Principles of Design

Unity – You use unity to make elements in a composition appear to belong together. This is achieved when it doesn’t look cluttered or confusing. To create unity, you repeat colors, shapes, values, textures, or lines that create a visual relationship .

Emphasis - Create a focal point by making one element of the design more prominent or eye-catching than the others.

Balance - A perfectly symmetrical piece may have no focal point because each element is equally emphasized. It generally draws the eye first to the central point in the design.

Proportion - the ratio of one part of the composition to another

Contrast - the occurrence of contrasting elements, such as color, value, size, etc.

Movement - The use of lines, colors, values, textures, forms and space to carry or direct the eye of the viewer from one part of the design or picture to other. Generally created by the arrangement of shapes.

Variety - The use of dissimilar elements, which creates interest and uniqueness.

Pattern – a design that is repeating with the same lines, colors and shapes.

Rhythm - the expression of visual harmony within a design.