Emphasis

Emphasis is defined as an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point. Subordination is defined as minimizing or toning down other compositional elements in order to bring attention to the focal point.

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Unity

Designers use unity to make elements in a composition appear to belong together. When each elements has a clear visual relationship to one or more other elements, the composition is unified. ... a design evokes a sense of quality and organization.

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Balance

Balance, like physics, determines how weighted a design is to a certain area. If your content stands out in one particular area of your space, the balance (and attention) will be shifted to that area. An unbalanced design can create a dynamic feeling, but can also cause people to miss things as the entire page is harder to absorb at once.

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Contrast

Contrast occurs when two opposites are placed near each other. This is an especially useful element in design because it is what most attracts attention and causes elements to stand out. This “pop factor” can be the difference between your design leaping off the page and it being flat and uninteresting. It’s a well known fact that in pretty much every case, a design needs at least some element of contrast in order to be interesting.

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Repetition/Rhythm

Repetition can be a great tool for leading the eye across a page, but without variation it can quickly become monotonous to look at. Consider how fast you want people to be exposed to your content. The more repetition you use, they quicker your audience’s brain will register your design, but the quicker it will get bored! Try using some slight variations within your repetition to keep interest.

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Proportion

Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions.

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1005.3 Assignment

Your assignment here is to create a video featuring video clip examples of the six principles of design highlighted in this lesson.  The assignment has two purposes.  First, to recognize examples of these principles of design that surround us everyday.  Second, to become familiar with the movie editing software iMovie.  Your video does not have to be heavily edited, however, you must import your footage, title your examples of each principle of design, add background music and export your video to a format that is compatible with YouTube.  You will then upload your video to YouTube and link it in your portfolio webpage.

This will be assignment 1005.3 on your assignment page for 1005.  It should be titled 1005.3 - Principles of Design.  You may wish to review the markscheme so that you are aware of how it will be assessed.

1005.3 Principles of Design

In communication, words can be put together to make sentences. Similarly, in visual arts, elements of design can be combined to create principles of design.

Just like elements of design, there are many variations out there ... different names for the same things.  As you research, see the common ideas that are labeled differently.  As far as this class is concerned, we will focus on the following six principles of design: