Monolouge
Before every monolouge space every month turns into a editor complaint section, let’s start talking about what are we going to get ahead. First of all we started working on with Weiss graphic as our partner for supplies of graphic and also Art Direction, since we thought having more people the merrier this publication (and better perhaps).
Currently with more man power were trying to figure out things that would make pur publicating process more efficient. Since most of us are working for the publication in our spare time, things tend to get unorganized and that is probably (or definitely) the reason of our delays. We’ll try to fix that. Sorry!
Last publication discusses about elements of art, while this publication speaks about principles of design. Both being the foundations of art and design. Next few publication we’re aiming for more artworks, more examples upon how the elements and principles are being used in context.
So we hope you enjoy our third publication. Keep discussing.
Cover Image from:
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M A RCH
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Everything has a principle, a principle is like a foundation, the fundamental base of something. When we understand a principle and execute the principle, we may be able to perform well. Just like with design.
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
P
rinciples of design is the rule of a proper design. Following the principle properly allows the design to have
a proper form. There are various interpretations of the principles. One may name unity as a principle, while some may omit unity as it can be included with balance, another principle. Now we are going to discuss several principles that forms a good design visually. Principles of Ease
various the elements composed
First off is balance. Balance is
has a sense of connection between
a state when elements are in a
them and creates union for the
sense of equableness. There are
artwork or the design. Unity can
two types of balance, symmetrical
be achieved by having balance in
and asymmetrical. Symmetrical
the design, as balance creates a
balance is where the elements
distribution of elements that made
of the design are composed in
the whole design in union.
a, literally, symmetrical way. As if one side is mirrored on the other
Harmony is also related to balance
side. An asymmetrical balance is
and unity. Harmony is also a state
where the elements are composed
of connection between elements of
in a visually symmetrical way. By
the design that creates harmony, a
having a balanced composition the
pleasing effect. Harmony is closely
design would have stability and also
connected with unity, as some
structure.
concludes that the state of harmony is born when unity is present, henceforth relating both principles together.
Symmetry Balance and Asymmetry Balance
Some may include unity as part of balance. Unity is a state where Unity and Harmony
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Principles of Composition
in a work, making people perceive
Elements that are composed
a sense of space.Contrast can also
repeatedly creates repetition, or
create emphasis. Emphasis is a focal
a pattern as many people may
point of a design, the important
know. Pattern is another design
part that holds the purpose of
principle that promotes unity in a
the design itself. As design is a
design. Repetition may also creates
functional form of art, a purpose
balance, by having a similar element
driven work, the essence of the
being used repeatedly the elements
design should have the focal point
will weight the same between one
of the whole design. While it is not
and another, therefore creating a
always necessary to create emphasis
sense of balance, either symmetrical
with contrast, some find it easy to
or asymmetrical. By creating
do so, since contrast creates a sense
balance and unity in an artwork as
of distinction from the rest of the
previously stated it will also produce
elements, it is in some way aligned
a harmonious feeling.
with the purpose of emphasis.
Repetition
Contrast & Emphasis
Then there is contrast, a
Proximity is also another way for
composition of opposing elements
promoting emphasis. Proximity,
that creates a highlight between
or nearness, creates a relationship
the elements. Contrast can be
between the elements that are
achieved by difference in colors,
composed. Though it doesn’t mean
tone, shape and also different
that the elements must be closely
elements. By creating a contrast
located next to each other, it can
in a design, we are able to create
also mean that the elements must
variety of elements composing the
be connected visually.
artwork. Contrast also creates depth
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
movement. If repetition is the road and movement is the direction, then rhythm is the vehicle that “Literal” Proximity and “Unliteral” Proximity
Movement is a sense of direction that is created by the composition of elements. Some elements that could easily promote movement are the basic elements such as line and shapes. Having movement in
enables us to move with ease. Just like in music, a good rhythm helps people to hear the music well, as a disordered rhythm may confuse some people. In design rhythm enables peoples eye to view the design with ease.
