Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by making it different from other areas. This is created by Contrast where something is different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.

Unity is the feeling of Harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of oneness or wholeness. This is created by repeating similar elements in a work of art: color, line, textures, shapes, etc.

Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly: think of rhythm in music. Instead of sound, artists add visual “beats” to a picture. Rhythm can be used to create a feeling of Movement, which leads the viewer’s eye around the work of art.

Variety is the use of several different elements to hold the viewer’s attention and make it visually interesting. Variety can be created in many ways: changing a single element of art or using many elements at once.

Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. It is the relationship between the sizes of objects or parts of a whole in a picture.

Pattern is created by Repetition, when an element of art repeats in an artwork. Pattern and repetition can help create Unity.

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight in a work of art. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced.

• In symmetrical balance, the two sides of the artwork have the same or similar elements
• In asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but appear to have the same “weight”.
• In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.