Principles of Designand how they are used.By: Marcus Peyton

BalanceBalance is the equal distribution of visual weight in a design. Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical meaning that one is repetitive and looks the same on both sides where as the other looks different. Visual weight is influenced by size, position, color, texture, quantity, shape, etc.

Emphasis• Emphasis creates

a focal point in a design. It is how we bring attention to what is most important. Emphasis is what catches the our eyes and makes the viewer stop and look at the image. It can be commonly created by placement and contrast.

Proportion

• Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. It is the relationship of objects or parts of a whole.

Repetition • Repetition involves the use of patterns to

achieve timed movement and visual beat. Visual rhythm can be achieved by a number of ways. Examples are linear rhythm which is not dependant on a pattern but how the person looks at it with there eyes. Alternation is an instance of patterning with a sequence of repeating designs. Gradation is patterns that all relate to one another through steps.

Unity

• Unity can be achieved through effective and consistent use of any of the elements. Pattern is needed for a strong sense of unity. Consistency of form and color can also bring a strong sense of unity in a design. Unity can also exist in variety given all the elements are together in a common meaning or style.

Contrast• Refers to the

arrangement of opposite elements for example, light vs dark colors, rough vs smooth textures, etc. In a piece of artwork its used to create visual interest, excitement and drama.

Harmony

• Harmony is used to pull the pieces of a visual image together into one so all pieces can relate to one another. Patterns, Shapes and repetition can all help achieve Harmony.

Proximity• Proximity

in design means that objects near each other are seen as a unit. A common example would be a list of something.

Variety

• Variety is need to create and hold visual interest. Without variety an image or piece of work would be dull and uninteresting. Ways to add variety are through lines, shapes, colors, contrasts and value, textures, etc. Variety means to change something to make it different.

Image Sourcing• http://thebranman.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/asymmetrical-

balance.png• http://deyphotos.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/emphasis-2.jpg• http://www.revolutionarygardens.com/wp-content/uploads/

2011/01/Arbor.jpg• http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UlH3sKaCyWM/T9ZI5uv83xI/

AAAAAAAAGyo/1y9LHiD-OIo/s320/javalit_repitition3.jpg• http://sweigarj.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/unity1.jpg• http://www.trentsizemore.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/

IMG_6519-1-600x400.jpg• http://www.jeepz.com/forum/attachments/general-chat/

4566d1266030024-s-snowing-beach-feb-snow-7.jpg• http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/207/323/207323352_640.jpg• http://www.apnphotographyschool.com/wp-content/uploads/

2011/08/radiant-sea.jpg