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2.2 Principles of Design for AP2D and Draw

3 min readoctober 27, 2020

S

Sherry Ross

S

Sherry Ross

Principles of Design: AP2D Draw

The revolve around HOW the elements of design are used within a piece of art to visually represent these ideas. Here are some very simple illustrations depicting these principles.

/The degree to which design objects can be seen through or not. Deals with layering and playing with their interaction.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-6Mq5B2LHVKpy.jpg?alt=media&token=6286bc24-a291-4cc8-99be-61b6d0e65100

/ is the level of lights and darks in a color, like light blue versus dark blue. is the intensity of that difference.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-40niJzgRzih7.jpg?alt=media&token=c432ac15-c054-4e9c-87e3-71c323b11c7e

Time—How do the element(s) change over time or implied time? You can show a paused moment in time or hint at elapsed time.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-uxgyLItWs8u3.jpg?alt=media&token=249a282a-6c6f-4a39-aaba-c81ade19017d

The spaces between elements can create a pattern or a between elements. The repeated patterns create a visual tempo when used in varying sizes and patterns. They may seem to create a flow or movement. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-IbqJXj0XiGUb.jpg?alt=media&token=8af737ac-a28b-4065-9153-9df11307bbef

Movement—To create the illusion of movement in all or part of a work or the path that your eye takes across the picture plane. See how the elements move your eye throughout the composition?

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-wWC2F82VxbFN.jpg?alt=media&token=c79e14e4-296f-4e7f-a6de-787f11c52a08

Proportion/Scale—Scale is how the various elements of the piece work in relationship with each other. Proportion is the relative size of different parts within an object. 

    Analogy—Proportion could be represented by how big your nose is in comparison to a grouping of people. Scale is represented by how big your nose is compared to the other parts of your face. Here, the proportion of the P is how big it is compared to the rest of the word (whole composition or other elements), while the scale is how big the words are compared to each other. 

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-2BzLmjbaBPXF.jpg?alt=media&token=9db112f5-d62b-4d0d-bcc9-f95e99ae6dfb

Balance—There are three types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

  • Symmetrical—also known as mirror balance. This occurs when objects on either side of the picture plane have equal visual weight.  

    • 💡Analogy—two kids on a seesaw or teeter-totter need to be the same size/weight to balance and make the seesaw go up and down equally. 

      https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-9vVNiX3Xaq4d.jpg?alt=media&token=8f4428f9-0f34-495d-af5e-1b503e507ba6
  • Asymmetrical—when objects on both sides of the picture plane, while having different sizes or numbers, still create a visual balance. 

    • 💡Same analogy as above—a bigger kid on the seesaw might need two smaller kids to create (asymmetrical) balance.

      https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-E0GJMfTQQZOD.jpg?alt=media&token=6e093566-c00e-48a6-ba3b-17f499aa482e

  • Radial—when objects create a pattern extending outward (radiate) from a center point either there or implied. 

      💡Analogy—clocks! 🕔 the hands circle out from the center. The numbers also create

      https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-Gn2wmAMFVzaP.jpg?alt=media&token=56d40180-261f-4827-be7f-35965f39c074

When one area of the design is intended to draw the eye to it, placing it in a position of importance.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-jRVBd4o2VOPo.jpg?alt=media&token=2724b711-da80-4090-98a1-25b9073d187f

When an object or objects are used over and over again in the same manner.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-BTXs4ucGE9Fn.jpg?alt=media&token=1a629df6-3599-4ffe-9007-a58ac5394738

How the foreground and background interact, creating positive and negative space. These may fluctuate in a variety of ways. 

  • Stable—When there is a clear foreground and background. One is the obvious forefront. 

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-sHBtHMWFhEMi.jpg?alt=media&token=201ab93d-fa35-4097-9714-129ec626f910

  • Reversible—Objects draw attention equally, creating visual tension because either can read as the more important one at any time. 

