Principles of Design

Design Elements and Principles - Brief overview

Three components of a work of art:

Subject Matter
objects depicted

Form
visual organization

Content
impact or meaning

Five Elements of Form (that relate the 2D graphics):

Line
path of a point

Shape
perceivable area

Value
relative light and darkness

Color
three components:

Hue
Value
Saturation

Illus. of depth
indicators of depth on a flat surface:

Overlapping
Diminishing scale
Atmospheric perspective
Vertical placement
Color (warm/cool, intensity)
Diagonals
Linear perspective

Six Principles of Design:

Scale
Overall size

Proportion
Relative size within the work

Unity
Repetition > rhythm > pattern > unity

Balance
Symmetrical or asymmetrical

Directional Forces
Gesture,etc. that moves eye over composition

Emphasis
Dominance hierarchy created by scale, color, etc

Form determines Content

The decisions you make regarding form (type of line and shape; selection of value and color; size of the work; type of balance, etc.) shape the work's impact and meaning.

Subject Matter	objects depicted
Form	visual organization
Content	impact or meaning

Line	path of a point
Shape	perceivable area
Value	relative light and darkness
Color	three components:
	Hue Value Saturation
Illus. of depth	indicators of depth on a flat surface:
	Overlapping Diminishing scale Atmospheric perspective Vertical placement Color (warm/cool, intensity) Diagonals Linear perspective

Scale	Overall size
Proportion	Relative size within the work
Unity	Repetition > rhythm > pattern > unity
Balance	Symmetrical or asymmetrical
Directional Forces	Gesture,etc. that moves eye over composition
Emphasis	Dominance hierarchy created by scale, color, etc