The Principles of Design
Fashion Strategies
What is Principle of Design? • The Principles are concept use to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. • The way in which these principles are applied, affects the expressive content, or the message of the work.
Outline • • • • •
Proportion Balance Emphasis Rhythm Harmony
• Contrast • Dominance
Proportion • Proportion is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole design. • Good proportion is very pleasing to the eye.
Proportion • Elements seem to be an appropriate size for the space they fill.
Proportion • The ratio of one part to the whole. • Things just look right.
Proportion • The ratio of one part to the whole. • Things just look right.
Balance Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable.
Symmetrical or Formal Balance • The elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side • One side is a mirror image of the other side.
Informal or Asymmetrical Balance • Objects on each side of the central dividing line are different. • The sides are different but still look balanced.
Radial Balance • The elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar. • Embellishments, prints and construction can create a radical effect on the garment. • Parts radiate from center in all direction.
Emphasis • Emphasis creates a center of interest • Also referred to as a Focal Point
Rhythm • It is the movement of elements from one part of the design to the other. • Ruffles, pleats, scallops, etc should flow uniformly, which gives pleasing effect to the garment.
Rhythm- Repetition When a design element is repeated.
Rhythm- Opposition • When lines meet to form a right angle • Checks and plaids • Square necklines • Square pockets
Rhythm-Gradation
Light to Dark
Thin to Thick
Small to Large
Rhythm- Radiation Lines flow out from a single point.
Rhythm- Transition • Curved lines carry the eye. • Leads the eye in a gentle, continuous, visual flow from one area to another or object to another.
Harmony • Harmony is achieved when Unity and Variety are effectively combined. • The pictorial elements of the same type that go together.
Harmony- Unity • The design is seen as “whole”. • Unity can be achieved through matching and coordinating
Harmony- Variety • Variety can relieve monotony by giving the eye a number of different details to look at.
Harmony • Is it harmony? • What do you think?
Dominance • Dominance through emphasis of one or more particular elements creates a focal point in your design. • Dominance creates a visual hierarchy in your design. A hierarchy is by default a series of different levels of dominance.
Contrast • It use to emphasize, to provide variety and interest, or to create the certain feeling in the work. • Equal amount of two contrasting colors do not rectify anything other than dividing line, here one stands brighter than other.
Conclusion As you can see the Principles of Design overlap some but through practice and exposure you will see these principles come to life all around you.