Elements and Principles of Design

 

Unit 2: Graphic Design 

 Activity 1: Elements and Principles of Design

  

    Graphic design, is literally an art. There are various elements and principles that are followed in order to achieve optimal results.

    Elements of design are the parts or components that make up a piece of work. Not all of these elements must be used in one design. Principles of design refer to the way the elements are organized and provide the guidelines to be followed. There are many different opinions as to what these principles are, the seven most common are provided below.

Image by KGraves Art.

Elements -

Line: path of many dots. It can be straight, curved, act as an outline, or define a shape. May provide movement by leading the viewer's eye.      

Shape: squares, triangles and pentagons are some shapes that are made by connecting lines. Irregular shapes include leaves, butterflies, and other silhouettes.

Space: can be either negative or positive. Positive space refers to the space taken up by the object. Negative space is any unused space of a picture (empty space). 

Value: the gradation in a hue, ranging from the lightest to the darkest when considering its tonal quality. 

Colour: natural or man-made hue. Colour appears in cool colours (blues, greens, and violets) and warm colours (reds, oranges, and yellows). 

Texture: felt or implied surface. Various techniques can be found to add variety and interest to a  composition.

Form: combination of shapes, lines, and dots. A circle is a shape. The form of a circle is a sphere. 

Principles - 

Balance: three types of balance are radial (with centre point), symmetrical (mirrored image, formal), asymmetrical (equal balance, but informal and different). 

Unity: the harmony of all the elements, or the way in which elements interact with one another to be organized as one. 

Emphasis: the centre of interest, or the focal point - the object that draws the viewer's attention. 

Repetition/Pattern: created by repeating the same element to create an overall design/pattern.

Rhythm: includes repetition that is used to provide movement within a composition from one part to another.

Contrast: provides a definite difference between items within the composition. A contrast in colour, texture, or other elements.

Movement: creates the look and feel of action within your layout by leading a viewer's eye through compositions.

My Reflection:

      The elements and principals of design seem like essential and useful guidelines in creating effective photographs. In my opinion, implementing these guidelines would take your photos to the next level!

Works Cited:  

Unit 2 Graphic Design. Activity 1: Elements and Principles of Design slides. Slides on google classroom posted, February 23, 2022. 

KGraves Art. Elements of Art and Principles of Design. teacherspayteachers.com. n.d.     

     https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elements-of-Art-and-Principles-of-Design-3775082