Design Elements

Design Elements

1. Line

Line is straight or curved.

There are two ways for considering of line. 

We can use a pen or brush for drawing the linear marks or the edge created when two shapes meet.

2. Shape

A shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, colour, or texture.

3. Direction

All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique.

Horizontal : Suggesting calmness, stability and tranquillity.

Vertical : Giving a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. 

4. Tone / Shape

Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.

5. Texture

Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual.

Types of texture:

1. Tactile texture is the actual three-dimension feel of a surface that can be touched. Painter can use impasto to build peaks and create texture.
2. Visual texture is the illusion of the surfaces peaks and valleys, like the tree pictured. Any texture shown in a photo is a visual texture, meaning the paper is smooth no matter how rough the image perceives it to be

6.Perspective

The principles of design

1. BALANCE
   Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. Balance provides stability and structure to a design. It’s the weight distributed in the design by the placement of your elements.
2. PROXIMITY 
   Proximity creates relationship between elements. It provides a focal point. Proximity doesn’t mean that elements have to be placed together, it means they should be visually connected in someway.
3. ALIGNMENT
   Allows us to create order and organisation. Aligning elements allows them to create a visual connection with each other.
4. REPETITION
   Repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements. It helps to create association and consistency. Repetition can create rhythm (a feeling of organized movement).
5. CONTRAST
   Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements (opposite colours on the colour wheel, or value light / dark, or direction - horizontal / vertical). Contrast allows us to emphasize or highlight key elements in your design.
6. SPACE
   Space in art refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within elements. Bothpositive and negative space are important factors to be considered in every design.