The Principles of Design

Emphasis
When one area in a work of art stands out
more than another. The part that catches your
attention first.

Balance

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight

of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the
design was a scale, these elements should
be balanced to make a design feel stable.

Contrast

A difference created when elements are

placed next to each other in a work of art.
Movement
The repetition of lines, shapes, or colors to
create a feeling of movement.

Pattern

Two dimensional decorative visual repetition.

Rhythm
The repetition of lines, shapes, or colors to
create a feeling of movement.
Variety
The use of different elements such as lines,
shapes, and colors in a piece of work.

Proportion
Principle of design concerned with the size
relationships of one part to the whole and one
part to another.