Great designs consist of many different elements. These elements are often considered the what of design, meaning what we use to make our designs really come alive.
While some or all elements may be used in any design, it's important to understand that we should use whatever we need to in order to effectively communicate our message.
While some or all elements may be used in any design, it's important to understand that we should use whatever we need to in order to effectively communicate our message.
LINE
A line is what connects two points. Lines come in many forms, including straight, zig-zag, curvy, dotted, etc. When we actually make a real line (meaning they exist physically), this is called an actual line. There are also implied lines, or lines that we see in our minds. Implied lines are formed because of how other elements are designed.
|
SHAPE
A shape is a self contained area. Shapes can be geometric, like a square, triangle, and circle. They can also be organic, meaning they look like things found in nature, like leaves, clouds, butterflies, etc. Shapes can also be abstract or free-form. This is shape that you create to fit a specific need, but doesn't resemble any of the shapes listed above.
|
SIZE/SCALE
TEXTURE
Texture typically refers to the way something feels physically. There are many times when it's appropriate to design the actual texture of an object, such as picking the type of paper, ink, and other materials, emboss/deboss, die-cut, foils, etc. But what about for a digital image that may not be printed? This is the implied texture. While it doesn't feel physically, viewers respond to how it looks like it feels.
|
VALUE
COLOR
Color is an incredibly important part of design as it affects our moods so much. Knowing what colors to use and how they relate to other colors can really help enhance your message. Likewise knowing what kinds of colors to use, whether RGB, CMYK, or HEX will help streamline your approach to the project.
|