3d design

Degrees of Dimensionality

Refers to the number of dimensions in an artwork

Two-dimensional (2D)

Having height and width (e.g., paintings, drawings).

Three-dimensional (3D):

Having height, width, and depth (e.g., sculpture, architecture).

Four-dimensional (4D):

Incorporates time as an element (e.g., performance art, video).

Curvilinear

Shapes and lines that are curved and flowing.

Rectilinear

Shapes and lines that are straight and angular, often based on right angles.

Realism

- Artistic style focused on representing subjects as they appear in everyday life—true to reality with naturalistic detail.

Non-objective

Art that does not depict recognizable objects or subjects; purely abstract with no reference to the natural world.

Abstract

- Art that simplifies, distorts, or exaggerates real-life forms rather than depicting them realistically.

Form -

The physical aspects of an artwork including shape, structure, and how the elements are arranged. Also includes volume and space in 3D works.

Subject

- The main theme, idea, or figure in an artwork—what the artwork is “about” on the surface.

Content

- The deeper meaning or message conveyed by the artwork—includes symbolism, emotion, or commentary.

Formal Analysis:

- Focuses on visual elements (line, shape, color, texture, etc.) and how they are arranged (principles of design).

Objective

Based on observable facts (e.g., technique, composition).

Subjective

Based on personal opinions, emotions, or interpretations.

Greatest Strength/Unrealized Potential

Identifies what works well in an artwork and what could be improved or pushed further

Convergent

Thinking - A logical process that leads to a single, correct solution. Often used in problem-solving with defined parameters.

Divergent Thinking 

 

A creative process that generates many possible ideas or solutions. Encourages open-ended exploration.

Bubble Map

A visual organizer used to describe qualities or characteristics of a concept or subject. Central idea is surrounded by adjectives or descriptors.

Brainstorming

Generating multiple ideas or solutions freely and without judgment to encourage creativity

Seven Characteristics of Creativity

Receptivity.

: Being open to new ideas and experiences

. Seven Characteristics of Creativity

Curious:

A desire to explore and ask questions.

Seven Characteristics of Creativity

 Wide Range of Interests:

Interest in many topics, leading to diverse inspiration.

Seven Characteristics of Creativity.

 Attentiveness:

Sharp observation and awareness.

Seven Characteristics of Creativity

Connection Seeking:

Ability to link seemingly unrelated ideas.

Seven Characteristics of Creativity

Conviction:

Belief in one’s ideas, even if they are unconventional.

Seven Characteristics of Creativity

Complexity:

Tolerance for ambiguity and layered thinking.

Positive Loop:

Feedback that reinforces or amplifies a process or behavior.

Negative Loop:

Feedback that stabilizes or corrects a process, keeping it in balance.

Form

Subject:

What is depicted (people, objects, themes).

Form

Content:

The meaning or emotional impact

Form

Material:

The medium or substances used (paint, clay, metal, etc.).

Form

Context:

The circumstances around the creation cultural, historical, personal

Elements of Design

Line:

Path created by a moving point.

Elements of Design

Shape:

2D enclosed space.

Elements of Design

Form:

3D shape with volume.

Elements of Design

Color:

Hue, value, and intensity.

Elements of Design

Texture:

Surface quality (smooth, rough, etc.)

Elements of Design

Space:

Distance or area between and around objects.

Elements of Design

Value:

Lightness or darkness of a color

Point

The most basic element of design; a single position in space that marks a location or starts a visual path. Points can suggest emphasis or attract attention.

Line

A path between two points. Lines can define shape, create texture, suggest movement, and lead the viewer’s eye.

Line Quality or Character

Refers to the appearance or emotional feel of a line—thick, thin, jagged, smooth, broken, etc.

Orientation

The general position of a line (horizontal, vertical, diagonal).

Direction

The actual movement or path a line follows ( curved, spiral, zigzag).

Continuity

The visual flow or connection of a line, which can guide the viewer’s eye smoothly through the artwork.

Actual Lines

Lines that are physically drawn or painted and clearly visible.

Implied Lines

Lines not physically present but suggested by edges, shapes, or the alignment of forms.

Sight Line

The direction in which a viewer or character in a composition is looking; guides the viewer’s focus.

Plane

A flat, two-dimensional surface that extends in height and width.

Shape

The enclosed, 2D area within a plane (geometric or organic).

Planar Analysis

Breaking down a 3D form into individual planes to understand its structure and volume.

Rib Construction

A structural system where ribs (or frames) support a plane or surface common in architectural or sculptural design.

Volume

A 3D space enclosed or defined by surfaces—has height, width, and depth.

Mass

The perceived or actual weight and density of a form.

Void

Empty space within or around a mass; absence of material that helps define structure or form.

Texture

The surface quality of an object.

Visual Implied

Texture that appears to be present but is created visually (e.g., in a photo or painting).

Real , Tactile Texture

Actual physical texture that can be felt (e.g., rough, smooth, bumpy).

Light

An element that affects how we perceive form, depth, color, and atmosphere.

Artificial-  Human-made sources like lamps or LEDs.

Natural - Sunlight, moonlight, fire.

Light Sculpture - Artwork where light itself is the primary medium or material.

Color - Perceived hue that results from the way light reflects off a surface. Includes hue, saturation, and value.

Space - The area within, around, or between elements in a design.

Positive Space - The area occupied by objects or elements.
Negative Space - The empty area around or between the objects.

Figure/Ground - The relationship between the main subject (figure) and the background (ground).

Mass/Void - The interplay between solid form (mass) and the empty space (void) surrounding or within it.

Confined/Defined - Space that is clearly enclosed or limited by physical boundaries like walls or frames.

