2D Design Terms Flashcards
Elements of art
line, shape, volume, value, texture, and color
Principles of design
unity and variety, balance, emphasis and subordination, directional forces, contrast, repetition and rhythm, scale and proportion
anomaly
An obvious break from norm in a design. Often used to create an accent or to emphasize an idea.
module
A standardized unit or compositional component
system
A group of interrelated elements of parts forming a collective entity. The system is the way you place your modules next to each other. One may start in a corner and work across and down, or one may start in the center and work in a growing spiral outward.
visual weight
1) The inclination of shapes to float or sink based on their solidity and compositional location.
2) The relative importance of a visual element within a design.
emphasis
Special attention given to some aspect of a composition, which gives it prominence.
accent
A line, shape, or color that has been emphasized. Using an accent, a designer can bring attention to a specific part of a composition, shift visual balance, and increase the rhythmic variety within a pattern.
Line Direction
Used to denote certain emotional responses
Horizontal: long, unbroken, restful and calm
Vertical: convey dignity, stability and strength
Diagonal: suggest action, dynamic
Curved: graceful w/ gently flowing movement
Line types (not comprehensive)
Calligraphic- lines that are generally flowing and rhythmical (like calligraphy)
Contour- line that describes an area
Cross-contour- line that crosses and defines the surface between edges of shapes/objects
Implied- lines that dim, fade, stop and/or disappear
Mechanical- objective, impersonal; uniform in character
Texture
Surface character of a material that can be experienced through touch or the illusion of touch.
Actual- real textures
Invented- decorative, not necessarily seen in nature
Simulated- copy or imitation of real textures
Amplified perspective
The exaggerated use of linear perspective to achieve a dramatic and engaging presentation of the subject. Amplified perspective is often created using a unusual viewing position, such as a bird’s eye view, an accelerated convergence, or some form of distortion.
Atmospheric perspective
A visual phenomenon in which the atmospheric density progressively increases, hazing over the perceived world as distance increases. Overall definition lessens, details fade, contrasts become muted and in a landscape, an blue mist descends.
One-point perspective
A form of linear perspective in which the lines receding into space converge at a single vanishing point of the eye line (also called the horizon line). Linear perspective in which one face of the object is parallel to the picture plane and all horizontal receding lines meet at a single vanishing point.
Two-point perspective
A form of linear perspective in which the lines receding into space converge at a two vanishing points of the eye line (or horizon line), on to the left of the object being drawn and one to the right of the object being drawn. Used when the object being drawn is placed at an angle to the picture plane / linear perspective in which objects are situated so that horizontal lines recede to two different vanishing points.
Abstract
1) (verb) to simplify, emphasize or distort qualities of perceptual reality.
2) (noun) the reduction of an image or object to an essential aspect of its form or concept.
Accent
An area of particular interest or importance.
Assemblage
An additive method in which the artist or designer constructs the artwork using objects and images
which were originally created for another purpose. Essentially, assemblage can be defined as three-
dimensional collage.
Asymmetrical balance
An equilibrium among visual elements which differ in size, number, weight, color, or texture. Asymmetrical balance is generally non-axial and very dynamic.
Balance
A visual or physical equilibrium among interacting and/or opposing forces in a composition.
Boundary
The dividing line between objects, images, or experiences.
Characteristic texture
The inherent or familiar texture of a material. The gleaming reflective surface of a steel teapot, the transparent and reflective qualities of glass, and the gritty texture of clay are all characteristic textures.
Compression
The forcing or crushing of material into a smaller, denser condition and its visual dynamics and
implied psychological effects.
Connection
1) a unifying relationship in a composition.
2) a physical joining, through joints, welds, stitching, and so forth.
Content
The ideas embodied in an artwork
Contradictory texture
The unfamiliar use of a texture or the addition of an unusual texture to the surface of an object. Meret Oppenheim’s “Object, “ a cup, plate and spoon covered with fur gains its impact from its textural contradiction.
Contrast
The degree of difference between objects, shapes, colors and so forth.
Craftsmanship
Skill or dexterity in the handling of tools and materials. The general completeness and appearance of an artwork.
Dominant (or dominance)
The most prominent visual element
Emphasis
Special attention given to some aspect of a composition, which gives it prominence.
Form
1) the physical manifestation of a design as opposed to the content, or the idea behind a design.
2) the organization or arrangement of visual elements to create a unified artwork.
3) a three dimensional object: for example, a square is a shape, a cube is a form.
Formal elements
The components of a basic visual language. The formal elements for 3D design are point, line,
plane, volume, mass, space, texture, color and time.
Function
The purpose of a design or the objective which motivates the designer. For an industrial designer, the primary purpose of a design is often utilitarian. For example, he or she may be required to design a more fuel-efficient automobile. For a sculptor, the primary purpose of a design is aesthetic: he or she seeks to create an artwork that engages the viewer emotionally and philosophically. However, a sculpture, like an automobile, must be physically well-constructed, and a car, like a sculpture, must have aesthetic appeal.
Gesture
The underlying sense of movement or the overall expressive qualities of an object.
