Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    Graphic Design Elements 101

    Arts & Crafts
    School Specialty • Apr 24, 2016 • Last Modified: Apr 6, 2018

    Graphic Design Elements 101

    Once you’ve introduced your students to the principles of graphic design, they’re ready to explore the basic elements of design. Check out our easy-to-understand explanations of each of the elements, below:

    Color

    Color is simply light reflected off of objects. Color has three main characteristics: its hue, or name (red, green, blue), its value (how light or dark it is), and its intensity (how bright or dull it is). Choice of color, value, and intensity can help unify a design and/or draw the viewer’s eye to specific areas of the design.

    Shape and Space

    Shape is the visibly defined form of anything. There are geometric shapes (man-made) and organic shapes (formed by nature). Something fun to point out in this lesson is that a positive space automatically creates a negative space. You might also encourage your students to try using a ruler or compass to create precision geometric shapes.

    Texture

    The surface of a shape is its texture. Texture can be created tactilely, through layering of paints and other materials, or visually, through design. Repeating a texture makes a pattern, which is a great way to add continuity to a piece.

    Size or Scale

    Size refers to the relative scale of the individual pieces within a design to each other. In most cases, the pieces of a design will be in the same scale, unless something is intentionally made larger or smaller by the artist, for effect.

    Direction

    The direction of the lines add to the overall design. In general, horizontal lines provide a sense of calm, stability, and tranquility. Vertical lines provide balance. Diagonal lines provide movement and a sense of action.

    Line

    A line is simply two points that are connected. There are two types of lines: those we make intentionally with a brush or pencil stroke and those that are made when two shapes meet. Both contribute to the overall effect of a design.

    Typography

    Different fonts communicate different emotions and should be carefully considered. As a rough rule, a single design piece should incorporate no more than two different fonts, either two that work together or two chosen intentionally to provide contrast.

    Do you have any design tips to share with your fellow art teachers? Let us know in the comments below.

    Tagged With: 101 Art Series

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Recommended

    Crayola Partners with School Specialty for Crayola Creativity Week

    News

    Crayola Partners with School Specialty for Crayola Creativity Week

    Simple Everyday Ways to Help Kids Practice Math: Winter Edition

    Math

    Simple Everyday Ways to Help Kids Practice Math: Winter Edition

    Designing Effective Specialty Spaces in Schools

    Learning Spaces

    Designing Effective Specialty Spaces in Schools

    9 Easy Halloween Costumes for Teachers

    Celebrations & Themes

    9 Easy Halloween Costumes for Teachers

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2023 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube