Session 1: Principles of Design

Getting Ready


All designs have certain basic elements or building blocks chosen to convey the message — beyond the actual words or photos used. How we place those items on the page determines the structure of our designs and affects the overall readability and determines how well our design communicates the desired message. The principles of design govern that placement and structure.

Graphic design encompasses the creation of a great many types of projects but for the purposes of these lessons we're focusing on the elements and principles of design as they apply to typical photography and graphic design work and to some extent in video, and animation.

Different instructors or designers have their own idea about the basic principles of design but most are encompassed in the 6 principles of:

1

Balance

2

Emphasis

3

Proportion

4

Contrast

5

Movement

6

Unity


Generally, all the principles of design apply to any piece you may create. How you apply those principles determines how effective your design is in conveying the desired message and how attractive it appears. There is seldom only one correct way to apply each principle.

These principles can be found in photography, animation, posters, websites and even video. Once you understand these basic principles you will be ready to learn how to intentionally create effective visual communication.

Prerequisites:

Students should have completed Session 1: Elements of Design before beginning Session 2: Principles of Design

Lesson Outcomes:

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


Assessment Information

As you work through this lesson, you should complete the following assignment:
Complete the Movie Poster Critique Assignment and submit it to the Movie Poster Critique Assignment Folder

More information on these assignments can be found in the "Reflect and Connect" section of this lesson.