Shauna Rent
Principles of Design
Balance:
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is corresponding opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Two types of balance are asymmetrical (informal balance) and symmetrical (formal balance).
Asymmetrical balance is used in the poster of "Tom Sawyer" because the picture on the poster gives the effect of balance when you look at it, but is not evenly distributed on either side of the axis, therefore making it not symmetrical.
Symmetrical balance is used in the poster of "Guys and Dolls" because the picture on the poster has equal "weight" on either side of the page.
Proportion:
Proportion refers to the "relationship" between objects, or parts, of a whole; size and scale of the various elements of design.
Proportion is used in the poster of "Mame" because the lady on the poster is larger than the buildings making it seem as though the city is far behind her and she is the main focus of attention.
Rhythm:
Rhythm is described as timed movements through space; an easy connected path along which the eye follows a regular arrangement of motifs. There are many different types of rhythm: Linear rhythm... which is individual lines with characteristic flow that is not dependent on pattern, but is more dependent on the timed movement of the viewer's eyes; Repetition... a pattern that achieves a timed movement or a visual "beat"; Alternation... a specific pattern with a sequence of repeating motifs that are presented in turn (fat/thin, round/square); Gradation... a series of motifs patterned to relate to one another through a regular progression of steps.
Rhythm is used in the poster of "A Chorus Line" because it has a repetition of dancers creating a pattern.
Contrast (Emphasis):
Contrast achieves emphasis by setting the point of emphasis apart from the rest of its background. There are many kinds of contrast: Color, texture, or shape will cause attention to a specific point; Size or scale will also cause attention to a specific point; Strategic position will bring attention to a specific element of design.
Contrast is used in the poster of "Damn Yankees" because the baseball with the face on it is bigger in size than it normally should be cause it to have all the attention.
Unity:
Unity is the underlying principle that summarizes all the other principles. The sense that all of the parts are working together to achieve a common result.
Unity is used in the poster of "Guys and Dolls" because the picture is symmetrically balanced, the proportion of the people to the buildings is making it seem as though the people are closer than the buildings, it has rhythm with the buildings in a pattern, and contrasts the people against the buildings making the people darker and the buildings white.
Websites Used:
http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/principl/principl.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm
http://www.peonqueen.com/ArtSpace/temp_exhib/art2/bal.html