Elements and

Principles of Design
Elements of design refer to what is
available for the artist /designer or
any person willing to communicate
visually, while Principles of design
describe how the elements could
be used.
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
SHAPES
Defined as area that stands out from the space
next to or around it due to a defined or implied
boundary. It is formed when a line encloses an
area. Square, circle, rectangle and triangle are
examples of shapes.
FORM
Described the volumes and mass, or
the 3D aspects of objects that take up
space.
SPACE
The area around, within or between images or
parts of an image relates to perspective
positive or negative space.
COLOR
Refers to the wavelength of light.
Properties of color.
1. Hue is the name of the color.
2. Value refers to lightness or
darkness of hue.
3. Intensity refers to the purity of the
hue also known as “Chroma”.
TEXTURE
Refers to the surface quality. The feel,
appearance, thickness, hardness or
stickiness of a surface.
The Principles of design are the rules by
which an artist uses the elements of design.
The most often used principles in visual arts
are pattern, contrast, emphasis, rhythm and
variety. These principles may vary slightly
according to the person using them.