
other side

Asymmetrical balance:
• the sides are
different but still
look balanced

Radial balance:
• the elements are
arranged around a
central point and
may be similar

Emphasis: is the part of the design that
catches the viewer’s attention
• Usually the artist will
make one area stand
out by contrasting it
with other areas. The
area could be different
in size, color, texture,
shape, etc.

Movement - is the path the viewer’s eye takes
through the work of art, often to focal areas
• Such movement can be
directed along lines,
edges, shape, and color
within the work of art.

Pattern - is the repeating of an object or
symbol all over the work of art.

Repetition - works with pattern to make the
work of art seem active.
• The repetition of elements
of design creates unity
within the work of art.

Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all
parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with
each other.
• When drawing the
human figure,
proportion can
refer to the size of
the head compared
to the rest of the
body

Rhythm is created when one or more elements of
design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of
organized movement.
• Rhythm creates a
mood like music or
dancing. To keep
rhythm exciting and
active, variety is
essential.

Variety is the use of several elements of design to
hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the
viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.

Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts
of the work of art, which creates a sense of
completeness.

Project:
• You will be creating a series of designs, first using dots, then lines, and
finally, a combination of both.
• Each design should illustrate at least three or more of the principles
we have discussed.
• While designs need not necessarily fill the entire paper, they must be
complete and well developed as space is an important consideration.
• Also, all designs must be totally abstract; no recognizable objects,
shapes, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. are allowed.

Dot design criteria
• use only two colors per design (keep
it simple).
• dots must be round and colored
solid.
• dots within each design should vary
in size (change can be sudden or
gradual)
• dots may “follow the leader,” touch,
overlap, stack on top of each other,
run off the edge of the paper, etc.

Line Design Criteria
• use only two or three colors per design.
• lines should begin thin, grow in thickness and
return to a thin line again…or run off the paper
(so they remain lines instead of becoming
shapes).
• lines should vary in length (short, medium,
long) and may expand/contract in any form or
direction.
• lines may be straight, curved, zigzag, twist;
cross over, build on top of or weave under and
through each other, etc.

You will have to point out designs which show:
• unity between all parts of the design.
• formal (symmetrical), informal (asymmetrical) and radial balance.
• areas of movement and rhythm.
• several different kinds of contrast.
• any obvious patterns.
• a focal point or center of interest.
• all seven principles due to outstanding organization of the basic
elements within the design.

Principles of design

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Principles of design