The Basic Elements of Design are:  

Lines can take many forms. They can be loose and free or they can be straight and sharp. Lines can create patterns which adds emotional impact

to the visual image. Lines can also be used as forms of universal language in communication.

The three basic shapes are square, circle, and triangle. Each of these shapes have a

psychological meaning associated with it. The triangle has the attitude of conflict or action. The

circle gives the feeling of protection or infinity. Honesty or equality is associated with the square.

Mass refers to the size or amount of space taken up by an element. The mass or solid, plus the shape, tend to give relationship with other elements. The various weights of different shapes can be used to

emphasize type styles.

Texture is a part of every printed image. The first reaction is to touch the surface. Texture can be

produced by lines that form images. However, this element is usually visual and no reaction would be received through the sense of touch. Actual texture

can be produce by embossing.

When color is used on a layout, it causes that part of the layout to attract attention. Color can have a strong emotional and psychological impact on the reader. It can be used to add interest and to reduce boredom. Yellow, orange, and red are considered

warm colors and often denotes aggression, excitement, and danger. Blue, green, and violet are

considered to be cool colors and are associated with nature and passiveness.

The basic Principles of Design include:

Balance refers to equalizing the weight of elements in a design. Formal balance is achieved when all of the elements on the page are of equal weight and are placed symmetrically on the page. If a line were drawn through the exact center, it

would divide the design elements in half. Informal balance may be achieved when the

value, size, and location of unequal elements on a page are changed.

Contrast or emphasis adds variety to a design. It is the variations of elements in the printed

product. Some elements of a layout stand out because of contrast. This is achieved by a

difference in size, color or appearance. A few contrasts are: round and straight, ornate and

plain, broad and narrow. Contrast can be used to keep the attention of the reader and to keep the

reader's interest moving from one element to another.

Unity or harmony gives elements the appearance of belonging together. It is the proper balance of all elements so that a pleasing whole results. The image is viewed as one piece, as a whole, and not as separate elements. Using too many shapes or

typefaces may cause a design to be unfocused. An organized design can be achieved by using a basic

shape which is then repeated.

Rhythm is used to create eye movement and direction. It occurs when a design element is

repeated. Rhythm acts as guide so the eye reads important parts of a message. Numbers can then be used to direct the reader from one

element to another.

Proportion is the relationship between size and shape. It helps to achieve balance and unity in a

layout. To obtain good proportion the sizes of the elements must be regulated. To avoid the design from being dull and static, proportion must be

balanced by the use of contrast or unity. Proportion is a means of developing an

aesthetically pleasing relationship between each of the elements used in the layout.

1. The following is NOT an element of design: a. Shape. b. Texture. c. Mass. d. Beauty. 2. The attitude of conflict or action is associated with the __________.3. The feeling of protection or infinity is given by the __________.4. Honesty or equality is associated with the __________.5. The design element that can be produced by lines that form images or can be created by embossing is __________.

6. Color can be used to add interest and to reduce boredom. True or False?7. Warm colors are yellow, orange and red. True or False 8. Cool colors are blue, green, and violet. True or False 9. The following is NOT a design principle: a. Balance. b. Unity. c. Equality. d. Contrast.

10. There are two kinds of balance, informal and __________.

11. Variety is added to a design by the use of _________.

12. Elements appear to belong together by the use of unity. True or False?

13. Eye movement is created by the design principle __________.

14. An aesthetically pleasing relationship between elements is achieved with __________.