a design helps the viewer eye to venture upon the whole design with ease, from one point to another point, just like a guide. Without
Movement & Rhythm
movement the design would seem
Usage of The Principles
stiff. It is considered a problem if
Principles of design is a guideline
various messages or focal points are
to create an effective design.
placed on a stiff design, because
Although there are some designers
the viewer may seem confused by
that argue that the principles are
how should they see the design.
not that necessary, we think that
This kind of situation makes the
knowing the essence of designing
viewer unable to interpret the whole
is important. Designers that work
design perfectly. But if a design has
in their ideals, like David Carson,
only one focal point it is not always
seemed like he just had abandoned
necessarily to have movement as
the principles judging from his work,
long as the focal point is clearly
but Carson must have designed
emphasized.
following the principles one point at his career. He must’ve understand
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Rhythm is a composition of
the principles to be able to break
elements that has an organized
the principles.
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
People are said to break the rule only because they have understood what the rule is. Without knowing the rule how are we going to break it. The principles of design is not a limitation for designers to work, it is more of a assistant on creating vast creative designs. Many designers agree that when designing without any base or limitations the design produced are usually ‘bad’, out of context and doesn’t serve it’s purpose well. The principles are there to serve as a base for our creative process. Understanding and learning about the principles enables us to do more. At the beginning we would feel like following the principles are a burden on our creative process, but after a lot of practice and thought, we would be able to apply the principles unconsciously. A great designer doesn’t let his creativity be limited by the principles, instead having his creativity being supported by the principles.
The principles of design may also be applied to other kinds of design
Raygun Magazine Cover by David Carson
“It’s not about knowing all the gimmicks and photo tricks. If you haven’t got the eye, no program will give it to you.” David Carson and art. Various product design or art installation make use of the elements to achieve aesthethic and also sophistication to viewers. Let’s take example of a dining room table set. The table and also the chairs usually came in one set, and both do share proximity, and when viewed together as one, they should promote a sense of unity.
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The kitchen utensils that are used are also made with proximity, while a knife and fork serve different purpose and also have different shapes, they do have a look that are closely
The “Unliteral” proximity between a knife and fork.
Big chance is that there are some principles that we don’t discuss this time, mainly because we felt like the principle is closely related to some principles that we have discussed here.Take example of balance, unity and harmony. They point out a similar point, principles that talk about how the elements are
related as a kitchen utensil set. If
composed so that the viewer may
product designs has a the principles
find ease when seeing the design,
applied, much more interior design
or emphasis and contrast that both
and also architecture. On various
talks about comparing elements to
art installations there are usually a
reach a focal point. Sure they do
message waiting to be perceived
have notable differences, but still
by the viewer. The artist conveys
quite closely related in application.
the message by using the principles
Some of the principles that we do
to drive the viewer’s attention to
not discuss has less differences
the main point of the installation.
compared to the ones whe had
Movement, repetition, contrast,
discuss.
emphasis, all works well to drive and guide the eye to where we
Or we could’ve just simply forget
want them to see.
about them, but hopefully not.
Article References: http://www.j6design.com.au/ClientArea/6fundamentalprincipleofdesign http://www.incredibleart.org/files/elements2.htm http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/vlo/design/principles/unity/index.html
Image References: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVOcJr5O3sA/ULQwGT-aRAI/AAAAAAAACI4/LoIHHyHMuJU/ s1600/david-carsons-ray-gun.jpg http://www.georgjensen.com/media/catalog/product/cache/6/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5f b8d27136e95/3/3/3335322_bo_bonfils_starters-lunch-dessert_fork_and_knife_giftbox.png
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Next Discussion: Modernist. Or Modernism. A word associated with sophistication. Perhaps true if we look upon the meaning of ‘Modern’ itself. But what does Modernist itself means? It started in the early 20th century. So should something that old be called modern?
We’ll keep quiet for now.
“The Dance” by Henri Matisse
Next publication probably shows more designer and artist works, but expect some modern things toward our next publication.
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