Principles of Design to Know for AP Art & Design

Understanding the Principles of Design is key to creating impactful artwork. These principles—like balance, contrast, and unity—help artists organize their ideas and guide viewers through their compositions, making art more engaging and meaningful in AP Art & Design, Drawing I, and Intro to Art.

1. Balance

   • Refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition.
   • Can be symmetrical (evenly balanced) or asymmetrical (uneven but still balanced).
   • Creates a sense of stability or tension in the artwork.
   • Important for guiding the viewer's eye and creating a cohesive piece.

2. Contrast

   • Involves the use of opposing elements, such as light vs. dark or rough vs. smooth.
   • Highlights differences to create visual interest and depth.
   • Can be used to draw attention to specific areas or elements within the artwork.
   • Essential for enhancing readability and clarity in design.

3. Emphasis

   • Focuses on creating a focal point in the artwork.
   • Achieved through contrast, placement, size, or color.
   • Guides the viewer's attention to the most important part of the composition.
   • Helps convey the main message or theme of the artwork.

4. Movement

   • Refers to the way the viewer's eye travels through the artwork.
   • Can be created through lines, shapes, and colors that lead the eye.
   • Suggests action or direction, enhancing the narrative of the piece.
   • Important for creating a dynamic and engaging composition.

5. Pattern

   • Involves the repetition of elements such as shapes, colors, or textures.
   • Creates rhythm and unity within the artwork.
   • Can add visual interest and complexity to a composition.
   • Often used to establish a sense of order or organization.

6. Rhythm

   • Refers to the repetition of visual elements to create a sense of movement.
   • Can be regular (predictable) or irregular (unexpected).
   • Helps to create a flow and guide the viewer's experience.
   • Important for establishing a visual tempo in the artwork.

7. Unity

   • The sense of harmony and cohesiveness in a composition.
   • Achieved through the effective use of the other principles of design.
   • Ensures that all elements work together to create a complete whole.
   • Important for conveying a clear message or theme.

8. Proportion

   • Refers to the size relationship between different elements in a composition.
   • Can affect the overall balance and harmony of the artwork.
   • Important for creating realistic representations or stylized effects.
   • Helps to establish a sense of scale and context.

9. Harmony

   • The pleasing arrangement of elements that creates a sense of order.
   • Achieved through the use of similar colors, shapes, or textures.
   • Enhances the overall aesthetic quality of the artwork.
   • Important for creating a unified and cohesive composition.

10. Variety

    • Involves the use of different elements to create interest and diversity.
    • Can be achieved through contrasting colors, shapes, or textures.
    • Prevents monotony and keeps the viewer engaged.
    • Important for balancing unity with diversity in a composition.