Fashion Illustration 3(1+2)

Lesson 04 : Elements and Principles of Design

Elements of Design

• Line – It is the impression created by moving a point continuously. It can also be the edge of a shape. Lines have length, thickness and direction.
• Shape – An enclosed space formed by a series of lines is called a shape. Shapes can be either organic or geometric in nature. Shapes can also be categorized into positives and negatives. It is important to note that whenever a positive shape is created, a negative shape is invariably created and vice-versa.
• Direction – The flow of a line is determined by its direction. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, etc. Direction is important as it determines the mood of a composition.
• Size – It is the relative value of one shape with another in the same work of art. This also helps you determine which object in the foreground and which objects lie in the background.
• Texture – It is the surface quality of a shape. Texture can be tactile or visual. This can be created by various techniques such as stipling, shading, squiggles, etc.
• Color– It is how light reflects off a surface. There are primary colors, secondary colors and tertiary colors. Color and color combinations play an important role in determining the feel and mood of a work of art.
• Value – The tone of a color is called its value. It determines the relation between the light and how it reflects off the shapes and hence creates depth.