Here is a brief article on the elements of design you need to know. Design is all about planning for the construction of an object or system. In other words, you can say that design is the implementation of an activity or process in the form of a product or process. So, let us discuss all elements of the design you need to know.
1. Line
One of the basic elements of design is the line. The line is the first and foremost element of design. The line is the distance between two points, which can either be straight or can be curved. In other words, you can say that line is an element of art that is defined by a point that is moving in space. Lines can be of any width or texture, or it can be vertical, or it can be horizontal, or it can be diagonal, or it can be curved.
Not only that, but a line can also be continuously implied, or it can be broken. If you use different lines it different orders, it will result in a unique design. For example, if someone uses a line in a vertical pattern and an implied manner, and on the other hand, if another one uses a line in a horizontal pattern and a broken manner, both of them are giving a different pattern of design. Design can be 2D or 3D, but the line is the only element that has a significant impact on it.
The line is an element that can be used to create shape and form, not only that a line can give a sense of depth and structure. Designers use lines for making outlines, to lead the artwork in the eyes of viewers, to create shades, or to create texture. Not only that, but designers also used a line to suggest emotions or moods. So, the line is among the elements of design, which has a significant impact on a particular design.
2. Color
Color is the second most important basic elements of design. Color can be used to reflect the mood or emotions too. Having a good color sense also reflects how good an artist or designer you are. The result of light which is reflecting from an object to our eyes is color. Color can change the mood or art of the design. Color has an essential factor in the whole design.
Color is a universal language that represents the story about the design. Not only that, but it also presents the countless possibilities of visual communication. Different color combination tells us a different story, or you can say the other mode of art. Color also creates a theme in the design, which holds a symbolic meaning. It allows spectators to have different conceptions or interpretations of visual design.
Different colors have various meanings to other individuals or cultures. In simple words, you can say different colors have different meanings. Color, no doubt, plays an important role in the elements of design. Not only that, but it is also used to put emphasis on desired elements and create a pattern in a piece of design. On the whole, you can come up with a conclusion that a successful color combination accompanies the good design.
3. Space
Space is also important, and it plays a lead role in the elements of design. Without space, a design will immensely affect. Just for instance, let us take an example; if there no conception of space, the design will look very congested. The shape can create the illusion of a three-dimension on a flat surface. If you want to give your design or an object a three-dimensional look, you can use the highlight, transitional light, and shadow.
You have just heard the concept of overlapping. This type of overlap is the illusion that makes you, as an observer to look the top element closer. You can only determine the order of closeness but not the depth of the space. I think some of you who are reading this piece of the article have heard the term “shading.” Designers or artists use this technique to add some effects of darkness and overshadow in their piece of design or art.
It is also used to convert a two-dimensional design into a three-dimensional design. Now let us talk about negative space. However, a maximum of you will wonder what negative space is. Negative space is nothing, but it creates shapes as you would any other element. Negative space is also helping in creating an overall image. So space is also basic among elements of design.
4. Shape
The shape is the one that tells us and make us understand the meaning of the design. The shape is also considered as one of the basic elements of design. The shape is also called as a two-dimensional area that stands out from the space next around it due to implied or a defined boundary. This is due to differences in color, texture, or maybe of value. There are many shapes like geometric shapes, organic shapes, and curvilinear shapes.
- Geometric Shapes- Shapes that can be drawn using a compass or ruler are called geometric shapes. However, this type of shape produces a feeling of control and order.
- Organic Shapes- Shapes that can be drawn using hands are called organic shapes. Organic shapes generally exist in the imagination of the artist. It does not have any particular pattern.
- Curvilinear Shapes- Shapes that are made usually made up of curved lines and smooth edges are called curvilinear shapes.
Shapes are usually the roots of design. It helps to organize the other elements of design. Properly using shape is a sign and key of a sound and perfect design.
5. Texture
The texture is also a basic element among the elements of design. A viewer’s attention is attracted or diverted from the design for texture. Texture can be applied to shapes, lines, or forms. Mostly three-dimensional appearances are created using textures on two-dimensional surfaces. Building an immersive world is also with the help of texture. There are generally two types of texture, namely: Actual texture and Visual texture.
