One must remember that each Principle can be applied to every Element of Design. For example, contrast can be applied not only to color, but also to line (thickness, curve, etc.), shapes, space, textures, etc. The examples below are just the beginning of your exploration!
the difference in quality between instances of elements
the stressing of areas of focus, a way to create dominance
the order in which the elements are viewed by the eye
the strongest focal point with the greatest visual weight is dominant; the secondary element is sub-dominant; and elements with the least visual weight are subordinate
the relationship of sizes between different elements
reusing the same or similar elements throughout your design
a repeating element with variations used to create visual movement
using elements in planned or random repetitions
the sense that elements are working together to achieve a common result
a logical, visually satisfying relationship or progression combining similar, related elements
using different qualities or instances of an element - provides contrast to harmony and unity to create visual interest
the path the viewer’s eye takes through a work of art
the distribution of visual weight; a psychological sense of equilibrium — to show the many different types of balance, it has been given its own section below:
(also called formal balance) arranging elements in the same way on both sides of an axis - reflective, inverted, biaxial, and radial are considered symmetrical balance
(also called bilateral) a mirror image - if a reflection is a perfect mirror image it is called pure symmetry, if it has slight variations it is called near symmetry (example: a butterfly)
elements on one side of an axis are mirrored then flipped along the opposite axis (example: the design on the playing side of a deck of cards)
a design that contains symmetrical designs on both horizontal and vertical axes - symmetry is both top & bottom and left & right (example: a snowflake design)
(also called rotational) elements arranged around one common center point (example: a sunflower)
(also called informal balance) arranging elements that vary in size and/or shape on both sides of an axis while maintaining equal visual weight
(also called crystallographic) repeating elements to create equal visual weight all over without distinct focal points - balanced chaos
repeating an element in different locations while maintaining its exact size and orientation (example: a picket fence)
positioning used to create order and organization among elements - creates a visual connection between elements
elements that are close to each other form a visual group - space makes elements appear as singular objects or separate groups
using elements to create depth in a two-dimensional space
serving a purpose - some functions of art might be to:
the organization of all the separate elements in accordance with the principles of design to form one unified design (the arrangement of elements within a work of art)
