Elements and Principles of Design Flashcards
What is the difference between elements and principles of design?
Elements of Design are the basic components (like color, line, and texture) that artists and designers use to create a visual work.
Principles of Design are the guidelines (like balance, emphasis, and contrast) that dictate how those components should be arranged and used to create a visually pleasing and effective composition.
In essence, the elements are “what” you see in a piece of art, while the principles are “how” those elements are arranged and utilized to convey a message or create an effect.
What is a line in the context of design?
Definition: A continuous mark made on a surface by a moving point; can vary in width, direction, and length.
Example: The use of bold, straight lines in abstract art to create a sense of structure.
-Thick/Thin
-Straight/Squiggly/ Wavy
What is a shape in design?
Definition: An enclosed area defined by lines or curves, which can be geometric or organic.
Example: Geometric shapes like squares and circles in modern logo design.
What does form mean in design?
Definition: A three-dimensional object that has depth, width, and height, or the illusion of three-dimensionality.
Example: A realistic rendering of a sphere in a painting to create volume.
How is colour used in design?
Definition: The visual perception of light wavelengths; includes hue, value, and saturation.
Example: The use of complementary colors to create contrast in a painting.
-different colour express different meanings
What is value in the context of design?
Definition: The lightness or darkness of a color or tone.
Example: A monochromatic drawing that uses varying values to depict a landscape.
What is texture in design?
Definition: The surface quality of an object, which can be actual (tactile) or implied (visual).
Example: The rough texture depicted in a detailed pencil sketch of tree bark.
How is space utilized in design?
Definition: The area around, between, or within elements of a composition; includes positive and negative space.
Example: The use of negative space in a minimalist poster to draw attention to the central image.
What is scale in design?
Definition: The relative size of elements within a composition.
Example: A large-scale sculpture dominating a public square to emphasize its importance.
What is balance in design? (P)
Definition: The distribution of visual weight in a composition; can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.
Example: A symmetrical architectural design that conveys stability.
What does contrast mean in design? (P)
Definition: The difference between elements, such as color, texture, or shape, to create visual interest.
Example: The use of light and dark colors in a photograph to highlight the subject.
How is emphasis used in design? (P)
Definition: The creation of a focal point in a composition, drawing the viewer’s attention to a particular area or element.
Example: The use of bright colors on a single element to make it stand out.
What does movement refer to in design? (P)
Definition: The visual flow or path that the viewer’s eye follows through a composition.
Example: The use of sweeping curves in a painting to guide the viewer’s eye.
What is pattern or repetition in design? (P)
Definition: The repeated use of an element or elements to create consistency and unity.
Example: Repeated geometric patterns in tile work to create rhythm.
What is rhythm in design? (P)
Definition: A sense of movement created by the repetition of elements; can be regular, flowing, or progressive.
Example: Repetition of lines in a drawing to create a sense of motion.
