Graphic Design/Elements of Design

Line - A line is simply a series of dots, or points, in space. That line can be straight (although some would argue that a line can never be truly straight) or curved. Lines are used to delineate objects as in a line drawing, or used to create graphs, or used to outline areas as in a framed effect. Imaginary lines are created when two areas of different colors, textures, or values meet to create a line between those effects. Colour - Hues, which are represented by the shades (add black), tones (middle ranges), and tints (add white) of any given color. Get a color wheel. You'll love yourself for that effort, because a color wheel can help you to determine various color schemes such as contrasting colors, triadic schemes, etc. Volume - Although volume is often represented by three-dimensional objects, a two-dimensional designer or artist can create the illusion of volume (and, therefore, depth and/or distance) through various techniques like perspective, shading, and highlights. Movement - Movement is not animation, although animation illustrates movement. Movement is how you as a designer move the viewer's eye through a space with the line, contrast, volume, and the placement of objects within a design (composition). Space - Space comes in two flavors: Positive space, which is represented by highlights or by an object; Negative space, which is represented by open space or by shadow. The balance of space creates a composition. Texture - Texture is illusion in two-dimensional design. In other words, the designer/artist creates the 'feel' of a brick, water, or other object through drawing or through photographic representation. Collage artists may represent texture through the actual object, such as sandpaper that represents sand. Value - Value is light and dark and all the shades in between (gray scale). The use of this element creates contrast. Typography - In design, topography is an element; however, it's an element created by other elements such as line, space, volume, and value.