These are the principles of design. They are the guidelines that a designer must adhere to in order to create an attractive and effective composition. These principles are: Emphasis, Balance, Alignment, Contrast and Repetition, Repetition and Proportion, Movement, and White Space.
In that design must have a purpose, it is different from art. This functionality can be visualized by making sure that an image has a focal point, or a center of attention. You might be thinking, “But wait! You might think, “But wait! Design is all about creativity?” If you are a designer or entrepreneur just starting out, it’s tempting to combine the first five fonts and colors you like, thinking you’re creating something new and unique. Most likely, you will end up with a messy, unfinished or just plain ugly design. Graphic design is like any other discipline. There are strict rules that must be followed to ensure the work stays balanced and stable. It will fail to achieve this balance and be ineffective.
This article will walk you through seven basic principles of design to make your next project standout.
1. Accentuation
Imagine you are creating a poster for your concert. Ask yourself this question: What is the first piece information that my audience needs? Or the band? Or the concert venue. How about the day and cost of attendance? Draw a mental outline. Your brain will organize the information. Then, you can lay out your design in a manner that communicates this order. Place the band’s name in the middle or make it the largest element of the poster. You could also place it in the largest, most bold font. To make your band name stand out, learn color theory.
2. Alignment and balance
Remember that every element on a page is weighted. Color, size, and texture can all contribute to the page’s weight. You shouldn’t place all your furniture in one room. But you can’t have all your heavy items in one part of your composition. Your audience will feel like their eyes are sliding off the page without balance. Symmetrical design is balanced by equally weighted elements that are aligned along a line. Asymmetrical design, on the other hand, uses opposite weights (e.g., contrast one large element with many smaller ones) to create balance but not be even.
3. Contrast
Contrast refers to what people mean by “pops” when they say that a design is memorable. It sticks to your mind and disappears from the page. Contrast allows for space and distinction between the elements of your design. To ensure that your elements are easily readable and work together, you need to have a background that is significantly different from your element’s color. Understanding contrast is crucial if you want to work with type. It means that the weight and size are equal. If everything is in bold, how will your audience be able to discern what is most important? You’ll find that most design examples are only one or two fonts. Contrast can be achieved using two strong fonts, or even one typeface with different weights. You can dilute or confuse your design by adding fonts.
4. Repetition
You’ll quickly find that you have to repeat certain things if you limit your choice to only two or three strong fonts. That’s ok! Repeating a design strengthens and unifies it. It can be confusing if only one item on your band’s poster is in blue italic sans serif. Three things in blue italic sans serif are a motif. You are now in complete control of your design. It is possible to use repetition in a variety of products. The current packaging design embraces beautiful illustrated patterns. Anybody who is thinking about starting a business knows that a strong logo is essential to your website, business cards, and social media. What is brand identity? Another term for repetition.
5. Proportion
Proportion refers to the visual size and weight and their relationship with each other. Sometimes it is more beneficial to look at your design as a series than as a whole. It is possible to group related items, which can increase their importance at a smaller scale. For example, a box at your poster with ticket information or a sidebar for a website that has a search bar. Proper proportion can only be achieved if every element of your design is well-placed and sized. When you have mastered alignment, balance and contrast, proportion will naturally emerge.
