The 

elements of design are best understood as being the

building blocks of any project. Even the most complex graphic
design portfolio can be broken down into fundamental
elements like lines, shapes and fonts. Meanwhile,
the principles of design—sometimes referred to as “the
principles of art”—are rules that help define and regulate how
those elements interact with one another, with their context,
and with their audience. Although both the elements of design
and the principles of design are important concepts to know,
this article focuses on the elements of design, which are
considered the most basic characteristics of any graphic
design project.