PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

1. Principle of Balance

   • symmetrical/ formal balance
     • -equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum -weight of composition is equally distributed -identical forms on both sides of the axis
     • bilateral symmetry
       • -elements are arrange equally on both sides
     • approximately symmetrical
       • -equivalent but not identical
     • radial symmetry
       • -arranging elements equally around central point
   • asymmetrical balance
     • color
       • -vibrant colors against neutral colors
     • value
       • black vs. white or contrast
     • shape
       • -flat vs. irregular shapes
     • position
       • -larger weight (closer) vs. lighter weight (farther)
     • texture
       • -smooth vs rough -soft vs. hard
     • eye direction
       • -by used of edges, shapes, groups

2. Principle of Proportion

   • -relative size and scale of the various elements in a design
   • deals with the size relationship of one part to another
   • bad proportion vs. good proportion
   • Ex. Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci
   • a.k.a Law of Relationship
   • Perfect Proportion: The Golden Ratio, the Golden Mean, or Fibonacci's Spiral
     • Parthenon

3. Rule of Thirds

   • -imagine breaking an image down into thirds (horizaontally & vertically) so that you have 9 parts.
   • subject placed on one of the intersecting points
   • natural point of focus

4. Principle of Unity

   • similiarity
     • -repetition
   • continuity
     • -family resemblances
   • alignment
     • arranging shapes
   • proximity
     • -cohesive group

5. Principle of Contrast

   • achieved by creating differences in:
     • shape
     • color
     • texture
     • direction
     • movement
     • size
     • value
     • type
     • alignment

6. Principle of Emphasis

   • -provides focal point for the piece
   • a.k.a. dominance

7. Principle of Rhythm

   • -repetition or alternation of elements
   • sense of movement
   • establish pattern and texture
   • kinds:
     • regular
       • -intervals bet. elements,  -similar in size or length
     • flowing
       • -give sense of movement
     • progressive
       • -shows sequence of forms
     • repetition
       • -patterning -visual "beat"
     • alternation
       • -sequence of repeating motifs are presented in turn (short/long; fat/thin; round/square; dark/light)
     • gradation
       • patterned thru regular progression of steps

8. Principle of Harmony

   • composition with similar units
   • used similar elements

9. Principle of Variety

   • to change the character
   • complement to unity
   • needed to create visual interest