PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

A way of organizing the elements in a work of art to distribute their visual weight pleasingly

• Emphasis

• Balance

• Proportion

• Contrast

Elements on one side of the artwork are also used on the other side in equal portions

• Asymmetrical Balance

• Proportion

• Symmetrical Balance

• Rhythm

Elements on two sides of the artwork are different in visual weight, but overall work together to create equality

• Radial Balance

• Emphasis

• Unity

• Asymmetrical Balance

Elements are arranged around a central point

• Emphasis

• Rhythm

• Radial Balance

• Unity

Uses a specific element of art to create a focal point

• Emphasis

• Proportion

• Unity

• Rhythm

The arrangement of opposite elements in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama

light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures,

large vs. small shapes, etc.

• Proportion

• Unity

• Balance

• Contrast

Using one or more elements of art repeatedly to create a sense of movement and direction in the work

• Unity

• Rhythm

• Propotion

• Contrast

The relationship of elements to each other within the whole work of art, how they work together in terms of placement and scale/size

• Proportion

• Balance

• Contrast

• Unity

To make one particular object out of scale

• Optical Art

• Exaggerated Proportion

• Radial Balance

• Collaborative Work

A connection between the elements that creates a sense of harmony or completeness

• Unity

• Contrast

• Balance

• Rhythm