Drawing and Painting: The Principles of Design

Design: Principles of Design

Principles

The 8 Principles of Design

Unity

Does it hold together?

Elements should work together as a cohesive whole.

Balance

Is it lopsided?

An element's visual weight should weigh against other elements.

Contrast

Does it stand out?

Elements need contrast to be seen.

Harmony

Does it sing?

All elements should play well together.

Gradation

Gradation reveals form.

Light reveals gradation. Gradation implies depth.

Dominance

What sticks out?

The prominent Elements or shapes.

Repetition

Echos of elements add interest.

Repeating similar elements adds interest.

Alternation

Do the same, only different.

Mirrored or inverted elements create pattern and interest.

Learning aids

The three primary principles of design are the HUB; as in Harmony, Unity, and Balance.

You can use clues such as the pest that likes to eat swiss chard, namely the CHARD BUG. Or Shakespeare enjoying a beverage, the BARD CHUG. Both are mnemonic for all the Principles of Design: contrast, harmony, alternation, repetition, dominance, balance, unity, and gradation.