1. By Derice Layher Adapted from Visual Arts 10, 20, 30 Curriculum
Principles of Design
By Derice Layher
Adapted from Visual Arts 10, 20, 30 Curriculum

2. Balance- All images have visual weight and balance in the visual arts is very similar to balance in physics. It can be achieved by placing equal or similar objects (in color, shape or size) on either side of a central axis, or radiating from a central point. It can also be achieved by placing unlike objects, such as many light objects with a few dark objects.
wii.ign.com
goyohidalgo.com
The first picture has linear balance, the second has radial balance and the third is unbalance (linear)
50502_ _ _n.jpg
facebook.com

3. Emphasis – Often called the “focal point”, this is where one part of the design has been created to be more important than the other parts. It is the part that the viewer sees first and can be created using contrast, isolation, location, convergence and the unusual.
aeyc-sea.org
psfk.com
In the first photo, the little girl is the focal point as she is in the foreground and most detailed object in the picture. In the next picture, the man is the focal point by being in the middle, dark amidst the light and a distinct shape amidst chaos. In the third picture, the fuzzy creature is the focal point by being in the middle, textured, and more darkly colored than the featureless (but varied in tone) background.
aqnb.com

4. Variety - Variety can add interest by using elements such as colour, texture and subject matter. Your work does not have to have variety to be interesting. Some works are interesting in their simplicity.
designinthevisualarts.blogspot.com
fismitharts.com
The first picture has variety in color and texture while the shapes (circles) remain the same.

5. Contrast - Contrast can be used to emphasize, provide variety and interest, or to create a certain feeling in the work. High contrast (black and white, large and small) can be used to emphasize differences, low contrast (two shades of grey, two heart shapes) to de-emphasize differences.
squidoo.com
edkphoto.wordpress.com
The first picture shows high contrast (color) while the second has low contrast (color and shape)

6. Proportion/Scale –Proportion deals with the size relationship of one part to another. Correct proportions depict realistic works, while exaggeration and distortion can depict alternate reality, moods and experiences. Scale refers to the size relationship between an object and a standard reference, such as the human body. Scale of an object within a design can be correct or exaggerated.
projectarticulate.org
annaereed.wordpress.com
Alice is out of proportion (neck from rest of body) while the dog/cat/rabbit are in proportion in relation to one another. The hand not portrayed to scale with the earth (or vice versa).
naturalmath.com

7. Proximity- Proximity is closeness or distance of individual design elements. Close proximity indicates a connection while distance creates a feeling of separation.
artsmemphis.org
wisethoughts.org
asteriskpix.blogspot.com
The first picture does not show proximity – no sense of comraderie. The second picture shows proximity – sense of closeness. The third picture shows proximity in closeness and subject matter.

8. Repetition (Rhythm, Pattern)- Visual rhythms are often created through repetition (shape, form or color). The way the images are arranged or presented can imply meaning or express ideas and feelings.
blogs.walkerart.org
First shows repetition of shape and color, second shows shape and color, the third shows repetition of color
behance.net

9. Harmony - Harmony refers to ways similarities in a work are accented or repeated to create a uniform appearance. Harmony may be achieved through organization of space (equal space between objects) or similar images, colours, and shapes.
fineartamerica.com
In the first picture, shapes and tones are repeated. In the second picture, shapes and subject matter are repeated.
ems-brainstorm.blogspot.com

10. Unity - Unity is perhaps the most important of the principles and the most difficult to define. Unity is achieved when all the separate parts work together to make a complete whole. The elements, ideas, principles and media are combined in such a way that all are essential to the finished product.
vincent‑van‑gogh_starry‑nig.jpg
Vincent van Gogh used brush strokes, shapes and colors to create a unified picture. The shapes, tones emphasis in the game case show unity.
final_fantasy_12_box_art.jpg