Principles of Design

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PROPORTION

EMPHASIS

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Refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The relationship that exists between objects, or parts, of a whole.

PROPORTION

Example: The relationship that exists between individual body parts and the body as a whole.

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Unity – The feeling of harmony between all parts of the composition creating a sense of completeness.

Variety – The use of several different elements with some common meaning or style to guide the eye through the composition.

While unity & variety can each stand on their own, they are always present together in effective design.

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The distribution of the visual weight of the Elements of Art within a composition.

Types of Balance:• Symmetrical Balance• also called Formal Balance• Bilateral Symmetry• Asymmetrical Balance• also called Informal Balance• Approximate Symmetry• Radial Symmetry

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The point of focus in a composition that most strongly attracts the viewer’s attention.

The artist may direct the viewer to the focus of the composition through the use of repetition or contrast.

EMPHASIS

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Rhythm is created when one or more of the Elements of Art are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement.

•Linear Rhythm

•Repetition

•Alternation

•Gradation