Principles Of Design!

The Principles are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. The way in which these
principles are applied affects the expressive content, or the message of the work."

The Principles of Design are:"

•  Contrast"
•  Scale & Proportion"
•  Repetition"
•  Pattern"
•  Rhythm"
•  Movement"
•  Emphasis "
•  Balance"
•  Unity"

CONTRAST!
!
Contrast  is the  difference between  elements of art in a composition, such that each element is made stronger in
relation to the other. When placed next to each other, contrasting elements command the viewer's attention."
 "
Contrast can be achieved by juxtapositions of any of the elements of art.  Negative/Positive space is an example of
contrast. Complementary colors placed side by side is an example of contrast. "

SCALE & PROPORTION"

Scale and proportion are both design elements that have to do with size. Scale is the size of one object in relation
to the other objects in a design or artwork."
Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is
the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms
of the context or standard used to determine proportions."
 "
Our most universal standard of measurement is the human body; that is, our experience of living in our own bodies.
We judge the appropriateness of size of objects by that measure. "
 "
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."

REPETITION:"

Repetition works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity
within the work of art."
 "
The  principle  of  repetition  simply means the reusing of the same or similar elements throughout
your  design.  Repetition  of certain design  elements in a  design  will bring a clear sense of unity, consistency, and
cohesiveness."
"
Repetition works with pattern to make the artwork seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within
the artwork."
 PATTERN:"

Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art. Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the
elements of art or any combination thereof. Anything can be turned into a pattern through repetition. "
Some classic patterns are spirals, grids, weaves."
"
For examples of different pattern types see  the  Artlandia Glossary of Pattern Design.  A popular drawing practice
is Zentangles, in which an abstract or representational outline is divided into different areas, each of which contains a
unique pattern."

RHYTHM:"

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. "
MOVEMENT:"

Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be
directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art."

EMPHASIS: "

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."
"
Emphasis  is when the artist creates  an area of the composition that is visually dominant and commands the
viewer's attention. This is often achieved by contrast."
BALANCE: "

Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. Most successful
compositions achieve balance in one of two ways: "
"
A. Symmetrically  - Symmetry, in which both sides of a composition have the same elements in the same position,
as in a mirror-image, or the two sides of a face."
"
B. Asymmetrically - Asymmetry, in which the composition is balanced due to the contrast of any of the elements of
art. For example, a large circle on one side of a composition might be balanced by a small square on the other side."
"
Balance in a three dimensional object is easy to understand; if balance isn't achieved, the object tips over. To
understand balance in a two dimensional composition, we must use our imaginations to carry this three dimensional
analogy forward to the flat surface."

Symmetrical
Balance !

Asymmetrical
Balance!

UNITY: "
Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness. You want
your painting to feel unified such that all the elements fit together comfortably. Too much unity creates monotony, too
much variety creates chaos. You need both. Ideally, you want areas of interest in your composition along with places
for your eye to rest. "
"
Unity exists when your elements agree. Unity can be seen as the single most important goal of any design; to make
your whole design more than the sum of its parts. Use the design principles of repetition, alignment, and proximity to
add visual unity to your design and use contrast to add variety and interest."
Exercises Class Assignment: "

1.  Design your name using the principle of contrast with varied colors. Use 3 dimensional alphabets for this purpose."
"
2.  Draw a pattern by using the principle Repetition for a wallpaper to be used in your room. Use different types of
lines for the same & the pattern should be in black & white only."

3.  Use Triangles, circles & squares to create a composition for a wall art by using Rhythm & Movement Principle."

Exercises Home Assignment: "

1. Place a Pen, Sharpener, and Spectacles & Cell Phone on a table. Sketch it on a A4 size sheet and understand the
proportions of each. Visualize if any of these two will be larger than the original size. Sketch the objects together to
understand the proportions."
2. Design a composition in 3” X 3” by using squares, circles & triangles. Arrange the elements in such a way that the
composition emphasizes each character in a different way. Refer to the given examples. Use color"

3. Create symmetrical balance by using three colors of your choice in 3” X 3” box by using lines & shapes. Refer to the
given examples."

4. Create asymmetrical balance by using three colors of your choice in 3” X 3” box by using lines & shapes. Refer to
the given examples."
5. "Design a composition by using Principle of Unity for your first name Alphabets in English or Hindi in 5” X 5” box
with colors. Refer to the given example."