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-7yN3QVPx1odr.jpg?alt=media&token=afa212c4-5467-4b68-91a8-99ff3b683fa1

  • Ambiguous—Elements can function as both figure and ground at the same time. Both are equally compelling and the viewer is unsure of which is positive or negative space.

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-pos0jNisXTvI.jpg?alt=media&token=8a0d181b-7f9b-400a-8736-24d3de477f52

Connection involves placing objects together to show how they are alike and are similar. Juxtaposition involves placing objects together to highlight their differences. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-DBrpW0z34oRo.jpg?alt=media&token=fa83eff5-f0b0-4b5c-afde-9fde84af69c1

How visual information is arranged to show importance when conveying information. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-JSNws7arX9Uk.jpg?alt=media&token=61625a53-e2ca-4b0b-94df-33a5beb51c50

When Do I Use the Principles of Design?

Quick answer? ALL THE TIME! These are used across all art media (materials). When you incorporate the third dimension, additional principles come into play, discussed in another guide. As you can tell, they overlap significantly and can be used in an infinite variety of ways together.

Understanding and using these principles in your work will create new and exciting compositions. Whenever you are sketching out a new project, do some quick thumbnails playing with them and trying different ways to combine them. It's a chance to play and learn when to use them to best achieve what you want in your work. 🙌🏽 😄

Key Terms to Review (17)

Ambiguous Figure/Ground Relationship

: An ambiguous figure/ground relationship occurs when it is challenging to determine which part of an artwork represents the main subject (figure) and which part represents its background (ground).

Asymmetrical Balance

: Asymmetrical balance refers to a composition that achieves equilibrium through unequal distribution of visual weight. It involves arranging different elements with varying sizes, colors, or textures to create a sense of balance.

Connection/Juxtaposition

: Connection or juxtaposition refers to the act of placing two or more elements side by side in order to highlight their similarities or differences. It is a technique often used in art and design to create visual interest and convey meaning.

Contrast

: Contrast refers to the difference between lightness and darkness or between colors in an artwork. It creates visual interest, emphasizes focal points, and enhances readability.

Emphasis

: Emphasis refers to creating dominance or focus on specific areas or elements within an artwork. It guides viewers' attention and helps convey meaning by making certain aspects stand out.

Figure/Ground Relationship

: Figure/ground relationship refers to how we perceive objects (figures) against their surrounding space (ground). The figure stands out from the ground due to contrasting characteristics.

Hierarchy

: Hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in order of importance within an artwork. It involves creating a visual structure where certain elements stand out more prominently than others, guiding the viewer's attention and understanding.

Opacity

: Opacity refers to how opaque or transparent an object or material is. In art, it describes how much light can pass through or be blocked by a particular element.

Principles of Design

: The Principles of Design are fundamental concepts that guide artists in creating visually appealing compositions. They include elements such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity, and variety.

Radial Balance

: Radial balance occurs when all elements radiate outward from a central point. It creates a sense of movement and energy as if everything revolves around that focal point.

Repetition

: Repetition involves using similar visual elements multiple times within a composition. It creates rhythm and unity by establishing patterns and consistency.

Reversible Figure/Ground Relationship

: A reversible figure/ground relationship occurs when it becomes difficult to distinguish between the main subject (figure) and its background (ground), as both can be perceived interchangeably.

Rhythm

: Rhythm refers to the visual flow and repetition of elements in a work of art. It creates a sense of movement and harmony, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.

Stable Figure/Ground Relationship

: A stable figure/ground relationship refers to a clear distinction between the main subject (figure) and the background (ground) in an artwork, where the figure stands out prominently.

Symmetrical Balance

: Symmetrical balance refers to a composition that is evenly divided into two equal halves, mirroring each other. It creates a sense of stability and harmony in the artwork.

Transparency

: Transparency refers to how clearly one can see through an object or material. In art, it describes the quality of allowing light to pass through and reveal what is behind it.

Value

: Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is an important element in art as it helps create depth, form, and contrast.

