The Elements and Principles of Design A Guide to Design Terminology The elements of design are some of the basic building blocks that make up the design or artwork. Understanding and using this terminology can help the designer articulate what works and what doesn’t work in a design, and to think critically about a design on a more conscious level. Combined, the elements and principles of design can make for a strong, complete and well-established composition. The principles of Gestalt, which arise from the elements of design, are included at the end of this document. Learning to use these elements and principles will be the focus of Beginning Design. The elements of design are: Point, Line, Form, Value, Texture, Shape, Space, Color (Color is covered in Art 110; we will be focusing on black, white, and gray scale values.) DEFINITIONS: A Point is a position in space. A Line is the path of a moving point. Two points connected make a line. Lines often imply motion, and can be rendered in a variety of ways. Contour lines or outlines, define the boundary between shapes. Lines can create texture or value when used in crosshatching. In addition to these types of actual lines, our eyes can invent implied lines, such as in dotted lines, or where area boundaries describe lines that may not be there. Shape is a two dimensional form. The variety of possible shapes is endless. Several common ones are as follows: • Simple Geometric: circles, squares, triangles are some of the examples. • Complex Geometric: straight and curved shapes that have more sides and angles. • Curvilinear: French curves, ellipses, circles and ovals used in combination. • Accidental: an example of this might be a coffee ring or paint splatters. Form is a shape with dimension, an object existing in three dimensional space physically or implied. Value is the tone created by black, white and shades of gray. The value or tone of an element can create mass, dimension, emphasis or volume. Texture can be actual or visual. • Actual texture is tactile: you can feel it by touching it. • Visual texture are the markings of a two dimensional artwork that imply actual texture. Space is an illusion or feeling of 3-dimensionality, which can be created in a two-dimensional design in several ways, for example: • Overlapping one object in front of another; • Using differences in value, amount of detail, etc. between elements; • Using techniques related to linear perspective, such as differences in size or height on page between elements The principles of design are: Unity, Variety, Movement, Balance, Emphasis, Contrast, Proportion, and Pattern. DEFINITIONS: Unity or harmony is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of design. The most basic quality of a design or artwork, unity gives a piece the feeling of being an integrated human expression. The princi.

1. The Elements and Principles of Design
A Guide to Design Terminology
The elements of design are some of the basic building blocks
that make up the design or artwork.
Understanding and using this terminology can help the designer
articulate what works and what doesn’t
work in a design, and to think critically about a design on a
more conscious level. Combined, the elements
and principles of design can make for a strong, complete and
well-established composition. The principles
of Gestalt, which arise from the elements of design, are
included at the end of this document. Learning to
use these elements and principles will be the focus of Beginning
Design.
The elements of design are: Point, Line, Form, Value, Texture,
Shape, Space, Color
(Color is covered in Art 110; we will be focusing on black,
white, and gray scale values.)
DEFINITIONS:
A Point is a position in space.
A Line is the path of a moving point. Two points connected
make a line. Lines often imply motion, and can
be rendered in a variety of ways. Contour lines or outlines,
define the boundary between shapes. Lines can
create texture or value when used in crosshatching. In addition
to these types of actual lines, our eyes can

2. invent implied lines, such as in dotted lines, or where area
boundaries describe lines that may not be there.
Shape is a two dimensional form. The variety of possible shapes
is endless. Several common ones are as
follows:
• Simple Geometric: circles, squares, triangles are some of the
examples.
• Complex Geometric: straight and curved shapes that have
more sides and angles.
• Curvilinear: French curves, ellipses, circles and ovals used in
combination.
• Accidental: an example of this might be a coffee ring or paint
splatters.
Form is a shape with dimension, an object existing in three
dimensional space physically or implied.
Value is the tone created by black, white and shades of gray.
The value or tone of an element can create
mass, dimension, emphasis or volume.
Texture can be actual or visual.
• Actual texture is tactile: you can feel it by touching it.
• Visual texture are the markings of a two dimensional artwork
that imply actual texture.
Space is an illusion or feeling of 3-dimensionality, which can be
created in a two-dimensional design in
several ways, for example:
• Overlapping one object in front of another;
• Using differences in value, amount of detail, etc. between
elements;
• Using techniques related to linear perspective, such as

3. differences in size or height on page between
elements
The principles of design are: Unity, Variety, Movement,
Balance, Emphasis, Contrast, Proportion,
and Pattern.
DEFINITIONS:
Unity or harmony is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is
achieved through the effective use of the
elements and principles of design. The most basic quality of a
design or artwork, unity gives a piece the
feeling of being an integrated human expression. The principles
of Gestalt (discussed in the next section)
are commonly used to give unity to a group of elements or to an
entire design.
Variety is the quality or state of having different forms or
types; variety is related to a work's complexity,
and often to its interest for the viewer. Examples of the
differences which give a design visual and
conceptual interest: use of contrast, emphasis, variety in size
and color. It is a challenge to the designer to
maintain unity while introducing enough variety to make a
design interesting.
Movement: A feeling of action, generally created by leading a
viewer's eye throughout an artwork.
Movement is achieved by using the elements and principles of
design to give the feeling of action, and to
guide the eyes as the viewer experiences the artwork.

