Which elements of design are most critical to good composition? Learn about the 7 elements of art to nail your next creative project.
The seven elements of art can work seamlessly with other principles of design to improve your visuals and ensure your work is accomplishing all of your artistic goals. By understanding and leveraging these elements and principles of design, you can create visually stunning works that can deliberately guide viewers to leave with a specific, intended impression.
Are There Basic Elements and Principles of Design I Should Follow?
When it comes to design, certain elements can have a profound impact on the way viewers perceive art. There are basic elements present in all visual works and when used purposefully, provide a strong foundation for creating effective designs. Through learning these principles, artists and designers can leverage them to inform design choices and elevate the composition of their works. Let’s explore the seven elements of design and how they affect your designs.
Color: The Palette of Emotion and Meaning
Color holds immense power in design by setting the tone of a piece. It can evoke an emotional response, while also creating visual interest. Through the principles of color theory, artists and designers can create a sense of balance or disarray and add complexity to art through intentional color choices.
License image via Jorm Sangsorn.
While the piece above is abstract, there’s a clear sense of sadness through the use of the color blue. Other elements of art, such as space and value, also play a role here, which we’ll touch on later.
Line Art: Definition in Design
Lines control the movement in the piece, guiding the viewer while adding direction and definition to visual compositions. In design, lines connect two points in space. In art, the use of lines can draw the viewer’s eyes to important points in a graphic. Line art can also introduce texture, creating a multifaceted work.
In the image below, both the strong border lines and the lines that create the shape boundaries continually draw the viewer back into the piece, as all the leading lines return to the center of the art.
License this image via Master1305.
Form: An Element of Art
Form refers to how objects fit within the larger space. In art and design, form is created using techniques such as lighting, shadows, contours, and negative space. By mastering the concept of form, artists and designers can add depth, presence, and realism to their creations.
In this example, the use of shadows adds depth, while the planets are rendered more three-dimensionally. This gives the viewer an interesting contrast.
License this image via Anton Vierietin.
Space: Balancing the Elements
Space, both positive and negative, helps to establish balance within a work of art. White space allows for breathing room, whereas positive space is filled up by the focal point of your piece. The use of space guides the viewer’s perception, emphasizing the focal point and enhancing the overall impact of the design.
Here, the negative space surrounding the piece draws the viewer’s eye to the main focal point. Then, the main lines and colors within the positive space create a sense of wonder and excitement.
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Shape: Definition in Design
Shapes are a basic building block of design, creating a two-dimensional area out of lines. There are three categories of shapes—organic, geometric, and abstract. Organic shapes are shapes similar to those found naturally in the world. Geometric shapes have a specific amount of angles and curves based on mathematical principles. Lastly, abstract shapes are stylized representations of real things.
License image via Master1305.
In this image, the oval portal and the rectangular ocean represent geometric shapes. The askew depiction of the sun is an organic shape, while the line art birds in the corner are abstract shapes.
Value: Illuminating the Composition with Light and Shadow
Value refers to the range of lightness or darkness of colors in a composition. Using different variations of hues can give viewers a sense of depth and volume in a piece.
License image via VISTA by Westend61.
The light pink hues contrasted with the darker pinks give these shapes the illusion of depth and volume in a two-dimensional work of art.
Texture: Evoking Sensory Appeal and Visual Interest
Texture engages the viewer’s senses, providing a sense of the tactile nature of objects in an image. Careful use of texture allows designers to build visual interest by inviting the audience to consider their work as both a visual and physical object. Texture can also add realism—or unique stylistic elements—to a composition.
License image via mikesj11.
The rough ink roller texture on these prints makes the piece feel organic and less structured. When placed in context with the even, geometric sections, the texture adds a unique balance to the art.
Which of the 7 Elements of Art Are Most Important?
No single principle stands above the rest in terms of usefulness. Use all seven elements of art—line, shape, form, color, space, value, and texture—in harmony to enhance your creativity and improve your art. By embracing the power of these elements in your own work, you can create visually stunning and emotionally resonant designs.
Ready to use these elements for your next project? Visit Shutterstock Create’s template page to access graphics that seamlessly incorporate all of the seven elements. Ignite your creativity and bring your artistic vision to life while leaving a lasting impression through stunning visuals.
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License this cover image via Anton Vierietin.