2.2 Principles of Design for AP2D and Draw

3 min readoctober 27, 2020

S

Sherry Ross

S

Sherry Ross

Principles of Design: AP2D Draw

The revolve around HOW the elements of design are used within a piece of art to visually represent these ideas. Here are some very simple illustrations depicting these principles.

/The degree to which design objects can be seen through or not. Deals with layering and playing with their interaction.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-6Mq5B2LHVKpy.jpg?alt=media&token=6286bc24-a291-4cc8-99be-61b6d0e65100

/ is the level of lights and darks in a color, like light blue versus dark blue. is the intensity of that difference.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-40niJzgRzih7.jpg?alt=media&token=c432ac15-c054-4e9c-87e3-71c323b11c7e

Time—How do the element(s) change over time or implied time? You can show a paused moment in time or hint at elapsed time.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-uxgyLItWs8u3.jpg?alt=media&token=249a282a-6c6f-4a39-aaba-c81ade19017d

The spaces between elements can create a pattern or a between elements. The repeated patterns create a visual tempo when used in varying sizes and patterns. They may seem to create a flow or movement. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-IbqJXj0XiGUb.jpg?alt=media&token=8af737ac-a28b-4065-9153-9df11307bbef

Movement—To create the illusion of movement in all or part of a work or the path that your eye takes across the picture plane. See how the elements move your eye throughout the composition?

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-wWC2F82VxbFN.jpg?alt=media&token=c79e14e4-296f-4e7f-a6de-787f11c52a08

Proportion/Scale—Scale is how the various elements of the piece work in relationship with each other. Proportion is the relative size of different parts within an object. 

    Analogy—Proportion could be represented by how big your nose is in comparison to a grouping of people. Scale is represented by how big your nose is compared to the other parts of your face. Here, the proportion of the P is how big it is compared to the rest of the word (whole composition or other elements), while the scale is how big the words are compared to each other. 

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-2BzLmjbaBPXF.jpg?alt=media&token=9db112f5-d62b-4d0d-bcc9-f95e99ae6dfb

Balance—There are three types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

  • Symmetrical—also known as mirror balance. This occurs when objects on either side of the picture plane have equal visual weight.  

    • 💡Analogy—two kids on a seesaw or teeter-totter need to be the same size/weight to balance and make the seesaw go up and down equally. 

      https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-9vVNiX3Xaq4d.jpg?alt=media&token=8f4428f9-0f34-495d-af5e-1b503e507ba6
  • Asymmetrical—when objects on both sides of the picture plane, while having different sizes or numbers, still create a visual balance. 

    • 💡Same analogy as above—a bigger kid on the seesaw might need two smaller kids to create (asymmetrical) balance.

      https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-E0GJMfTQQZOD.jpg?alt=media&token=6e093566-c00e-48a6-ba3b-17f499aa482e

  • Radial—when objects create a pattern extending outward (radiate) from a center point either there or implied. 

      💡Analogy—clocks! 🕔 the hands circle out from the center. The numbers also create

      https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-Gn2wmAMFVzaP.jpg?alt=media&token=56d40180-261f-4827-be7f-35965f39c074

When one area of the design is intended to draw the eye to it, placing it in a position of importance.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-jRVBd4o2VOPo.jpg?alt=media&token=2724b711-da80-4090-98a1-25b9073d187f

When an object or objects are used over and over again in the same manner.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-BTXs4ucGE9Fn.jpg?alt=media&token=1a629df6-3599-4ffe-9007-a58ac5394738

How the foreground and background interact, creating positive and negative space. These may fluctuate in a variety of ways. 

  • Stable—When there is a clear foreground and background. One is the obvious forefront. 

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-sHBtHMWFhEMi.jpg?alt=media&token=201ab93d-fa35-4097-9714-129ec626f910

  • Reversible—Objects draw attention equally, creating visual tension because either can read as the more important one at any time. 

