What is a self-contained 2 - dimensional defined area and can be geometric or organic?

Elements of Design

The elements of design create every object around us. Nothing can exist without these ingredients. The discipline of learning the power of these elements and formatting them within the principles of design is the responsibility of the designer.

Color - typically known as hue. This word represents a specific color or light wavelength found in the color spectrum, ranging circularly from red to yellow, green, blue and back to red.

Line - is a line just a series of points? Or is it the best way to get from point "A" to point "B"? As a geometric conception, a line is a point in motion, with only one dimension - length. Line has both a position and a direction in space. The variables of line are: size, shape, position, direction, number, interval and density. Points create lines, lines create shapes or planes and volume.

Mass - Here, mass is interchangeable with volume. A mass is a solid body or a grouping of visual elements (line, color, texture, etc.) that compose a solid form. Volume is a three-dimensional form comprising length, width, and depth. Three-dimensional forms contain points (vertices), lines (edges), and planes (surfaces). A mass is the two-dimensional appearance of a three-dimensional form.

Movement - Also known as motion. This element portrays the act or process of changing place or direction, orientation, and/or position through the visual illustration of starting or stopping points, blurring of action, etc. This is not animation, although animation is an end product of movement, as well as other elements of design.

Space - A two- or three-dimensional element defined by other elements of design.

Texture - A technique used in two-dimensional design to replicate three-dimensional surfaces through various drawing and media techniques. On three-dimensional surfaces, it is experienced by touch or by visual experience.

Type - Also known as typography, and it is considered an element in graphic design. Although it consists of elements of design, it is - in itself - often an element in the form of visual communication.

Value - Another word for the lightness or darkness of an area. Brightness measured in relationship to a graded scale from white to black.

Principles of Design

The principles of design are applicable to all design disciplines including - but not exclusive to - architecture, art, graphics, fashion, industrial design, poetry, writing, and web design.

The principles of design are tools used to format the elements of design.

Balance - The elements of design converge to create a design or arrangement of parts that appear to be a whole with equalibrium.

Contrast - The "automatic principle." Whenever an element is placed within a format, contrast is created in the various elements. Can be emphasized with contrast in size, shape, color, texture, etc., etc. Offers variety within a visual format.

Direction - Utilizing movement to create the visual illusion of displacement.

Economy - An principle operating on the "slim." Especially important when dealing with clients, where their product or service is more important than the elaboration of design elements. Can also be considered "precise," or "simplistic." Or, it can be considered great design.

Emphasis - Also known as dominance. This condition exists when an element or elements within a visual format contain a hierarchy of visual importance.

Proportion - A two- or three-dimensional element defined by other elements of design.

Rhythm - A recurrence or repetition of one or more elements within a visual format, creating harmony.

Unity - "Oneness," "Harmony," "Gestalt." The condition of completeness with the use of all visual elements within a format.

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

The juxtaposition of opposing elements:

Examples include opposite colors on the color wheel red/green ; blue/orange; etc.

Contrast in tone or value, light/dark.

Contrast in direction, horizontal/vertical.

The major contrast in a painting should be located at the center of interest. Too much contrast scattered throughout a painting can destroy unity and make a work difficult to look at.

Unless a feeling of chaos and confusion are what you are seeking, it is a good idea to carefully consider where to place your areas of maximum contrast.

Is a self contained area of geometric or organic form?

A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape. Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another. Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc.

Which geometric area usually stands out from the space next to or around it?

Shape. A shape is defined as a two dimensional area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, color, or texture. For example, a square that is drawn on a piece of paper is considered a shape.

Is form an element of design?

The elements of design are the fundamental aspects of any visual design which include shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture.

Is an implied texture which is not detectable by our touch?

Visual texture , also referred to as "implied texture", is not detectable by our sense of touch, but by our sense of sight. Visual texture is the illusion of a real texture on a two-dimensional surface. Any texture perceived in an image or photograph is a visual texture.