Basic principles of design (Definitions + examples).
Designing a beautiful artwork isn’t just about what you draw or paint. It’s also about how you use the elements of art. That’s where the principles of design come in.
These principles help you put together your elements in a way that feels balanced, interesting, and emotionally powerful. By understanding and applying these principles, you can create art that not only looks good but also conveys a deeper message.
In this article, I will share what are the basic principles of design including the 7 principles of design definitions, 7 principles of design examples, 7 principles of design in art, and more.
See how you can use them to make your art shine, along with some practical tips to get you started!
This post is all about basic design principles.
Principles of Design: Balance
Balance is all about making sure your artwork feels stable. Imagine a seesaw—if one side is heavier than the other, it tips over. The same goes for your art. You can balance your composition by arranging elements so that no one part feels too heavy.
Different art movements have approached balance in various ways. Classical artists often used symmetry to create a sense of order and harmony. On the other hand, modern artists like Picasso played with asymmetry to create dynamic and exciting compositions.
Examples in Art:
- The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci: This masterpiece uses symmetry to focus our attention on the central figure of Jesus.
- Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso: Picasso uses asymmetry and fragmented forms to challenge traditional notions of balance and create a sense of movement.
The Last Supper
Credits: Leonardo da Vinci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical Tips and Exercises
- Create two drawings—one symmetrical and one asymmetrical. Notice how the different types of balance affect the mood of each piece.
- Use a mirror to check your artwork’s balance. Flip your composition and see if it still feels balanced from a different perspective.
Principles of Design: Emphasis
Emphasis helps you draw attention to the most important part of your artwork. It’s like shining a spotlight on your main subject.
Artists have used various techniques to create emphasis throughout history. In the Renaissance, artists like Caravaggio used dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) to highlight key figures. In modern times, artists like Warhol used bold colours and repetition to make everyday objects stand out.
Examples in Art:
- The Calling of St Matthew by Caravaggio: Caravaggio uses light to draw our eyes to St Matthew in the dark room.
- Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol: Warhol’s use of bright colours and repeated images makes Marilyn Monroe’s face pop out at us.
The Calling of Saint Matthew
Credits: Caravaggio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical Tips and Exercises:
- Choose an object and create a composition where it’s the focal point. Use contrasting colours or lighting to make it stand out.
- Try using leading lines to draw attention to your main subject. Lines can naturally guide the viewer’s eye to the focal point.
Principles of Design: Contrast
Contrast is all about differences—light vs dark, rough vs smooth, large vs small. It makes your artwork more interesting and grabs the viewer’s attention.
Throughout history, contrast has been used to create drama and highlight differences. Baroque artists loved high contrast to create intense and emotional scenes. In the 20th century, photographers like Ansel Adams used contrast to enhance the beauty of landscapes.
Examples in Art:
- Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi: The stark contrast between light and dark adds to the drama of this intense scene.
- Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico by Ansel Adams: Adams uses the contrast between the dark foreground and the bright moon to create a stunning photograph.
Practical Tips and Exercises:
- Experiment with high contrast in a black and white drawing. Notice how it changes the feel of your composition.
- Use contrasting textures to add depth and interest to your artwork. Pair smooth and rough surfaces to create visual excitement.
Principles of Design: Movement
Movement guides the viewer’s eye through the artwork. It can make your art feel alive and dynamic.
Different periods have shown movement in different ways. Futurists used overlapping lines and forms to show speed and motion. Impressionists like Monet used brushstrokes to give a sense of fluidity and change.
Examples in Art:
- Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash by Giacomo Balla: Balla’s use of repeated shapes shows the rapid movement of the dog’s legs.
- Water Lilies by Claude Monet: Monet’s brushstrokes create a sense of gentle movement across the surface of the water.
Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash
Credits: Giacomo Balla, Albright–Knox Art Gallery, via Wikipedia
Practical Tips and Exercises:
- Draw a series of quick sketches showing different types of movement. Think about how lines and shapes can guide the eye.
- Use flowing lines and shapes to create a sense of motion. Curved lines are particularly effective in guiding the viewer’s eye.
Principles of Design: Pattern
Pattern is the repetition of elements like shapes, lines, or colours. It can create rhythm and harmony in your artwork.
Patterns have been used in art for centuries. Islamic art, for example, is known for its intricate geometric patterns. Art Deco also embraced pattern, using bold and repeating designs.
Examples in Art:
- The Great Mosque of Córdoba: The repeating arches create a sense of unity and order.
- Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow by Piet Mondrian: Mondrian’s use of repeating lines and colours creates a balanced and harmonious composition.
Practical Tips and Exercises:
- Create a pattern using simple shapes. Try varying the size and colour to see how it changes the overall effect.
- Use patterns to fill spaces and create interest without overwhelming your main subject. Balance the pattern with empty spaces.
Principles of Design: Rhythm
Rhythm in art is like rhythm in music. It’s the repetition of visual elements that creates a sense of movement and flow.
Different art movements have used rhythm in various ways. Surrealists like Dali used rhythm to create dreamlike and surreal compositions. Abstract artists like Kandinsky saw rhythm as a way to express emotion through visual means.
Examples in Art:
- The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí: The repeating, melting clocks create a surreal rhythm that pulls you into the dreamlike scene.
- Composition VIII by Wassily Kandinsky: Kandinsky’s use of repeating shapes and lines creates a musical rhythm.
The Persistence of Memory
Credits: Salvador Dalí, Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, via Wikipedia
Practical Tips and Exercises:
- Create a drawing with repeating elements. Notice how the repetition affects the movement and flow of your composition.
- Use rhythmic patterns to create a sense of harmony and balance. Try repeating similar shapes at regular intervals.
Principles of Design: Unity
Unity is what ties all the elements and principles together in your artwork. It makes everything feel like it belongs together.
Artists have sought unity in different ways throughout history. Renaissance artists used perspective and proportion to create unified compositions. Modern artists like Matisse used colour and form to create harmony.
Examples in Art:
- The School of Athens by Raphael: The use of perspective and balanced composition creates a unified scene.
- The Dance by Henri Matisse: Matisse’s use of colour and form creates a sense of unity and joy.
The School of Athens
Credits: Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, Public Domain, via Wikimedia
Practical Tips and Exercises:
- Exercise: Create a series of small artworks that share a common theme, colour scheme, or style. Notice how these elements create a sense of unity across the series.
- Tip: Use a limited colour palette to create unity in your artwork. Consistent colours help tie different elements together.
Principles of Design Posters and Printables
To help you remember these principles and put them into practice, check out these handy resources:
Remember, the principles of design are tools to help you create more engaging and harmonious artworks. Have fun experimenting and see how these principles can transform your art!
This article covers the 7 Principles of Design Definitions & Examples.
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