The Principles
of Design
The “Principles of Design” comprise the range of relationships that can occur between 2 or more elements of art within a composition.
To help remember all 7 principles, try this mnemonic:
Big Purple Penguins Always Move Carefully Underwater
Balance, Proportion, Pattern, Alignment, Movement, Contrast, Unity.
As a graphic designer, it is not enough to be able to name and define these 7 elements. It is critical to understand the unique power and impact that each of these can have on an given audience - to understand the visual language of line, shape, form, space, value, color and texture.
Balance