Principles of Design

1. Balance
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium. It is similar to the balance in physics. Basically we can achieve balance in two ways: symmetrically and asymmetrically.

Symmetrical balance can be described as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. It may also be referred to as formal balance.

Asymmetrical balance, also called informal balance, is more complex and difficult to envisage. It involves placement of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another around a fulcrum point.






2. Gradation
Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective.

Gradation of color from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce aerial perspective.

Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape. A gradation from dark to light will cause the eye to move along a shape.







3. Repetition
Repetition works with pattern to make the work of art seem active.

The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art.

Repetition with variation makes the design look more interesting where as repetition without variation can become monotonous.








4. Contrast
Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements

For example:
(a) Opposite colours on the colour wheel - red / green, blue / orange
(b) Contrast in tone or value - light / dark.
(c) Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical.








5. Harmony
Harmony in the design principles is the visually satisfying effect of combining related, similar elements together.

For example, it could be similar colors or similar shapes.









6. Unity
The feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.







7. Dominance
Dominance gives a painting interest, counteracting confusion and monotony.

It can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis

Look at the example on the right hand side, the red stands out from the black background where it shows emphasis on the red circle.






References:
http://www.google.com.my/imgresum=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=634&tbm=isch&tbnid=oHW4Rjh6rR6MVM:&imgrefurl=http://www.artrift.com/photo/99/dominance/&docid=BFLRGQXau7ZqJM&imgurl=http://
www.artrift.com/file/pic/photo/2011/01/Cooper-dominance-new-png_1024.png&w=551&h=553&ei=zT-sUb3AF4eBrgeW9oHICw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:0,s:0,i:156&iact=rc&dur=737&page=1&tbnh=175&tbnw=187&start=0&ndsp=16&tx=102&ty=84
http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/principles_design.pdf
http://cdn.designfestival.com/files/2011/07/unity-among-the-monkeys.jpeg
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm
http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/principl/principl.htm
http://visscom.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/repetition.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Gi8aKtETlGo/S6old8UgWPI/AAAAAAAAAGc/lDnHyyMhkOM/s1600/Contrast3.jpg
http://a1.s6img.com/cdn/box_006/post_16/913857_5823189_lz.jpg