Core Graphic Desing Elements:
As simple as they are, lines can take many appearances — thick, thin, brushed, dotted, dashed, curved, horizontal, diagonal, etc. With the rearrangement of lines, you can create an infinite number of graphics.
The outline of an object determines its shape. Shapes can be mechanical, organic, or abstract. Mechanical shapes are geometric, while organic shapes resemble natural objects. Abstract shapes include letters and symbols.
Colour helps to set the mood of a design as it has a strong psychological effect on the human brain. Colours have several characteristics like hue, shade, tint, tone, and intensity.
Even the most intricate graphic designs are made up of very simple components. Here are the seven core elements that have created every design you’ve ever seen.
The value determines the extent of lightness or darkness of an area in a design. A contrast in value is used to separate shapes.
A common way to add depth to a design is to give objects a texture. Be it soft, rough, smooth, rugged, wooden, or fluffy — texture combines lines, shapes, and colours to achieve a visual illusion.
Size allows designers to show contrast, highlight importance, and create a hierarchy to guide the viewer through the design. Components larger in size gravitate attention, creating focal points for the graphic.
Graphic design uses space to separate items or sections, explain the relationship between objects, and create the illusion of a 3D environment. White or negative space forms the background of a design, allowing other elements to pop.
At its core, graphic design is a highly creative craft and will always remain so. However, it’s still guided by a set of principles. Some of the essential graphic design principles are balance, contrast, emphasis, repetition, white space, hierarchy, and more.