Art and Design Terminology

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Aesthetic

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Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. Of pleasing appearance.

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Asymmetry

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Symmetry in which both halves of a composition are not identical. Also referred to as informal balance.

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Balance

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A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. There are three types of visual balance: symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.

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Color

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The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light.

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Contrast

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The state of being noticeably different from something else when put or considered together.

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Element

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A basic constituent part.

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Emphasis

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Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.

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Form

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Having the three dimensions of length, width, and depth. Also referred to as a solid. The organization, placement, or relationship of basic elements, as volumes or voids in a sculpture, so as to produce a coherent image.

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Gestalt

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The principle that maintains that the human eye sees objects in their entirety before perceiving their individual parts.

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Graphic Design

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The art of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, books, etc.