Compression - A space that feels tight, narrow, or restricted.
Expansion-  A space that feels open, broad, or vast.

Delineated Space- Space that is defined or outlined by elements such as lines, edges, or forms—even if it’s not enclosed.

Activated Space - Space that is energized or engaged by the arrangement or movement of elements within it—feels alive or dynamic.

Spatial Presence- The feeling that a space has mass or “presence”, you sense its volume or the way it occupies the environment.

Spatial Relationships- How different elements relate to each other in space—distance, overlap, proximity, scale, etc.

Personal Space- The invisible bubble of space individuals perceive around themselves—can be used metaphorically or in installation art to evoke emotion or comfort/discomfort.

Interactive Space - A space that invites or requires viewer interaction—physical, visual, or conceptual.

Participatory Space- A type of interactive space where the viewer becomes part of the artwork through direct engagement or contribution.

 

Actua Time- Time that is experienced in real life often used in time-based art like performance, video, or sound installation.

Implied Time- The suggestion of time passing through static visual cues (e.g., motion blur, weathering, narrative sequence in a painting).

Viewing Time The amount of time it takes for a viewer to engage with or experience the artwork can be shaped by detail, movement, or complexity.

19. Principles of Design

Principles help organize the elements of design effectively to create a cohesive and compelling composition.

Unity - The sense of harmony and cohesion in an artwork—all elements feel like they belong together.

Asymmetric Balance - Unequal elements balanced visually through placement, contrast, or weight.

Symmetric Balance - Mirror-image balance on either side of a central axis.

Radial Balance- Elements radiate outward from a central point.

Axis - An imaginary line that elements are arranged around for visual balance or structure.

Balancing Point- The visual or literal center of gravity in a composition—where weight feels evenly distributed.

Scale- The size of elements in relation to each other and to the viewer.

Hand-held- Small enough to be comfortably held; intimate in scale.

Human Scale - Related to the size of the human body; relatable and approachable.

Monumental- Much larger than human scale; awe-inspiring or imposing.

Proportion - The relative size of parts within a whole. Affects the believability and harmony of a design.

Contrast - The difference between elements (light/dark, rough/smooth, large/small, etc.) to create interest and draw attention.

Degrees of Contrast- The intensity or subtlety of differences between elements.

Contrast and Connection- Contrast emphasizes differences; connection links elements visually or conceptually. Successful design often balances both.

Emphasis- Drawing attention to a particular area or element in the artwork.

Focal Point- The specific spot where the viewer’s eye is drawn first.

Isolation - Separating an element to make it stand out.

Contrast- Using stark differences to highlight an element.

Color - Bright  saturated, or unexpected color can draw focus.

Values and Volume

The range of light to dark (value) used to define form and create the illusion of volume.

Transparent

Allows light to pass through completely (clear glass or water).

Translucent

Allows light through partially, diffusing it (frosted glass or thin fabric).

Refracted

Light that is bent or changed as it passes through a material (like a prism or water).

Reflective

Surfaces that bounce light back (mirrors, metals).

Ambient

General, diffused light that fills a space evenly.

Direct

Focused, intense light from a single source ( spotlight, flashlight).

Artificial

Human-made sources like lamps or LEDs.

Natural

Sunlight, moonlight, fire.

Light Sculpture

Artwork where light itself is the primary medium or material.

Color

Perceived hue that results from the way light reflects off a surface. Includes hue, saturation, and value.

Space

- The area within, around, or between elements in a design.

Positive Space

The area occupied by objects or elements.

Negative Space

The empty area around or between the objects.

Figure/Ground

The relationship between the main subject (figure) and the background (ground).

Mass/Void

The interplay between solid form (mass) and the empty space (void) surrounding or within it.

Confined/Defined

Space that is clearly enclosed or limited by physical boundaries like walls or frames.

Compression

A space that feels tight, narrow, or restricted.

Expansion

  A space that feels open, broad, or vast.

Delineated Space

Space that is defined or outlined by elements such as lines, edges, or forms—even if it’s not enclosed.

Activated Space

Space that is energized or engaged by the arrangement or movement of elements within it—feels alive or dynamic.

Spatial Presence

The feeling that a space has mass or “presence”, you sense its volume or the way it occupies the environment.

Spatial Relationships

How different elements relate to each other in space—distance, overlap, proximity, scale, etc.

Personal Space

The invisible bubble of space individuals perceive around themselves—can be used metaphorically or in installation art to evoke emotion or comfort/discomfort

Interactive Space

A space that invites or requires viewer interaction—physical, visual, or conceptual.

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Participatory Space

A type of interactive space where the viewer becomes part of the artwork through direct engagement or contribution.

 

Actua Time

Time that is experienced in real life often used in time-based art like performance, video, or sound installation.

Implied Time

The suggestion of time passing through static visual cues (e.g., motion blur, weathering, narrative sequence in a painting).

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Viewing Time

The amount of time it takes for a viewer to engage with or experience the artwork can be shaped by detail, movement, or complexity.

Principles of Design

Principles help organize the elements of design effectively to create a cohesive and compelling composition.

Unity

The sense of harmony and cohesion in an artwork—all elements feel like they belong together.

Asymmetric Balance

Unequal elements balanced visually through placement, contrast, or weight.

Symmetric Balance

Mirror-image balance on either side of a central axis.

Radial Balance

Elements radiate outward from a central point.

Axis

An imaginary line that elements are arranged around for visual balance or structure.

Balancing Point

The visual or literal center of gravity in a composition—where weight feels evenly distributed.

Scale

The size of elements in relation to each other and to the viewer.

Hand-held

Small enough to be comfortably held; intimate in scale.