CONTRAST refers to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.

Emphasis is a strategy that aims to draw the viewer's attention to a specific design element. That could be to an area of content, to an image, to a link, or to a button, etc. ... The aim is to create a focal point in the design: an eye-catching part that stands out, distinct from the rest of the design elements.

Repetition is the simplest element you can use. Pattern is a combination of elements that are repeated.

VARIETY refers to a way of. combining the art elements in involved ways to achieve intricate and complex relation- ships. Variety is often obtained through the use of diversity and change by artists who wish to increase the visual interest of their work.

Proportion in art is the relationship of two or more elements in a composition and how they compare to one another with respect to size, color, quantity, degree, setting, etc.; i.e. ratio. ... Good proportion adds harmony and symmetry or balance among the parts of a design as a whole.

Rhythm and Movement are when a designer uses recurring elements to direct the viewers eye through an image – literally leading you to important things you need to see.

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable.

Unity in design occurs when the elements in a space work together in such a way that the resulting look is balanced and harmonious. ... Harmony is accomplished by the repetition of a particular design element, such as color, shape, texture, etc… that harmony is what creates the sense of unity.