The Basics Of Design

The fundamentals of design are the very building"aesthetic sense" to the point where he
blocks of the arts. Everything in art can be distilledautomatically sees whether a painting or drawing
down to a matter of design. So what is design?"looks right" or not.
One dictionary definition is "the organization orThe elements of design are:
structure of formal elements in a work of art."1. Line
Not very informative, perhaps, but not incorrect,2. Value (light and dark)
either. Design is simply how things are arranged in3. Color (or "hue")
a work of art.5. Intensity
There must be organization in a work of art, or6. Texture
else it degenerates into a confusing mess! The7. Shape
basics of design apply not only to the fine arts,8. Size
but to the minor arts as well. The wallpaper inObviously, these are the things that a visual artist
your living room has a design on it; even thewould use to create his work. A writer would use
paper towels in your kitchen have a design printedmetaphor, simile, allusion, etc, while a composer
on them. Design is the placement of elements onwould use full notes, half notes, sharps, flats, and
a two-dimensional surface, while composition isso forth. The elements of design will vary
the arrangement of elements in the illusion ofaccording to the medium employed; the principles
three-dimensional space. Both must be taken intoof design remain the same for any art form.
account when creating a painting, or even aI have learned to look at a painting or drawing
sculpture, for that matter.both as a two-dimensional design, and as a
Design can be broken down into two areas:three-dimensional composition. In reality, a painting
principles and elements.really is just a collection of shapes and colors on a
Here are the principles of design (Note: in usingflat surface, and during its creation it should be
the word "element", I am referring to the objectsviewed as such in order to ensure that its design
or figures in an artwork, the "things" in a design):is sound. But if you work in a realistic,
1. Unity - although there should be somerepresentational style as I do, you are also trying
difference in the elements in a design, all elementsto create the appearance of three dimensions in
taken together should work together to create ayour work, and you have to look at the piece in
single, coherent design.this manner as well. This is why I think it is
2. Conflict - although to achieve unity in a designadvisable to work in a totally abstract style from
most elements need to be similar, or serve atime to time, so as to develop a better
similar function, there should be someunderstanding of pure design, even if you usually
contradiction to add variety and life to the work.work in a representational style.
3. Dominance - to help in achieving unity, oneEven a fully realistic treatment of a subject is
element out of the many elements that make upnothing more than an abstract motif taken to a
a design should predominate; i.e. there should bemore highly developed level. Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa",
more of one color than any other, or dark valuesas realistic as it may be, can still be viewed as a
should predominate over lighter values, etc.collection of shapes organized in a harmonious
4. Repetition - the repetition of elements, such aspattern on a flat surface. When a sculptor creates
geometric shapes, helps to create a sense ofa figure in the round, mean to be seen from a full
rhythm and unite the various elements in the360°, he still has to be conscious of the
design.two-dimensional aspect of the work when seen
5. Alternation - variety is necessary in order tofrom different viewpoints. To be effective, it has
prevent monotony; i.e. breaking up a large area ofto present an aesthetically pleasing appearance
shadow with a patch of light.from any angle, and that means it has to have a
6. Balance - self-explanatory. Avoiding too muchsolid design no matter where the viewer is
or too little, too many or too few.standing. To demonstrate this, do a series of
7. Harmony - all elements in a design worksketches of a statue or statuette from different
together visually in an orderly fashion.viewpoints. If the sculpture has been designed
8. Gradation - the subtle change of color, value orwell, it should look good from any angle, and your
shape contrasted with sharp or dramatic changeflat, two-dimensional sketches should reflect this.
helps to enrich the design.Take a look at some of my paintings and
9. Direction - the "lines of motion" in a paintingdrawings on my website. Forget that they are
should largely point in the same way, althoughsupposed to represent three-dimensional objects
allowing for some variety.and figures. Simply look at them as flat,
It's easy to see that these principles apply to anytwo-dimensional patterns, and try to see how I've
art form, not just the visual arts. Writers,used the principles of design in these works. Try
composers, even dancers and film directors mustanalyzing other artist's work in this manner, too.
employ these rules if they are to achieve anThis is an excellent exercise for strengthening
effective result. It should also be apparent thatyour own sense of design.
combining all of these principles effectively is aIn the end, art and design are one and the same.
difficult and very subjective undertaking, sinceColor theory, composition, value schemes, drawing
some principles seem to contradict others.techniques and all the rest simply flesh out the
Nonetheless, the artist balances them in such abasic design. Understand design, and you'll
way as to create an effective work of art. Withunderstand what makes great art.
experience and study the artist develops his