Elements and Principles of Design

The lists below provide you with terms of Elements and Principles of Design.

1. In a new Google Doc or Google slides please define each of the words listed below as they
apply to design. Use the resources that were provided for you to define the words. You may use
other resources found on Google if you want.

2. Next find a photo, design or painting from the internet that would best represent each term.

Example Line:

Lines help to enhance, create and direct movement

Elements
Form - ​Three dimensional, having length, width, height, and volume

Line - ​Line has many shapes, it can be vertical, horizontal, zig-zag, diagonal, or curved

Value - ​Value defines lightness and darkness of a colour. Value highlights objects and is
incredibly important in art.

Space or negative space - ​Space around or between the subject. It frames an image.

Texture - ​Texture defines rough or smooth of the subject and object, and it is an
element of 2D and 3D design.

Colour - ​sends a variety of messages; it refers to lightness/darkness and value.

Shape - ​Shape is flat, and 2 dimensional. Examples of shapes include, square, circle, triangle and organic
shapes

Principles
Unity -

Contrast - ​Examples of contrasts are, light vs dark, smooth vs

rough, large vs small. Contrasts highlight differences, focal
point, and visual interest.

Balance - ​The principle of balance gives the viewers a feeling of equality in weight or
importance.

Emphasis -​ special attention or importance given to one part of art, through colour, shapes,
placement, contrast, size, and repetition

Pattern - ​Regular and consistent arrangement of elements of shapes, lines, and colours.

Movement - ​Principle of movement is used to create the impression of

action and it is dependent on other elements and principles.

Rhythm - ​There are 5 kinds of rhythm, alternating, progressive, flowing,

random, and regular. The way elements are organized could lead viewers'
eyes to the focal point.

Depth - ​Principle of depth creates and measures deepness, height, and size
of the image

Harmony - ​The arrangement of elements gives perceivers a feeling of

unified wholeness

Proportion - ​Proportions are differences of size, number, and relation between objects.

Sample:

Line: ​is an element of art which refers to the continuous mark made on some
surface by a moving point. It may be two dimensional, like a pencil mark on a
paper or it may be three dimensional (wire) or implied (the edge of a shape
or form) often it is an outline, contour or silhouette. Lines help to enhance, direct and
create movement.