Principle Of Design
- Balance
- Contrast
- Dominance/Focal point
- Harmony and Unity
- Movement
- Repetition/Rhythm
- Proportion
- Variation/Colours
Definitions
Balance – Distribution of visual weight in a work.
Ex. In a drawing, if everything were to be drawn on the right side of the paper and there were to be nothing on the left side, it would look as if the right side of the paper is heavier.
Contrast – The difference in quality between two instances of an art element, or using opposing qualities next to each other.
Dominance/Focal Point – Area of interest where the audience are directed to/area of interest where out stands from the artwork/area of interest where the artist wants the view to pay attention to.
Harmony/Unity – The relationship between elements, in some way where they work together and complement each other.
Movement – Using art elements to direct a viewer’s eye along a path through the artwork, and/or to show movement, action and direction.
Repetition/Rhythm – Repeating art elements in a regular pattern to create interest, movement, harmony and unity. Can be random, regular, alternating, flowing and progressive.
Proportion – Proportion is the relationship of sizes between different parts of a work. Golden ratio and the rule of thirds, are thought to be more naturally pleasing.
Variation/Colours – Using a range of different qualities or instances of an art elements/colours to create a desired visual effect.
