Graphic Design Elements and Principles Notes

Design elements are the basic units of a visual image.  Principles are the rules that help the design makes sense.  All visual art can be broken down into elements and analyzed.
The difference between art and design is that art is made for the artist to solicit an emotional response in the viewer.  Design is about communication.  It bears a strong message to the audience.

Design Elements:
--Space
2d or 3d
illusion of depth
negative space
--Line
variable thickness, texture, direction
you can make a line w/ negative space
--Color
color palette... be deliberate
--Shape
organic, geometric, abstract
good design...recognizable by profile
--Texture
implied texture
you can use adobe illustrator brushes
use layers
dirt
real life texture such as for business cards
--Value
light and dark qualities of work...contrast
creates depth
to create an object and not just a shape
--Balance
symmetry
asymmetry
making it look right
balance by concept...light&dark...color

Design Principles:
--unity
order
consistency in size and shape
proximity can establish unity
--variety
repeated elements that look different from each other
--repetition
repeated elements
cohesion
--harmony
unity--together for a unified purpose
harmony--things look right together, there is sense in the repetition
--proximity
closeness
understandibility...how does the viewer have to look at it, move their eyes
visual language...social
you shouldn't need someone to have to learn a new language to understand it
you can make things out of other things
--proportion
big and small
godzilla is only scary because he is so big (or is he bc baby godzilla is scary)
elements relation to each other
information hierarchy
--functionality
does it work
ratios
--emphasis
what is the focus?
monochrome w/ one popping color