4. Balance is arranging elements so that no one part of a work
overpowers, or seems 'heavier', than any other
part. Two different kinds of balance are:
• Symmetrical (or formal) balance is when both sides of an
artwork, if split down one or more axes,
appear to be the same (for example, the human body).
• Asymmetrical balance occurs when dissimilar areas of an
artwork are given similar 'weight' by
application of design elements/principles, resulting in a visually
satisfying feeling of balance.
Emphasis (also called focal point) is the creation of an area of
interest, through design principles or
meaning/content. Emphasis makes one part of an artwork
dominant over the other parts; it makes an
element or object in a work stand out. To use emphasis in an
artwork is to attract the viewer's eyes to, and
make them linger on, a place of special importance in an
artwork.
Contrast is the relative difference in some quality between
elements in a design. Contrast refers to the
arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough
vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes,
etc.). Contrast is related to variety, and typically increases
interest in a design, possibly at the expense of
unity.
Proportion (sometimes called scale) describes the relative sizes
and locations of objects in the artwork. It
refers to the relationships of the size of objects in a body of
work. Proportion gives a sense of relative size
to elements in a design.

5. Pattern and rhythm refer to the repetition of design elements.
Pattern can imply movement, and make
artwork seem active, just as repeated sounds can give a pulse or
rhythm to music that makes the hearer want
to move. Pattern can also set up expectations in an artwork
(which may or may not be fulfilled);
opportunities for contrast and emphasis arise when a pattern is
interrupted.
Gestalt is a term borrowed from psychology; literally meaning
'unified whole', it refers to the human
tendency to organize visual elements into groups. The principles
of Gestalt are: Closure, Grouping,
Similarity, Proximity, Containment, Continuance.
DEFINITIONS:
Closure is the tendency to perceive a whole even when a form
or shape is incomplete, or not completely
enclosed; if enough of the shape is indicated, the missing
information is filled in by our brains.
Grouping is the tendency to organize separate elements into
groups. This important principle can greatly
strengthen unity in a design, and is achieved through similarity
of various qualities, for example:
• Location
• Orientation
• Shape
• Texture
• Color/value
• Size

6. Proximity can be used both to combine objects in a group, or to
make two shapes adhere together as a
unified whole. The closer items are to each other, the more
likely gestalt is to occur.
Containment is the unifying force of an outer edge, boundary,
or encompassing shape.
Continuance is the grouping that results from the continuation
of a direction; forms are grouped into a
larger directional form, which commonly implies movement.
Thanks to Sarah Dillon-Gilmarten for providing the information
on which this document is based.
Leadership Issues in IHEs report Grading Rubric
Levels of Achievement
Content 70%
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Not Present
Comparing Leadership Styles and Issues
13 to 14 points
There is a clear discussion on the comparisons, pros/cons of a
leader verses a manager with examples. Visionary leadership is
described and examples are given.
12 points
There is a clear discussion on the comparisons, pros/cons of a
leader verses a manager. Visionary leadership is described.
1 to 11 points
There are many points missing in the discussion on the
comparisons, pros/cons of a leader verses a manager. Visionary
leadership is minimally or not discussed.
0 points

7. There is no mention of ethical decision making.
Understanding of Literature/ Texts
13 to 14 points
Writing shows insight and understanding and is well
documented with sources from interviews and literature.
12 points
Writing shows strong, clear understanding with sources from
interviews and literature.
1 to 11 points
Writing shows little understanding of text and little use of
literature.
0 points
Writing shows no understanding or connection with the text.
Organizational Pattern
13 to 14 points
Strong, interesting; clear beginning, middle, and end; strong
thesis that is marked on submission.
12 points
Organized; clear beginning, middle, and end; clear thesis that is
marked on submission.
1 to 11 points
Little attempt at organization; lacks clear beginning, middle,
and end; thesis lacking or inappropriate and is not marked on
submission.
0 points
No attempt is made at organizing the submission.
Advance, Post Graduate Word Choice in Writing
13 to 14 points
Fresh/vivid; contributes to voice; third person is used
consistently throughout; "to be" verbs are not used.
12 points
Vivid/interesting; attempt to establish voice; third person is
mostly used throughout; "to be" verbs are rarely used.
1 to 11 points
Simple/vague; appears to lack voice; third person voice is rarely
used; "to be" verbs are often used.

