Design Chapter 3

Composition

combination of multiple parts into a unified whole

Ex. point, line, shape, texture, value, and color

Unity

similarity, oneness, togetherness, or cohesion

Variety

Difference

Grouping

collection of separate visual units in order to create order and connect by location, orientation, shape and color.

Containment

unifying force created by the outer edge of a composition or by a boundary with a composition.

Proximity

distance between visual elements. Close increases unity and distance separates the events.

Fusion

Shapes or volumes are placed so close together that they share common edges. Shapes of similar color and texture fuse, can create a new negative shape as surrounding area becomes more clearly defined

Continuity

Fulid connection among compositional parts. Actual or implied, the mind makes connections.

Movement

deliberate visual pathways and helps direct the viewer’s attention to areas of a particular interest.

Focal point

something that directs attention

Closure

the mind’s inclination to connect fragmentary information to produce a complete form.

Patterns

when any visual element is systematically repeated over and over an extended area

grid

created through a series of interesting lines used to created containment

Balance

distribution of weight or force within a composition

visual weight

inclination of shapes to float or sink. Relative importance of a visual element within a design. Influence by size and type of shape, texture, value, location and orientation

Symmetrical Balance

shapes are mirrored on either side of an axis, as in a composition that is vertically divided down the center

Approximate symmetry

similar imagery appears on either side of a central axis

radial symmetry

lines and slopes are mirrored both vertically and horizontally with the center of the composition acting as a focal point

Asymmetrical Balance

Creates equilibrium among visual elements that do not mirror each other on either side of an axis. Stable, dynamic or chaotic

Proportion

relative size of visual elements within an image or within a figure

Scale

the size of a form when compared with our own human size. Exaggerated these catches the eyes of the viewers

Rhythm

sense of movement that is created by repetition of multiple units in a deliberate pattern. Combine meter, accents, and tempo

Emphasis

attract attention and increases visual and conceptual impact

anomoly

break from the norm, tends to stand out. attracts attention and break in pattern is emphasizes isolation

Contrast

2 or more forces operate in opposition. Larger forces set the standard and smaller creates exception