1. Graphic Design Principles
Balance, Unity, Contrast, Emphasis, Line, and Color

2. Balance
Balance: the act of comparing or estimating two things, one against the other, and the contrast between:
Empty space (white space) and filled space
Text and images
Color and no colors and different colors
Ask students if they can think of other types of balance: texture and no texture (smooth), size and scale, elements of a composition.

3. Balance in Composition
Three different types of balance when using lines and curves
Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Radial symmetry

4. Symmetrical or Formal Balance
Can usually identify at least one of three lines of symmetry
Horizontal
Vertical
Diagonal

5. Symmetrical Balance
The rectangle has three lines of symmetry: Horizontal (yellow), Vertical (blue), Diagonal (red)
The triangle only has one line of symmetry: center or in this orientation Vertical. You can draw two other lines of symmetry from any of the vertices to the center of the opposite side.

6. Examples of Symmetrical Balance
The rectangle has three lines of symmetry: Horizontal (yellow), Vertical (blue), Diagonal (red)
The triangle only has one line of symmetry: center or in this orientation Vertical. You can draw two other lines of symmetry from any of the vertices to the center of the opposite side.

7. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance

8. Examples of Radial Balance

9. Unity
Unity: the correct balance of composition or color which produces a harmonious effect
What is the focus of the message?

10. Emphasis Emphasis: to express with particular stress or force
What message is stressed here?

11. Lines Lines can be straight or curved
How are lines used in compositions on this slide?

12. Lines Lines can indicate motion or direction
How are lines used in compositions on this slide?

13. Color Definitions Hue is another word for color
Chroma is the intensity or purity of color
Tint is a color mixed with white
Tone is a color mixed with gray
Shade is a color mixed with black

14. Color and Contrast
Using color can enhance or detract from a composition
Color wheels help determine which colors are in greatest contrast

15. Color Wheels
Analogous colors are colors that are adjacent on the color wheel
Complementary colors are colors opposite to each other on the color wheel
You can go back to slide 11 to illustrate analogous and complementary colors on the color wheel

16. Color in Design Use color to label or show hierarchy
Use color to represent or imitate reality
Use color to unify, separate and/or emphasize
Use color to decorate
Use color consistently

17. Summary
The basis of good graphic design is thoughtful application of design principles including balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, line, and color
Clearly identify what you are trying to accomplish — use design to convey your message
Brainstorm alternatives