Design Seminar

 Harmony is the visually satisfying effect of combining

similar or related elements.
 Harmony in visual design means all parts of the visual
image relate to and complement each other.
 Visual harmony is achieved through a balance of unity
and variety.
 That can mean choosing
complementary or
analogous color schemes
to achieve color
harmony, or choosing
one typeface or
contrasting but not
conflicting styles.
 A common trait between elements could be
texture, patterns, color, shape or size.
 Harmony in design helps bring about unity. All
harmony and no contrast, however, can become
monotonous. A balance must be struck between
areas of harmony and areas of contrast.
 Harmony pulls the pieces of a visual image
together.
 The principles of harmony and contrast seem
completely contradictory, but it is the balance
between these two that is vital to the success of
any design.

 Try and keep the area of contrast smaller than

the harmonious area you wish to relieve.
 Understatement is usually better - sometimes
just a tiny contrasting mark is all that is
needed.
 A limited palette will keep a
tight color harmony.
 Tonal contrast then becomes
the main tool for emphasizing a
focal point
 Patterns or shapes can help achieve harmony.
 Harmony can be achieved
through repetition.
 Repetition reemphasizes visual
units, connecting parts and
creating an area
of attention.
 By repeating patterns in an interesting arrangement,
the overall visual image comes together.
 Two or more identical, or near identical elements
are not only an expression of visual agreement, but
the repetition also helps to catch and draw the eye
into your design.

 That doesn’t mean

your design will look
fabulous just by
adding two similar
items though, your
choice of what to
repeat is important.
 Harmony can be achieved through rhythm.
 Rhythm is the flow depicted in a visual.
 Rhythm helps direct eye movement.
 Using the paper given to
you, the shapes provided
and colored pencils, create
a graphic design. Be
creative.
 This square will become
your “quilt block”.
 As a class, decide the layout
of your “quilt blocks” to
create your class quilt
design.
 When joined with the rest of
the “quilt blocks” from your
class, you will create
harmony through unity and
variety.
 http://designelementsandprinciples.com/
harmony2.htm
 http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/
vlo/design/principles/harmony/index.html
 http://www.sitepoint.com/harmony-in-
design-part-2-repetition/
 http://www.sitepoint.com/new-series-
harmony-in-design/