Principles of Design BALANCE, UNITY, EMPHASIS, MOVEMENT, RHYTHM, CONTRAST, PROPORTION

Making a design is like making a cake. The Elements are the ingredients. The directions for mixing them together are the Principles . Organization of elements that work together to give unity Principles of Design

Asymmetrical - (informal balance) the two sides of a work of art are not exactly the same, but are still visually balanced Balance The way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability

Asymmetrical - (informal balance) the two sides of a work of art are not exactly the same, but are still visually balanced

Symmetrical Balance: (formal balance) parts on both sides are the same

(formal balance) parts on both sides are the same

Radial Balance parts radiate from the center in all direction

All Parts of a work of art are interrelated, balanced, and organized to achieve a quality of oneness Unity

All Parts of a work of art are interrelated, balanced, and organized to achieve a quality of oneness

This can either be actual motion or it can be implied — the arrangement of the parts of an image to create a sense of motion by using lines , shapes , forms , and textures that cause the eye to move over the work Movement

This can either be actual motion or it can be implied — the arrangement of the parts of an image to create a sense of motion by using lines , shapes , forms , and textures that cause the eye to move over the work

Movement Linear strokes cause our eye to move back and forth through the painting.

Emphasis Accent, stress, or importance placed on a part of a piece of artwork (repeating an idea creates emphasis) Emphasis

Accent, stress, or importance placed on a part of a piece of artwork

(repeating an idea creates emphasis)

The focus of the lady brings our attention to the envelope as well as its stark white color. Emphasis

The focus of the lady brings our attention to the envelope as well as its stark white color.

Regular repetition of lines, shapes, or colors that create a movement. Patterns have rhythm Rhythm

Regular repetition of lines, shapes, or colors that create a movement. Patterns have rhythm

Rhythm Repetition of the figure descending the staircase not only creates movement but rhythm as well

a difference between objects Contrast

a difference between objects

relationship of one part to another or to the whole with respect to size , quantity, or degree; a ratio Proportion

relationship of one part to another or to the whole with respect to size , quantity, or degree; a ratio

BALANCE, UNITY, EMPHASIS, MOVEMENT, RHYTHM, CONTRAST, PROPORTION Can you use the principles of design to critique this artwork? Sandy Skoglund: Radioactive Cats , 1980

Created by: Erin Smith with a special thanks to artlex.com