Session 2: Principles of Design

Lesson Summary

In this section, students were introduced to the basic principles of design. 

These principles of design included:

1

Balance

2

Emphasis

3

Proportion

4

Contrast

5

Movement

6

Unity

Students examined how each of these principles of design can be used when creating compisitions and had the opportunity to critique a professional movie poster's use of these basic principles of design. In the next lesson, students will start to explore the principles of typography.

Before continuing on, please review the lesson objectives that were presented to you at the beginning of the lesson. If you have any questions, please contact your teacher before moving on.

By the end of Session 2: "Principles of Design", students should be able to:

  • define the principles of design

  • identify the principles of design using examples

  • describe the impact of each principle on the visual message; e.g., balance, emphasis, proportion (scale), repetition (rhythm/pattern), unity, contrast, harmony, proximity, variety

  • participate in a critique or an assessment of compositions created by others; e.g., classmates, professionals by:

    • identify elements and principles used in the images
    • comment on the impact of the elements and principles in the construction of the message

Checking In

Once you have completed the movie poster critique assignment and reviewed the lesson objectives above, you may continue onto Session 3.