1. Elements of Design
The elements of design are the seven basic building
blocks of art & design.
 Without these building blocks the principles are meaningless.
 Think of them as “Legos:” parts, pieces or elements of something
bigger or whole. We use directions and rules to make something.

2. Principles of Design
The basic rules of aesthetics that guide in the
organization of elements in a work of art.
 Without these directions the elements are meaningless.
 Think of them as “Legos Directions:” Rules or steps to utilize
many different, similar and identical elements to create a
meaningful, cohesive and understandable piece of artwork.

3. Design Elements
Design Principles
LINE
SHAPE
COLOR
VALUE
TEXTURE
SPACE
FORM
BALANCE
VARIETY
MOVEMENT
CONTRAST
EMPHASIS
PROPORTION
UNITY

4. Balance
An appearance of evenness in an artwork.
There are two kinds: Symmetry & Asymmetry

5. Principle of Balance
An appearance of evenness in an artwork.
This is an example of
symmetrical balance in which
the design is the same on both
sides of the center axis.
This is an example of
asymmetrical balance
because the object is not the
same on both sides.

6. Vertical symmetry

7. Horizontal symmetry

8. Radial symmetry

9. Asymmetrical

10. Principle of Balance
1. Add definition for: Symmetry
2. In the first box Draw 1 example of Vertical Symmetry.
Symmetry
An appearance of evenness in an artwork.
There are two kinds: Symmetry & Asymmetry

11. Principle of Balance
1. Add definition for: Vertical Symmetry
2. In the first box Draw 1 example of Vertical
Symmetry.
Vertical Symmetry
A composition with identical or similar elements arranged on both
the right and left halves of an image.

12. Principle of Balance
1. Add definition for: Horizontal Symmetry
2. In the first box Draw 1 example of Horizontal
Symmetry.
Horizontal Symmetry
A composition with identical or similar elements arranged on both
the top and bottom halves of an image.

13. Principle of Balance
1. Add definition for: Radial Symmetry
2. In the first box Draw 1 example of Radial
Symmetry.
Radial Symmetry
A composition with a center point from which the arrangement of
elements radiate around in a circular format.

14. Principle of Balance
Add definition for: Radial Symmetry
2. Draw 1 example of Asymmetry in the 4th box.
1.
Asymmetry
A composition with a heavy and light amount of elements.
Asymmetry uses disorder to create balance.

15. Contrast
A large difference between elements.
Green and Red, dark and light, large and
small, thin and thick, bright and dull.
Contrast refers to differences in values, colors textures,
shapes and other elements.

16. Principle of Contrast
Add definition for: Contrast
2. Draw an example of: Contrast in color in the 1st box.
3. Draw an example of: Contrast in shape in the 2nd box.
4. Draw an example of: Contrast in size in the 3rd box.
1.
Contrast
A large difference between elements.

17. Principle of Emphasis
Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or
more areas of an artwork.
Areas of dominance or interest become a focus. Contrast is a very
effective way to create emphasis.

18. Principle of Emphasis
Add definition for: Emphasis
2. Draw an arrow pointing to: The Emphasis in all 4 boxes
using a colored pencil.
1.
Emphasis
Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or more
areas of an artwork.

19. Principle of Movement
The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the
artist’s choice of elements such as line.
M.C. Escher

20. Principle of Movement
Add definition for: Movement
2. Draw the line of visual Movement in all 4 boxes using a
colored pencil.
1.
Movement
The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the artist’s
choice of elements such as line.

21. Principle of Variety
Variety is a combination of small differences or changes that
create interest in an artwork.
Variety can create Rhythm & Pattern by repeating similar or identical elements
like: colors shapes, lines, values, forms, spaces, and textures.

22. Principle of Variety
Add definition for: Variety
2. Draw an example of: Variety in shape in the 1st box.
3. Draw an example of: Variety in color in the 2nd box.
4. Draw an example of: Variety in size in the 3rd box.
1.
Variety
A combination of small differences or changes that create
interest in an artwork.

23. Principle of Proportion
The relationship of size in artwork compared to how it
would be viewed in reality.

24. Principle of Proportion
Add definition for: Proportion
2. Draw 1 example of: “Out of Proportion” using a flower and
a building in the 1st box.
3. Draw 1 example of: “Out of Proportion” using one figure in
the 2nd box and remember no stick figures!
4. Draw 2 examples of: “In Proportion” in your own way in the
3rd and 4th box.
1.
Proportion
The relationship of size in an artwork compared to how it would be
viewed in reality.

25. Principle of Unity
A sense that all of the elements belong together as
one piece of artwork.
All the principles work together to create unity and therefore a
successful design.
Salvador Dali
Andy Warhol

26. Principle of Unity
Add definition for: Unity
2. Write: What do you think makes “Unity” in an artwork?
1.
Unity
A sense that all of the elements belong together as one piece of
artwork.