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Principles of Design
The principles of design are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. Again, the way in which these principles are applied affects the expressive content, or the message of the work.
BALANCE - the distribution of visual weight within a composition. the way elements are arranged to create a feeling of equalilbrium
1. symmetry
2. asymmetry
3. radidal symmetry
VARIETY - also called variation; A compositional strategy where the artist uses several different elements to create interest
MOVEMENT - - how the eye moves through the composition, leading the attention from one aspect of the work to another
UNITY/HARMONY - visually pleasing agreement among the elements in a design. It is the feeling that everything in the work of art works together and looks like it fits
EMPHASIS - also called focal point; A compositional strategy where the artist creates an area that stands out more than another area
RHYTHM - the use of recurring elements to direct movement of the eye through the art work. there are 5 kinds of rhythm :
1. regular 2. random 3. alternating
4. progressive 5. flowing
PROPORTION - The size relationship between 1 part of an image to another part of the image, or the relationship between 1 part of the image to the whole image.
In the distorted image to the right
REPETITION - The repeating of a visual element of the design to relate the parts to one another. It is one way to add Unity to a piece of artwork. By repeating an object within a composition your can create a sense of whole to the overall piece.
The image shown above is asymmetrical because if you were to print it out and fold it half, diagonally, or any way, it would not perfectly line up.
The image shown above is an example of symmetry. Apart from the text 'symmetry', if you were to fold this image horizontally or vertically, it would perfectly match up.
The image shown above is an example of radial symmetry.
ANALYZING THE IMAGE : SYMMETRY - The photograph above is a photograph I took of the base of a lamp that I took in my formal dining room, is a great example of symmetry. If you were to print out this photo and fold it in half like a hot dog, it would be perfectly symmetrical, all lining up. Not only does the whole image have symmetry, but the little details in the image as well. Such as the circles/ovals on the lamp and the plant in the middle. Not only does this photograph have symmetry, but it also has repetition. Repetition is implied in the circles on the base of the lamp.
ANALYZING THE IMAGE : REPETITION - The photograph above is a great example of repetition. The little circle bumps repeat throughout the yellow surface. This is an example of rhythm repetition in which one element is repeated but is slightly variated. Not only does the photograph represent repetition, but texture as well. You can not feel the texture on the photograph, but there is actual texture in real life and implied texture on the photograph.
ANALYZING THE IMAGE : IRREGULAR REPETITION - The photograph that I took of my macbook keyboard is a good example of irregular repetition. The element that is being repeating throughout the photo are the keys in the keyboard. Although they are not exactly the same size nor shape, they are still very alike making it irregular repetition. As the keys repeat throughout the photograph it created not only repetition but also unity as well. The photograph somewhat gives a visual sensation among the elements, in which this case are they keyboard keys, in the photograph.
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