February 19, 2009 – 10:38 am Design is a delicate balance between theory and aesthetic sensibilities. The more you practice the theory—the elements and principles of design—the more it will become second nature and your ability to intuitively know how to create, fix or critique a design will improve.
It is helpful to go over each element and principle individually, but it is equally as helpful to see how each element and principle of design works in the context of a single design. Below we will analyze the design theory behind this Wrigley’s Tea Escapes packaging from Hornall Anderson.
By LaurenMarie | Posted in Elements of Design, Principles of Design | Also tagged balance, color, contrast, design theory, direction, economy, emphasis, line, proportion, rhythm, scale, shape, size, space, texture, value | January 20, 2009 – 11:10 pm This seems like the perfect opportunity for a good quote.
A house divided against itself cannot stand.
That Lincoln was a smart, well versed man. Unity binds together elements and strengthens what it supports. It is so in any aspect of life, even design!
Unity in graphic design is what ties everything together. It is the sense that the design is consistent, it agrees with itself in each element, there is nothing sticking out that says, “I don’t belong!” Sometimes people refer to the principle of unity as harmony.
Contrast is an opposition of attributes. It can be present in any of the elements of design–not just value with which it is commonly associated–which is why it is not grouped with them as an element. You don’t always have to make objects be in high contrast to each other, though; low contrasting items can contribute to the sense of unity within a piece.
