Composition & Design: Principles of Design

270813 Tues.

As a (future) designer, what we think about design usually has a direct impact on how we design. The principles of design is actually what we do to the elements of design. "How we apply the principles of design determines how successful we are in creating a work of art." -- John Lovett

1. Unity & Variety

• Unity: creates a sense of harmony and wholeness, by using similar elements within the composition
• Variety: adds interest, by using contrasting elements within the composition

2. Balance

• These two pictures are balance.
• A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge.
• The darker the shape, the heavier it appears to be.

3. Scale & Proportion

Scale

Proportion

• Scale is the real size of an object seen in relation to other objects, people, its environment or the picture plane.
• Proportion is the size relationship of parts to its entire work, and each to the other.

4. Hierarchy (Focal point/ Dominance)

• Dominance is about the focus given to a part of artwork.
• Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis.

5. Rhythm & Repetition

• Repetition is the use of similar or connected pictorial elements. e.g. similar shapes, colours or lines that are used more than once.
• Repetition can create rhythm.