Principles and Elements of Design

Principles of Design

The Principles and elements of design are used to organize and arrange the structural elements of design. By applying these principles and elements, the contents and messages of a work can be expressed.

There are few Principles of Design:

1. Balance

Stability and structure of a design are always shown by balance. For example, a large light toned shape can be balanced by a small dark toned shape. The darker the shape, the heavier it appears to people.



Source from http://www.samaru.org/VirginiaCollege/WebTheory/assignments/images/ratliff_balance.gif



2. Gradation

Gradation of size and direction can present linear perspective, gradation of colour and tone can present aerial perspective. Normally, eyes will move along a shape from dark to light. Thus, gradation can add interest and movement to a shape.



Source from http://johnlovett.com/design/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/xgradbrushxx.jpg



3. Repetition

Repetition with variation makes the work becomes interesting, design without variation repetition usually cause monotonous. Repetition consolidates a design by combining individual elements together. It helps to create harmony and rhythm.



Souce from http://akinseagles.com/lopezNick1ws2012/p025Repetition.html



4. Contrast

Contrast allows us to highlight the key elements in our design. Over contrast will cause chaos feeling and confusion. It may destroy the unity of a design.



Source from http://cdn.articulate.com/images/blogs/rel/uploads/2010/02/image11.png



5. Harmony

Harmony in a design is related with the visually satisfying effect of combining similar elements.



Source from http://cdn.pelfusion.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/harmony.jpg



6. Dominance

Dominance makes the picture becomes interesting. It can prevent confusion and monotonous. It also gives emphasis to a work by applying one or more of the elements.



Source from http://empa97.blogspot.com/2012/10/unity-repetition-balance-rhythm.html



7. Proximity

Focal point of a design can be provided by proximity. Proximity means that elements should be visually connected in some way.



Source from http://www.proximity.ca/img/transitions/contact_o.jpg



8. Proportion

Proportion refers to the opposite scale and size of the different elements in a design. Proportion in terms of the context or standard is necessary to be determined by undergoing discussion. 



Source from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziaJAgNcQbUjiaKNsU37YWdhxgphM-EfyjnIJbzuQiXawp2WkYjNIFAL18GCmhoq0TtnrKiSNqaAP9ynDBGluWWux-e7Xdj-YK8ZqQEFcx2EZCg6yDN5QQy0t8-yPgQei3ZHsVV6xfwjw/s1600/PROPORTION-COMPOSITION+final.jpg

There are few Elements of Design:

1. Line


The linear mark is made with a pen tool or brush tool or the edge created when two shapes meet.



Source from http://www.peonqueen.com/ArtSpace/temp_exhib/art1/line/content.jpeg



2. Shape
A shape is a self-contained defined area of geometric or organic. Geometric shapes have included squares and circles, organic shapes refer to the free formed shapes or natural shapes. 



Source from http://www.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/shape.gif


3. Direction

All lines have direction, such as horizontal, vertical and oblique. Horizontal brings a feeling of calmness, stability and tranquility. Vertical makes the design balance, formality and vigilance. Oblique suggests movement and action of an element. 



Source from http://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/original_327669_vvSqcgifYpftygASG1hZCfXpE.jpg


4. Tones/ Shades

Tones refer to light and dark. Shades can show volume and weight to a design. Tone can create rhythm with the eyes move forward from dark tone to light tone. 

Source from http://elliotg24.blogspot.com/2012/08/elements-of-design-2-valuetonelight.html



5. Texture

Texture is the surface quality of a shape. It may be rough, smooth, soft hard glossy and more.



Source from http://www.123rf.com/photo_11890288_detailed-black-and-white-texture-broke-dry-soil-pattern.html



6. Perspective (Angle)

Perspective is the exterior of an object in a space, and their relationship with each other. Perspective also used to describe the intensity of depth in photography. 


Source from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVigmubRovzIlidCLApazUa1zeHfEVVXT-alX4_qMkTCDJz3K3lCNURSFKThnumaadkPLGKdG9oPMlJNcX056aWdenzI_DlQoGUgTBsZGDVP0wjeSEK151FeRu1Hw87K3DlP5QWGc7lBIZ/s1600/two-point%255B1%255D.jpg

References:

Elements and principles of design. (n.d.).Watercolor, Watercolor Painting, Watercolor lessons, watercolor instruction, watercolor technique, watercolor techniques, watercolor tips, learn watercolor. Retrieved June 5, 2013, from http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm


Principles of Design. (n.d.). Art, Design, and Visual Thinking. Retrieved June 5, 2013, from http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/principl/princip1.htm


Elements of Design. (n.d.). Canley Vale High School. Retrieved June 5, 2013, from http://www.canleyvale.hs.education.nsw.gov.au/Winning%20websites/art/eod.htm


Ian Wright Travel Photography. (n.d.).Design Elements. Retrieved June 5, 2013, from www.ianwrighttravel.co.uk/cgi-bin/iwt.cgi?usr=3404&page=compositionusingnaturalframing1.html