Principles of Design

The principles of art and design include balance, emphasis, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, and variety; the means an artist uses to organize elements within a work of art.Rhythm A principle of design that indicates movement, created by the careful placement of repeated elements in a work of art to cause a visual tempo or beat.Balance A way of combining elements to add a feeling of equilibrium or stability to a work of art. Major types are symmetrical and asymmetrical.Emphasis (is a form of contrast) and is a way of combining elements to stress the differences between those elements.Proportion A principle of design that refers to the relationship of certain elements to the whole and to each otherGradation A way of combining elements by using a series of gradual changes in those elements. (large shapes to small shapes, dark hue to light hue, etc)Harmony is a way of combining similar elements in an artwork to accent their similarities (achieved through use of repetitions and subtle gradual changes)Variety is a principle of design that deals with diversity or contrast. Variety is achieved by using different shapes, sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.Movement A principle of design used to create the look and feeling of action and to guide the viewer’s eye throughout the work of art.So far we've covered the Elements of design and the principles of design.