ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The Elements of Design The Elements of Design (what we see): Line Shape & Form Colour Texture Space Proportion
Line Lines have direction: A linear mark on a page vertical, horizontal, or screen, made with oblique an instrument like a Direction brush, pencil, pen, or evokes emotion: mouse; or, the line oblique lines and created by the meeting zigzags connote action, of two shapes. danger, suddenness. In scenic design, "line" Line creates Shape. could refer to the contour of a set, an onstage structure.
Shape & Form Any self-contained area with defined form or outline. Shapes are generally refers to 2D, form 3D. Shape has size, which may connote significance or insignificance, strength or weakness. A coloured shape on a white back-ground is itself a positive shape creating a negative shape (the background). Refer to the maquette for Andorra as an example of the effective use of shape.
Colour The phenomenon created when the human eye reacts to the energy and frequency of light. Light is additive working towards white. Paint or pigment is subtractive working towards black. LIGHT PRIMARY COLOURS :is a combination of red, blue and green light in different proportion. PIGMENT PRIMARY COLOURS: red blue and yellow can create any pigment colour.
Colour is said to have value, which refers to the lightness or darkness of the colour (hue). Tint (colour plus white) is high-value colour, whereas shade (colour plus black) is low value colour. Hue, intense or saturated colour, has nothing added. Colour may connote emotion (excitement, rage, peace) and stimulate brain activity (action, relaxation, concentration).
Texture The apparent or actual quality of the surface: grainy furry, bumpy. Texture can be either felt (tactile), seen (visual) or both felt and seen. In a drawing, texture can be created by varying light and dark strokes or lines which can also imply depth.
Space The distance between objects, or the dimensions of length, width and depth. A shape on a page is positive space and it creates negative space around it, which also needs to be considered in design.
Proportion The harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole. Set designs, toy designs are examples. Can also be though of as scale.
The Principles of Design The Principles of Design are concepts that refer to the relationships of the elements of design to each other and to the total composition. They guide how we arrange those visible elements to make effective compositions. They include: Balance Unity Variety Harmony Movement Rhythm Emphasis
Balance The state of equal relationship; the sense of stability when weight is distributed equally on either side of a vertical axis; a pleasing arrangement of parts in a whole. There are different kinds of balance: Symmetrical balance wherein each side is the mirrorimage of the other Asymmetrical balance wherein there is a sense of balance achieved through careful planning of elements; ex: three small objects on one side of a page may be arranged to balance one large object on the other Radial balance wherein the design elements swirl out from a central axis (star, explosion)
Unity The sense of oneness in a work of art; the sense that the design components or objects belong together. Unity is achieved by placing components close together (proximity), by repetition, or by creating a sense of flow whereby the eye is led from one aspect of the work to another using line, direction or colour.
Variety The use of different colours, sizes, shapes, etc. to create interest and avoid monotony. Variety may be achieved by varying aspects of the same theme.
Harmony The sense of order or agreement-among the parts of a whole; aesthetically pleasing relationships among parts of a whole. For example: The harmony of colour in a painting The parts of a product that fit well together yet make it look good as well. A vehicle would be a good form example.
Movement The sense that static elements on a page or plane can seem to be in motion, possibly because our brain understands that movement is about to happen or is actually happening. For example Images that are blurred to show speed Text / fonts to indicate different kinds of motion
Rhythm The sense that our eyes are being carried from one part of the design or painting to another; this may happen abruptly through the use of jagged lines, abrupt shifts of colour or shape, or in a flowing circular way. Repetition of design elements also contribute to a sense of rhythm. Repetition of line or other elements create rhythm, and also mood (calm, restful versus unsettled or dangerous.)
Emphasis The sense that our attention is being focused to a particular spot a centre of attention achieved by : Scale: a larger object dominates smaller objects Colour: one bright colour against subdued colours catches the eye Contrast: the juxtaposition of black and white, dark and light highlights differences Position: an object placed in the foreground or the center of a work dominates, as does one in isolation from other objects