Elements & Principles of Design

A design is an arrangement, a way of organizing something. In arts and crafts, even though we use many
different materials, the visual appearance (that is what our eye sees and our brain decodes) can be reduced to
elements of design. They are line, direction, shape, form, size, space, color, value and texture. They are what
we organize. They are the tools.
The principles of design are how we organize or use the tools. The principles of design are balance, emphasis,
movement, pattern, proportion, repetition, variation/variety, rhythm, unity, gradation, contrast, location, and
harmony.

Elements of Design
Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical or
diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. This is referred to as the mother element as all other elements are
made by using lines.

Direction is a course along which someone or something moves. It may be horizontal, vertical,
diagonal or curved.

Shape is a closed line. Shapes can be geometric, like squares and circles; or organic, like free formed
shapes or natural shapes. Shapes are flat and can express length and width.

Forms are three-dimensional shapes, expressing length, width, and depth. Balls,
cylinders, boxes and triangles are forms.

Space is the area between and around objects. The space around objects is often
called negative space; negative space has shape. Space can also refer to the feeling of depth. Real space is threedimensional; in visual art when we can create the feeling or illusion of depth we call it space.

Size refers how big or small something is.

Color is light reflected off objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue or its name (red, green,
blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is).

Value refers to lightness and darkness of a colour and is perceived in terms of varying
levels of contrast.

Texture is the surface quality that can be seen and felt. Textures can be
rough or smooth, soft or hard. Textures do not always feel the way they look; for example, a drawing of a
porcupine may look prickly, but if you touch the drawing, the paper is still smooth.

Principles of Design

Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A
large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be)

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale
these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on
one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but
still look balanced. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.
Gradation is a scale or a series of successive changes, stages, or degrees. Gradation of size and direction
produce linear perspective. Gradation of colour from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce aerial
perspective. Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape. A gradation from dark to light will cause the
eye to move along a shape.

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

Movement is the path the viewers eye takes through the artwork, often to focal areas. Such movement
can be directed along lines edges, shape and color within the artwork.

Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the artwork.

Repetition works with pattern to make the artwork seem active. The repetition of elements of design
creates unity within the artwork. Repetition with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can
become monotonous.

The five squares above are all the same. They can be taken in and understood with a single glance.

Variation is a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically

with certain limits. When variation is introduced, the five squares, although similar, are much more interesting
to look at. They can no longer be absorbed properly with a single glance. The individual character of each
square needs to be considered. Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewers attention
and to guide the viewers eye through the artwork.

Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements eg. opposite colours on the colour wheel - red /
green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value - light / dark. Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical.

Harmony is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. eg.adjacent colours on
the colour wheel, similar shapes etc.
Dominance is where one element stands out over another. Dominance gives interest, counteracting confusion
and monotony. Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis.

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. Variety is essential to keep rhythm exciting and active, and moving the viewer around the
artwork. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing.

Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the artwork creating a sense of completeness.

Location refers to a particular place or position.