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.

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.

Balance 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. An appearance of evenness in an artwork. There are two kinds: symmetry and asymmetry

Vertical symmetry

Horizontal symmetry

Radial symmetry

Asymmetrical Draw 1 example of Asymmetry in the 1 st box using shapes.

Contrast A large difference between elements in an artwork. Green and Red, dark and light, large and small, thin and thick, bright and dull.

Emphasis Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or more focal points in an artwork. Contrast is a very effective way to create emphasis.

Movement The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the artist’s use of elements in an artwork. M.C. Escher

Variety Variety is a combination of difference and change 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.

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

Unity A sense that all of the parts belong together as one piece of artwork. All the principles work together to create unity and therefore a successful design. Salvador DaliAndy Warhol