Although technically form refers to the shape of three-dimensional objects, two-dimensional designs are said to take on form when they create the illusion of three-dimensional depth. The Sydney Opera House in Australia is an example of a structure with asymmetrical form. However, a form may also be asymmetrical, organic, or abstract. Common geometric forms include cylinders and pyramids, such as the ancient pyramids of Egypt. Because the element of form deals with three-dimensional space, it plays a particularly important role in creative mediums like sculpture and architecture. When a shape has three-dimensional depth, it is said to have form.

For example, the shape of a cross in red color is recognized almost universally as a symbol related to nursing and medicine. Abstract shapes symbolize abstract ideas and concepts.

Organic shapes replicate shapes found in nature, such as the shape of a leaf or kangaroo. While geometric shapes are highly symmetrical, shapes may also be asymmetrical, organic, or abstract. Most of us learned long ago about common geometric shapes like circles and squares. Shapes with a sharp point, such as triangles, move the direction of the eye toward a specific area. Shapes with rounded edges like circles communicate ideas of wholeness and continuity. Four-sided geometric shapes, like rectangles, provide stability and order to a composition. Shapes symbolize ideas and can affect the mood and tone of a design. As the name suggests, a contour line “outlines” the contours of a design’s central compositional forms, like this image: Here are a few types of drawings that are created through different uses of line:Ĭontour drawings are often what first come to mind when we think about the use of line in drawing. While lines are a fundamental element in all forms of visual communication, they play a particularly critical role when you are using drawing mediums like graphite pencil, charcoal, or chalk pastels. Variations in line type and mark-making techniques are used to communicate different mood states within a design. Lines are expressed through many different forms and mark-making techniques they may be continuous, broken, curved, thick, thin, etc. We can easily identify lines in many aspects of our daily life, such as the yellow painted lines on asphalt that mark the boundaries of parking spaces.Īs an element of visual design, lines build shape and provide organization within a composition.

Here are the 7 essential elements of design, explained: Element of Design: LineĪ line is a visual stroke that moves through space. The elements are interconnected, so strengthening your skills in one element will simultaneously help you to build skills in the other elements. All seven elements must be considered when evaluating your work. Additionally, having a solid understanding of the essential elements can also help you objectively critique your own artwork. Knowing these terms will provide a common language for you to discuss your artwork with others. The seven essential elements of design are also fundamental for building your art vocabulary. How you use these essential elements can be the difference between a piece of artwork that resonates with your viewers versus a piece of art that feels stale, lifeless, and is easily forgettable. Furthermore, learning these design basics will make your creative work come to life, helping to create an emotional connection between the viewer and your work. Understanding these elements will enable you to use them effectively in your creative work, and it will provide enormous benefits for your artistic development and ongoing self improvement.

Seven of these essential elements of design are: line, color, shape, form, value, space, and texture. There are fundamental principles of design that operate in tandem with concrete elements of visual design. When finding a new hobby it is important to constantly work on building and practicing your developing skill set, but sometimes it can feel intimidating to know where to begin.Īll visual creatives––from fine artists to graphic designers––draw upon design principles to strengthen their artistic ability.

Design elements