Learn the rules before you break them.
Using the elements and principles of design helps achieve a good composition, delivers your message effectively, and makes your piece memorable. They are the foundation of every successful piece.
The Elements of Design
Artists and designers use the elements of design to create a design or composition. The elements are point, line, colour, shape, form, tone and texture.
Point: A single spot on a page.
Line: A mark in which the length is longer than the width.
Colour: Colour provides the feeling or expression of the piece.
Shape: Circles, squares, rectangles and triangles.
Form: Gives the appearance of depth.
Tone: Gives a sense of lightness and darkness.
Texture: The character of a surface, which adds dimension.
The Principles of Design
The use of design elements helps you achieve the principles of design. The composition as a whole is made up of elements, with each of the design elements applied to it—the principles of focus, balance, contrast, rhythm, and scale.
Focus: The principal element within your design.
Balance: Symmetrical or asymmetrical design elements.
Contrast: The relationship or difference between the elements of design.
Rhythm: The variety and repetition of the design elements.
Scale: The relationship of how large an object is in relation to another object.
Summary
The arrangement of all the design elements, as a unified whole, makes up a composition.
