Cloud Gate, Source (http://freshome.com/2008/08/04/the-most-beautiful-public-sculpture-a-drop-of-mercury/)
To understand what the Principles of Design, we must must acknowledge the Elements of Design – Things that make up a Design.
Elements of design:
- LINE – The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.
- SHAPE – A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric (squares and circles), or organic (free formed shapes or natural shapes). A positive shape automatically creates a negative shape.
- DIRECTION – All lines have direction – Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and action
- SIZE – Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.
- TEXTURE – Texture is the surface quality of a shape – rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc.
- COLOUR – Colour is light reflected off objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue or its name (red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is).
Principles of Design – is what we do with the above mentioned elements of design
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/46909884@N05/4422269729)
Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.
(http://www.msbabkiesclass.com/principles-of-design.html)
Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.
(http://mrs-cook.weebly.com/principles-of-design.html)
Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
(https://prezi.com/5prenxucodwr/smithwick-principles-of-design/)
Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.
(http://helloimnormal.blogspot.sg/2010/10/principles-of-design-scale-and.html)
Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.
Other sources:
https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/principles_design.pdf
http://www.j6design.com.au/6-principles-of-design/