Principles of design

Principles of design

• 2.
   Unity isthe hallmark of a good design.  Unity is a measure of how the elements of a page seem to fit together - to belong together.
• 3.
  Relating the designelements to the idea being expressed in a painting reinforces the principal of unity.eg. a painting with an active aggressive subject would work better with a dominant oblique direction, course, rough texture, angular lines etc. whereas a quiet passive subject would benefit from horizontal lines, soft texture and less tonal contrast.
• 4.
   Unity ina painting also refers to the visual linking of various elements of the work.  Regarded in this way, unity discusses the need to tie the various elements of a work of art together.
• 6.
  The painting on theleft creates a sense of unity by the effective use of repetition. See how the artist has repeated similar forms (ducks) and color (brown) throughout the composition? On the right grouping of similar objects (proximity) was used to create unity within this painting.
• 9.
   Unity withina well composed design accomplishes two things: 1. Unity creates a sense of order. 2. Unity also gives elements the appearance of completeness, that they belong together.
• 10.
   Unity creates a sense of order.  When a design possesses unity there will be a consistency of sizes and shapes, as well as a harmony of color and pattern. One way this is accomplished is by repeating the key elements, balancing them throughout the composition, and then adding a little variety so that the design has its own sense of personality. Learning to juggle the elements and principles in such a way as to achieve the right mix is a key to good design.
• 11.
   Unity also gives elements the appearance of completeness, that they belong together.  When a composition has unity the design will be viewed as one piece, as a whole, and not as separate elements with the painting. Using too many shapes and forms may cause a design to be unfocused, cluttered and confusing. A well organized design will be achieved by using a basic shape which is then repeated throughout the composition.
• 12.
   When unity is achieved:  The individual elements with in a composition will not be competing for attention.  The key theme will be communicated more clearly.  The design will evoke a sense of completeness and organization.
• 13.
   To create unity you must have a clear objective in mind you are wanting to communicate to the viewer.You have stay focused on achieving the objective and not deviate from it. If there is an element you are considering adding to a composition does not contribute to the objective then it should not be added to the design.
• 14.
   You also need to be analytical about your work, maintaining objectivity at all times, and accept critiques from peers, friends, and family members. When the purpose and message you intend to portray is consistently understood the same way by several people then the principle of unity has been maintained within your painting.
• 15.
   When you feel your composition is complete, take a step back and observe it with an objective eye. The final test of unity is one in which nothing can be added to or taken away without having to rework the entire composition. The relationship of all the elements should be so strong it would actually hurt the design to add or remove any one thing.
• 16.
   When nothingcan distract from the whole you have unity. However, in your efforts to achieve unity you need to keep in mind that too much unity without variety is boring and too much variation without unity is chaotic.