Principals of Design Are guidelines for using the elements of design or the use or arrangement of the building blocks of visual art.
Pattern
Pattern refers to the repetition or recurrence of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat or visual movement.
Rhythm / Movement
Rhythm or movement refers to the suggestion of motion through the use of various elements.
Proportion / Scale
Proportion is the size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another. Scale refers to relating size to a constant, such as a human body.
Balance
Balance is the impression of equilibrium in a pictorial or sculptural composition. Balance is often referred to as symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.
1.(last supper by Leonardo DeVinci) – symmetrical/stable confident feeling from symmetrical design.
2.(absinthe by Edgar Degas) – asymmetrical/divided by diagonal line with elements placed kitty corner to create asymmetrical balance/more dynamic than symmetrical.
3. Radial balance occurs when all the elements radiate out from a central point and the visual weight is distributed equally. Radial balance creates a strong focal point in the center of the design. Clock faces and daisies are examples of radial balance.(Chartres Cathdreal rose window/ Grateful Dead etc.)
Unity
Unity is achieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion.
Emphasis
Emphasis refers to the created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands.
(creation of Adam by Michelangelo – outstretched arms leading to the emphasis on the fingers almost touching. Uses line and placement of objects plus the plain background ensures that the viewers eye lands on this point also known as a stress point.)
(School of Athens by Raphael) the element of perspective is used to emphasize the figures in the center of the composition. The vanishing point is placed behind the figures.)
(Self portrait by Rembrandt. Uses value to emphasize the hands and faces of subjects. Making the hands and faces much lighter than surrounding objects.
Artz 363 