Principles and Elements of Design

It is an area where element of piece is given dominance, or a place that draws attention.

• Emphasis

• Harmony

• Balance

• Rhythm

This refers to the equality of visual attraction or the equilibrium of two opposing factors or elements.

• Emphasis

• Harmony

• Balance

• Rhythm

This principle refers to the consistent unity of components or elements that fit together in achieving a main idea.

• Contrast

• Harmony

• Balance

• Proportion

It is a two-dimensional line with no form and thickness.

• Line

• Shape

• Color

• Form

This element of design deals with the degree of roughness and smoothness of a surface or an object.

• Line

• Shape

• Texture

• Form

It refers to a three-dimensional object that uses light and shading techniques to produce volume and breadth.

• Color

• Shape

• Texture

• Form

It is the process of lightening any of the 12 basic colors by adding white. Example, a red added with white can quickly become pink.

• Tinting

• Shading

• Toning

It is the process of darkening any of the 12 basic colors by mixing with black. One basic example is burgundy-it is a result of the mixture of red and black.

• Tinting

• Shading

• Toning

It is the method of graying down any color in the color chart by adding gray. Example, a blue mixed sparingly with gray can become grayish blue.

• Tinting

• Shading

• Toning

Uses any two colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel.

• Complementary

• Analogous

• Triadic

• Tetradic

• Monochromatic