Principles of design

If the elements of design are thrown together without plan, the result is confusion. The elements must be carefully organized into a unified design. This is done by following the principles known as proportion, rhythm, and balance.

Rhythm. Rhythm is movement which we feel in looking at a design. It often results from a repetition of forms which flow in a given direction like the upward thrusts of a picket fence.

Rhythm may be seen in a polka dot design or in a checkerboard design. The simple shapes and spaces between them are always the same. We call this a static rhythm. It has no variety and is therefore somewhat monotonous. Other types of rhythm have more variety and interest. Instead of a single shape there may be a group of related shapes whose height, width, or depth may change as well as the space between them. Ocean waves are the example.

Balance. You may have seen two children on a seesaw. If they are the same weight, they balance each other when they sit the same distance from the center. This is equal, or symmetrical, balance. If a heavier child wants to seesaw with a small child, the larger must move closer to the center to be balanced by the weight of the small child. This is unequal balance.

Nature provides us with many examples of equal and unequal balance. The formal symmetry of a pine tree is an equal balance; but the irregular, unequal jutting limbs of an oak are also in balance.

In designs made by artists we also find examples of equal and unequal balance. If two shapes are about the same size and color, they will balance each other if placed about equal distance from the center of the design. However, if two shapes are unequal in size, the smaller will need to be placed farther from the center to make them appear balanced.

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Principles of design

If the elements of design are thrown together without plan, the result is confusion. The elements must be carefully organized into a unified design. This is done by following the principles known as proportion, rhythm, and balance.

Balance. You may have seen two children on a seesaw. If they are the same weight, they balance each other when they sit the same distance from the center. This is equal, or symmetrical, balance. If a heavier child wants to seesaw with a small child, the larger must move closer to the center to be balanced by the weight of the small child. This is unequal balance.

Nature provides us with many examples of equal and unequal balance. The formal symmetry of a pine tree is an equal balance; but the irregular, unequal jutting limbs of an oak are also in balance.

In designs made by artists we also find examples of equal and unequal balance. If two shapes are about the same size and color, they will balance each other if placed about equal distance from the center of the design. However, if two shapes are unequal in size, the smaller will need to be placed farther from the center to make them appear balanced.

The artist learns to deal with many problems of balance. He learns how to balance each of the elements of design: line, color, value, space, mass, and texture. He finds that horizontal lines can be used to balance vertical ones. A small area of complex shape will balance a large area of simple shape. Small areas of bright color balance larger areas of dull color. There is no mathematical formula for determining balance in design. Through experience and practice the artist develops an ability to feel when all the parts of his design are in balance.

A design achieves unity when (1) it has pleasing proportions; (2) its parts are so organized that we enjoy following the rhythms of the patterns; and (3) we feel it is in balance. We enjoy looking at designs that have unity.

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