Design Principles by Ivette Torres

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Ivette Torres

Five Design Principles

Unity

ContrastProximity Unity

RepetitionBalance

Contrast can be defined as difference; difference between art elements like color, size, or texture, these are used to create visual effects.

The contrast in the colors between the leaves and the trunk, and the neutral color of the pot makes this plant very interesting.

Ex. 1

Contrast

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Repetition uses repetitive elements to enhance meaning and bring visual interest to an image.

By using the bird as a repetitive element, the bike takes on a new form and invites the viewer to ponder the meaning.

Repetition

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Unity is the arrangement of all the elements so that they compliment each other and work in unison to portray that everything falls into its place.

In this picture there is the unity of colors, and they create a sense of completeness.

Unity

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Proximity is the arrangement of elements that relate to each other to make a visual grouping.

The artist grouped birds together and used proximity to create a sense of unity. There is also unity of colors.

Proximity

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BalanceBalance refers to the ways in which the lines, shapes, colors, and textures of a piece are arranged.

Colors create a perfect balance in this picture. The dramatic effects of colors are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

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The contrast of colors green, black, and white

is used to focus the viewers attention on the

music player.

Contrast

ContrastEx. 2

This is contrast because the elements are opposing one another light against dark.

Contrast

ContrastEx. 3

Contrast enhances the detail in texture and

makes it stand out. The color contrast of the

white, yellow, brown, and green on the leaf makes

the leaf detail more noticeable. In addition,

the tonal contrast of the wood grain makes the

texture of the wood stand out.

Contrast

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The trees are repeated in a up and down wave

that gives life to the picture.

Repetition

RepetitionEx.2

Repetition of these birds creates a pattern and

gets the viewers attention.

Repetition

RepetitionEx.3

This is an example of repetition and unity in

architecture.

There is repetition of window frames, same

shape of chimneys, same pattern of bricks,

same external wall design, and same design

of roof.

Repetition

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Van Gogh created unity with swirling brush

strokes and dominance of cool colors. He created

the feeling that everything belongs

together.

Unity

UnityEx. 2

This picture for unity because each part of the picture compliments the

other part. It seems equal and balances with out

being symmetrical.

Unity

UnityEx. 3

Unity

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The overlapped figures create a strong bond.

There is unity of colors, rhythm, and proximity to

each other.

It is not clear where you should begin reading the card, and it is not clear when you are finished.

The card becomes more organized. You understand where to begin reading the

message, and you know when you are finished.

Proximity

ProximityEx. 2

The example below shows how the different symbols of

music, food and activities, have been placed in close proximity to make a larger image. By looking at the

arrangement you will see that each item works

together to tell a visual story.

Proximity

ProximityEx. 3

Proximity

Proximity helps create organization. By grouping elements together or in

close proximity, you create a relationship

between those elements.

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Balance

Symmetrical balance is achieved when both sides of

an artwork carry the same visual

weight. Symmetrical

balance gives the impression of

stability in a visual sense.

BalanceEx. 2

Balance

This image is well balanced because the woman is in the basic middle of the image.

The surface and bottom of the water surrounding her are

even around her. This image is also balanced

at the ends.

BalanceEx. 3

How and why this is a good example

Balance

Last Supper is an example of

symmetrical balance in art. There is equal

weight on both sides around the central figure of

Jesus Christ .

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Referenceshttp://www.sitepoint.com/principles-of-design-contrast/http://artofbonsai.org/feature_articles/designprinciples.php http

://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yuNIyuT3kh8/S8wpZgmV0AI/AAAAAAAAAA0/hdrstaL2nSQ/s1600/contrast+wallpaper.jpg

http://www.ronbigelow.com/articles/texture-photography/texture-photography.html http://www.nhsdesigns.com/principles/proximity/page03.php http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/10/do_your_slides_pass_the_glance_test.html http://vector.tutsplus.com/articles/inspiration/using-design-principles-to-create-exceptional-vectorillustrations/ http://kevinchristoper2002.blogspot.com/2013_06_01_archive.html http://alexandramoffatt15.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/basic-principles-of-design-assignment/ http://www.vanseodesign.com/web-design/web-design-balance/ http://www.smashingbuzz.com/2011/05/picture-perfect-photography-the-10-essential-elements/ http://aayushgfx.com/articles/theory/using-design-principles-to-create-exceptional-vector-illustrations/ http://csuetying.blogspot.com/2012/10/what-do-you-understand-about-design-how.html http://www.takebetterphotosnow.com/blog/photography-tips-repetition/ http://cynthia-in-des001ofucd.blogspot.com/2010/11/blog-post_08.html http://nhsdesigns.com/graphic/principles/unity.php http://www.apnphotographyschool.com/composition/15-power-composition-tips-using-design-principles-part-ii/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/28066752@N06/5619147940/ http://www.allposters.co.uk/-sp/Unity-Posters_i1636174_.htm