Principles of design - it is very important to consider the eternal principles of design while learning digital arts.

1.  Balance

 All elements are placed in a way that gives an impression of steadiness.

2.  Rhythm

 Rhythm is repetition.

 In graphic design, rhythm occurs when a certain element is repeated in several instances.

 It can add movement to a design. It looks like something is happening and leads the reader’s eye in a desired direction. Good rhythm helps the reader maintain interest in the design.

3.  Proportion
 

 Proportion is the size relationship of one part to another.

 By itself, the size of an object has little meaning.

Only by comparing it to something else can we say it’s too big or too small.

In graphic design the proportions of one element to another should be correct. Although some elements may be larger or smaller, the effect should be pleasing.

4.  Contrast

 The purpose of contrast in design is to create interest in the product or work of art.

 Interest is typically created by change in size, shape, colour, tone, typeface, and direction.

  Illustrations, photos, and type can individually be varied in size and weight.

 The use of different FONT styles (bold, italic, outline, shadow, and underline) and varying font point sizes adds contrast and serves to emphasize areas or words in the message.

Colour affects people in different ways.

 Red, yellow, and orange are warm colours often signifying danger or excitement.

 Blue, violet, and green are cool colours associated with water.

 Brown and green are earthy colours.  
You can perceive about 10 million colours!!! your computer can deliver 16 million colours

 COLOUR HUE/ SATURATION USING RGB IN NUMBER OR HEXADECIMAL CODE
 click on this interactive device and discover the principles of additive colour and hue
sometimes you need to match colours ............ use the hex colour number
 

>>HEX system  note that RGB number goes to 255 (that gives 2 to the power of 255 = about 16million colours on a computer but the eye can only perceive 10 million)

 5.  Unity                            

 Unity is the most important principle of design.

 It is the quality that holds the layout together in harmony. A design that effectively and efficiently communicates the message to the audience has good unity.
Each element needs to be placed on the page in a pleasing relationship with the other elements.

6.  Variety

 Variety is difference.

 Variety in graphic design may add interest and excitement.

The younger the audience the more variety you can use, while older audiences like a more traditional look.

 Whatever design principle you use in your production, good planning is necessary to avoid last-minute problems.

It is the designer’s responsibility to see that the publication is produced in an acceptable manner.

 The basic guidelines for Good Design >>>>

1. Consider the target group of viewers!!!!!
What do they want? 
What do you want to say?

 2.  Be Consistent.

 3.  Keep it Simple.

 4.  Avoid Static Balance. ( eye does not roam around )

 5.  Establish a Dominant Element.

 6.  Images and Symbols Enhance the Message.

 7.  Utilize White Space. (think of Google's design success)

 Good design is often the result of trial and error!