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Actual Texture-
The sense of touch perceives the actual texture. It usually means that the physical three-dimensional texture of an object. You will be amazed if I tell you that collage is the creation of texture. Collage means applying three-dimensional objects on the surface of two-dimensional surfaces.
Did you hear the term ‘assemblage’? Assemblage is nothing but a technique of assembling different types of three-dimensional objects into a sculpture. This usually reveals textures to the viewer like me and you. There are also a lot of other collage techniques, too, like using glue paper, which means a paper that is glued or sticky, as a surface to create various textures. So, these are some types of actual texture.
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Visual Texture-
After actual texture, now tells talk about visual texture. The illusion of a real texture created on a 2-D surface is called as visual texture. For example, tree bark is in general rough, but when it is drawn in a two-dimensional surface with using proper consistency, but it will still be smooth when touched, and that is known as visual texture.
Moreover, you can also say that any texture felt in an image can be considered as visual texture. Colors like oil, encaustic, and acrylic are used to give any image a realistic touch up of texture, which is further known as visual texture.
6. Scale or Size
Size or scale is another critical thing in the list of elements of design, though many of us got confused about these two terms. But still, relax both this term is nearly equal. Size is nothing but an absolute measurement, and on the other hand, the scale is a relative degree, or you can say it is a relative measurement. Professional designers are very particular and severe about size and scale while creating a design.
Professional designers usually look into size or scale for making their piece of design more significant, or you can say they want to give their design perfection. In general, a beginner does not keep on their mind the concept of size or scale, or you can say that they missed it out. But the size and scale have a crucial role in the design apart from other elements of design.
Now let me tell you some exciting facts about scale. Do you know that color is also on a scale? Yes, color is also on a scale. The scale is a fascinating concept. One must know before creating a design not only that a scale can also create perspective in composition. It is used to create an illusion of depth as larger elements tend to advance while smaller elements tend to shrink into the background.
7. Emphasis
In simple words, the element which can draw your attention to design is called emphasis. Rather you can say that emphasis is the center point of a design. Emphasis is the eye-catching part that stands out unique from the rest of the elements of design. Now let us talk about how emphasis can be created in a particular design.
Emphasis can be created by adding some contrast of temperature, by using some darker or lighter value or by increasing the intensity of the color of an object. Not only that, but you can also isolate an object which you want to emphasize or by contrasting a shape with it surrounding. Some designers even use emphasis to reduce the effect of certain information on the design. Emphasis can also be added by the focal point, contrast, color, placement, and movement on a design.
For more convenience, let us take an example of a portrait. Here the designer or artist mainly focuses on the face of the image and wants us to focus on the face. For that, the designer uses emphasis to increase the contrast and focal point of the face of that particular image or design. So, one can say that adding emphasis on a particular or specific design will increase the viewer’s attention.
8. Balance
Balance is the proper combination of objects, colors, texture, and space altogether. Now this one is the key element among the elements of design. Balance is classified into three types, namely Symmetrical balance, Asymmetrical balance, and Off-balance.
- Symmetrical Balance- Typically, proportional balance means to place elements in a very fashioned and even manner in the design. Centering the other components is also another way to balance your design symmetrical.
- Asymmetrical Balance- On the other hand, asymmetrical balance is a little bit opposite to symmetrical balance. Asymmetrical balance does not have elements similar and matched across the center of the design.
- Off-Balance- Now this is really off the beat. Yes, I am talking about an off-balance. Off-balance is all about which suggests motion and action of the design. Off-balance can even make the viewer uncomfortable and uneasy too.
The layout is the way to include balance in your design. On more simple words, balancing a design is the primary key for making a design successful and attractive. Balance can make a piece of design more perfect if it’s other elements of creation is in the equal and correct proportion or quantity, or you can say it can further give an appearance of properly distributed elements. So, keeping balance in mind before making a design is essential.
Now we have come to the end portion of the article. Lastly, one more thing which I want to add that besides these eight elements of design, which I have mentioned above, there is one more critical element that is rhythm. Several feelings are created using rhythm, which is a crucial point of a design.
Though there are many other elements of design and if all the aspects of the design can be brought together, then it will be converted into one beautiful creation. So, here was the list of all the elements of design you need to know. I hope you enjoyed it while reading.
Last Updated on by Sathi
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