Design Principles & Elements

Design Principles:
Principles of design are concepts and methods that help to create objects that will appear more pleasing to the eye

Proportion - how something looks contributes to its proportions

• Height
• Length
• Width
• Shape or mass

Balance - works when elements don't compete

• Size of shapes
• Texture
• Color
• Value

     and other elements work together to produce a sense of "weight" or balance

Unity - when elements contribute towards a unified concept and are in agreement

• Color
• Texture
• Trims
• Prints and patterns

Rhythm - when elements are repeated

Movement - when a garment design seems to flow from one area to another

Emphasis - when an item in the outfit has a strong visual pull, then it has emphasis, focus or focal point

Contrast - when elements are different, contrast occurs. It can be created through

• Color
• Value
• Texture
• Pattern design

Scale - the size of the elements.

Design Elements:

Elements of design are tools to create the design

Line - the space between two points

• Edges
• Horizontal lines
• Vertical lines
• Diagonal lines
• "V" and "A"lines
• Curved lines
• Radial lines
• Shaped lines
• Structure lines
• Decorative lines
• Applied lines

Silhouette or Shape - the shadow or outline of the outfit or garment

• Wedge
• Hourglass
• "A" Line
• Straight
• Dome
• Fit and Flare

Volume or Mass - the area enclosed by the garment shape

• Body fit or tight
• Natural fit
• Oversized fit

Texture - tactile element of a garment

• Smooth
• Rough
• Soft
• Shiny
• Dull

Pattern - show many types of design elements, from

• Scale or size
• Repetition
• Image of design

Color - how colors are perceived can vary with light source illuminating it

• Hue
• Value
• Intensity

Value - how much dark or light a color appears