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-7yN3QVPx1odr.jpg?alt=media&token=afa212c4-5467-4b68-91a8-99ff3b683fa1

  • Ambiguous—Elements can function as both figure and ground at the same time. Both are equally compelling and the viewer is unsure of which is positive or negative space.

    https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-pos0jNisXTvI.jpg?alt=media&token=8a0d181b-7f9b-400a-8736-24d3de477f52

Connection involves placing objects together to show how they are alike and are similar. Juxtaposition involves placing objects together to highlight their differences. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-DBrpW0z34oRo.jpg?alt=media&token=fa83eff5-f0b0-4b5c-afde-9fde84af69c1

How visual information is arranged to show importance when conveying information. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-JSNws7arX9Uk.jpg?alt=media&token=61625a53-e2ca-4b0b-94df-33a5beb51c50

When Do I Use the Principles of Design?

Quick answer? ALL THE TIME! These are used across all art media (materials). When you incorporate the third dimension, additional principles come into play, discussed in another guide. As you can tell, they overlap significantly and can be used in an infinite variety of ways together.

Understanding and using these principles in your work will create new and exciting compositions. Whenever you are sketching out a new project, do some quick thumbnails playing with them and trying different ways to combine them. It's a chance to play and learn when to use them to best achieve what you want in your work. 🙌🏽 😄

Key Terms to Review (17)

Ambiguous Figure/Ground Relationship

: An ambiguous figure/ground relationship occurs when it is challenging to determine which part of an artwork represents the main subject (figure) and which part represents its background (ground).

Asymmetrical Balance

: Asymmetrical balance refers to a composition that achieves equilibrium through unequal distribution of visual weight. It involves arranging different elements with varying sizes, colors, or textures to create a sense of balance.

Connection/Juxtaposition

: Connection or juxtaposition refers to the act of placing two or more elements side by side in order to highlight their similarities or differences. It is a technique often used in art and design to create visual interest and convey meaning.

Contrast

: Contrast refers to the difference between lightness and darkness or between colors in an artwork. It creates visual interest, emphasizes focal points, and enhances readability.

Emphasis

: Emphasis refers to creating dominance or focus on specific areas or elements within an artwork. It guides viewers' attention and helps convey meaning by making certain aspects stand out.

Figure/Ground Relationship

: Figure/ground relationship refers to how we perceive objects (figures) against their surrounding space (ground). The figure stands out from the ground due to contrasting characteristics.

Hierarchy

: Hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in order of importance within an artwork. It involves creating a visual structure where certain elements stand out more prominently than others, guiding the viewer's attention and understanding.

Opacity

: Opacity refers to how opaque or transparent an object or material is. In art, it describes how much light can pass through or be blocked by a particular element.

Principles of Design

: The Principles of Design are fundamental concepts that guide artists in creating visually appealing compositions. They include elements such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity, and variety.

Radial Balance

: Radial balance occurs when all elements radiate outward from a central point. It creates a sense of movement and energy as if everything revolves around that focal point.

Repetition

: Repetition involves using similar visual elements multiple times within a composition. It creates rhythm and unity by establishing patterns and consistency.

Reversible Figure/Ground Relationship

: A reversible figure/ground relationship occurs when it becomes difficult to distinguish between the main subject (figure) and its background (ground), as both can be perceived interchangeably.

Rhythm

: Rhythm refers to the visual flow and repetition of elements in a work of art. It creates a sense of movement and harmony, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.

Stable Figure/Ground Relationship

: A stable figure/ground relationship refers to a clear distinction between the main subject (figure) and the background (ground) in an artwork, where the figure stands out prominently.

Symmetrical Balance

: Symmetrical balance refers to a composition that is evenly divided into two equal halves, mirroring each other. It creates a sense of stability and harmony in the artwork.

Transparency

: Transparency refers to how clearly one can see through an object or material. In art, it describes the quality of allowing light to pass through and reveal what is behind it.

Value

: Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is an important element in art as it helps create depth, form, and contrast.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.