Graphic Design For Dummies

Chapter 6

The Principles of Design: Balance, Contrast, and Emphasis

IN THIS CHAPTER

Introducing the principles of design

Recognizing balance and how it’s used

Using contrast effectively in a design solution

Creating visual emphasis and hierarchy

Have you heard of the principles of design? If not, then prepare to be amazed because the principles of design are the building blocks of graphic design. The principles of design are often used to create visually pleasing and functional design solutions.

It’s important for graphic designers to recognize and utilize the principles of design because they are often a fundamental tool in a graphic designer’s toolkit. In fact, it’s not just graphic designers that use the principles of design, but artists, architects, interior designers, and many other disciplines lean into the principles of design, too.

The principles of design have evolved over time through the contributions of many artists and disciplines, so when you understand and use the principles of design, you can think of it as standing on the shoulders of giants and taking advantage ...