Composition in 2D Design

Elements of Art:

• Line: Direction, weight, quality (contour, gestural, implied)

• Shape/Form: Geometric vs. organic; positive vs. negative space

• Color: Hue, value, saturation; color theory (complementary, analogous, triadic)

• Texture: Actual vs. implied

• Space: Depth through overlap, size variation, atmospheric perspective

• Value: Light to dark range; creates volume and mood

Principles of Design:

• Balance: Symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial

• Emphasis: Focal point — where the eye goes first

• Contrast: Differences that create visual interest

• Unity/Harmony: Elements working together cohesively

• Movement/Rhythm: Visual pathways guiding the eye

• Proportion/Scale: Size relationships between elements

Building Your Sustained Investigation:

Start with a question or idea that genuinely interests you

Experiment with multiple approaches and materials

Document your process — failures are as important as successes

Let each piece inform the next — show growth and evolution

Write reflectively about your artistic decisions

Composition in 2D Design

Elements of Art:

• Line: Direction, weight, quality (contour, gestural, implied)

• Shape/Form: Geometric vs. organic; positive vs. negative space

• Color: Hue, value, saturation; color theory (complementary, analogous, triadic)

• Texture: Actual vs. implied

• Space: Depth through overlap, size variation, atmospheric perspective

• Value: Light to dark range; creates volume and mood

Principles of Design:

• Balance: Symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial

• Emphasis: Focal point — where the eye goes first

• Contrast: Differences that create visual interest

• Unity/Harmony: Elements working together cohesively

• Movement/Rhythm: Visual pathways guiding the eye

• Proportion/Scale: Size relationships between elements

Building Your Sustained Investigation:

Start with a question or idea that genuinely interests you

Experiment with multiple approaches and materials

Document your process — failures are as important as successes

Let each piece inform the next — show growth and evolution

Write reflectively about your artistic decisions

Composition and Visual Hierarchy

Composition in 2D Design

Elements of Art:

Principles of Design:

Building Your Sustained Investigation:

Composition and Visual Hierarchy

Composition in 2D Design

Elements of Art:

Principles of Design:

Building Your Sustained Investigation: