Elements &
Principles
of Design
Elements of Design
The elements are components or
parts which can be isolated and
defined in any visual design or work
of art. They are the structure of the
work, and can carry a wide variety of
messages.
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Line
• Line is the path of a
moving point. Lines can
be vertical, horizontal,
diagonal, curved, angular,
zigzag, bent, straight,
interrupted, thick, thin,
parallel, cross-hatched, or
spiral. Lines can be
implied, an outline
showing the edge of
something.
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Shape
• The two-dimensional
are enclosed by an
outline; height and
width. Shape can be
realistic, geometric,
abstract, idealized,
naturalistic,
nonrepresentational,
amorphous and
biomorphic
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Space
• The distance or area
between, around
above, below, and
within things.
Negative spaces
surround positive
shapes. Artist create
the illusion of a
background,
foreground, and
middle ground.
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Color
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Hue
Primary colors
Secondary color
Tertiary colors
Complementary colors
Analogous colors
Intensity
Warm colors
Color colors
Neutrals
Tone
Tint
Shade
Monochromatic
Achromatic
Analogous colors
Complementary colors
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Form
• The threedimensional height,
width and depth.
Forms can be cubes,
spheres, pyramids,
and cylinders.
Flowing asymmetrical
forms are free form or
organic.
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Texture
• Real or actual texture
• Implied or simulated
texture: those that
can be felt painted or
drawn texture
• Texture can be slick,
smooth, rough,
velvety, satiny,
bumpy,…
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Value
• Differences in hue or
neutral ranging from
the light to the
darkest, for example,
white to black.
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Principles of
Design
Principles of Design are the different
ways the elements of art have been
used in artwork. The elements of art
are organized by artist to create a
composition.
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Balance
• The equilibrium or
stability of various
elements may be
arranged formal
(symmetrical) or
elements may be
arranged informal
(asymmetrical).
Radial symmetry
arranges elements
from a central point.
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Pattern
• An overall interplay of
repeated or
corresponding parts
Emphasis
• The center of interest
or focal point, which
may be the largest,
brightest, or lightest
subject.
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Rhythm
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Rhythm is the repetition or alternation
of elements, often with defined
intervals between them. Rhythm can
create a sense of movement, and can
establish pattern and texture. Regular:
A regular rhythm occurs when
the intervals between the
elements, and often the
elements themselves, are
similar in size or length.
Flowing: A flowing rhythm gives
a sense of movement, and is
often more organic in nature.
Progressive: A progressive
rhythm shows a sequence of
forms through a progression of
steps.
Regular
rhythm
Flowing
rhythm
Progressive
rhythm
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Unity
• The harmony of all
the visual elements in
a composition. The
feeling of
completeness or
wholeness of a
balance and
organized
composition of the
elements and
principles.
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Contrast
• Contrast in art and
design occurs when two
related elements are
different. The greater the
difference the greater the
contrast. Contrast adds
variety to the total design
and creates unity. It is
what draws the viewer's
eye into the painting
and helps to guide the
viewer around the art
piece. Pos/neg,thick/thin
lines,light/dark
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Movement
• When the elements
are put together to
have the illusion of
movement and action.
It invites the eye to go
from one area to the
next. Mobiles, video,
film, and digital 3-D
illustration have
actual movement.
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value
Elements &
Principles
of Design
Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Unity, Contrast, Movement
Finished