8. 0 points
Poor/inappropriate usage; shows little to no use of correct
grammar.
Structure 30%
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Not Present
Sentence Structure
12 points
No errors occur and the sentences are varied.
10 to 11 points
No errors occur, but sentences lack variety.
1 to 9 points
Frequent errors occur and sentences lack variety.
0 points
Syntax is not fitting for the nature of the assignment.
Format
12 points
The report includes a typed 2-5 page final draft with a 3- 5
references in the reference page in current APA format. No
errors exist
10 to 11 points
The report includes a typed final draft with a reference page in
current APA format. Minor errors exist.
1 to 9 points
The report includes a typed final draft with a reference page in
current APA format. Numerous formatting errors exist.
0 points
The report includes a typed final draft with numerous
formatting errors and no reference page. Current APA format is
incorrect.
Page 1 of 2

9. Leadership Issues in Higher Education Report Instructions
Read about the leadership challenges facing administrators and
leaders in higher education. As the number of problems has
grown over the past decade, higher education enterprise have
searched for stronger managers and visionary leaders to address
these issues. It is not enough to only be an administrator or only
be a leader. Colleges and universities need leaders and
managers who can turn their visions into reality. In some
situations, it becomes difficult to separate an administrator’s
role as leader and administrator, since most leaders also must
manage and most managers must lead.
Predicated on these differences, develop a 3-page report in
current APA format that addresses some of the major leadership
issues confronting higher education today.
Be sure to follow these guidelines:
· The report must follow current APA format and style,
including:
· A title page,
· A reference page,
· Double spacing, and Writing in third person.
· 3 pages, not including the title page or reference page.
· 4 scholarly references.
Hasegawa Tohaku, left panel of Pine Trees screen, sumi on
paper, 1595
Anonymous Japanese woodblock print, 19th cent.

10. 2
Isometric projections are useful to architects, engineers, and
anyone to whom actual measurements and scale are important.
3
Simone Martini, Orsini Altar
Carrying of the Cross
1333
4
Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel fresco
Lamentation of Christ
1306
5
Masaccio, Santa Croce fresco
The Holy Trinity
1427
6

11. Piero della Francesco
Sansepulcro fresco
The Resurrection
1463
Although Da Vinci’s Last Supper is perhaps the most famous
fresco that was nearly destroyed during World War II, the
people of the Italian town Sansepolcro in Tuscany contend that
they, in fact, hold the most important work spared in the war.
For this, they can thank commanding British artillery officer
and great appreciator of art, Tony Clarke, who was supposed to
raze the city, but defied orders—having read Aldous Huxley’s
comment that Sansepolcro was home to the best painting in the
world. Huxley, of course, was referring to Piero della
Francesca’s famed fresco, The Resurrection.
7
Attr. Piero della Francesco, Laurana, da Forli…paint on wood
panel
The Ideal City, late 15th cent.
Raphael, Vatican fresco, School of Athens 1510 (showing
vanishing point)
Giovanni Paolo Panini, oil on canvas, St. Peter’s Basilica,
1750’s

12. Jean Beraud, oil on canvas, Café Gloppe, 1889
Edward Hopper, oil on canvas, Nighthawks 1942
Anders Jilden photograph
3-point perspective drawing
Value is the tone created by mixing black and white into shades
of gray. The value or tone of an element can create mass,
depth, emphasis or volume and implication of light and shadow.
Achromatic is a term that refers to the mixture of black and
white only. (It means without chroma – without color.)

13. Light traveling over a surface can express visual texture – or
make a 2d image look like it contains texture.
Ansel Adams, photograph
Getting rid of the line…
Contour lines become EDGES or boundaries, where a value
meets a value instead of a line drawn between shapes.
Getting rid of the line…
Contour lines become EDGES or boundaries, where a value
meets a value instead of a line drawn between shapes.
Martha Alf, graphite
Georges Seurat charcoal drawing
Georges Seurat painting “Bathers at Asnieres”
Place shadows accurately…
Soft vs. crisp edges

14. Light on a curved surface
Light helps to define a shape as a three dimensional form.
Pontormo painting “The Visitation”