Throughout the semester important Design Vocabulary will be introduced through weekly readings and in-class presentations. You will describe and analyze designs using this basic design terminology within your weekly writings and in-class critiques.
The first thirteen terms are part of the visual arts core vocabulary, as well as an integral part of 2D Design. Each term is incorporated within every visual art course at WCC.
Visual Arts Core Vocabulary
- composition: The overall arrangement and organization of formal elements on the two-dimensional surface.
- focal point The location in a composition that attracts the viewer’s attention and may repeatedly draw attention back to itself.
- negative space The space between objects or the “empty” space. The arrangement and organization of negative shapes is as important, if not more important, as the arrangement and organization of positive shapes in any successful composition.
- rule of thirds When the picture plane is divided into thirds both vertically and horizontally as a tool to arrange and organize elements of a composition. Important compositional elements should be placed along those lines or at their intersections.
- value range The lightest and darkest areas of value in a particular work. A full range of values extends from white through infinite steps or gradations of grays, all the way to black.
- representational Refers to works of art that have recognizable subject matter; can be naturalistic or abstract, but remains “representation” in that there is a recognizably represented subject
- naturalism Based on literal or closely-observed depictions of the natural world. Art that aims to depict the physical appearance of things.
- abstraction A visual representation that may have little resemblance to the real world. Abstraction can occur through a process of simplification or distortion in an attempt to communicate an essential aspect of a form or concept.
- non-objective A work of art that has no reference to or basis in observed reality.
- craftsmanship Care in construction and finishing; demonstration of skill and knowledge of processes; attention to detail The quality of design and work shown in something that is made by hand.
- form and content Physical forms and compositional principles can and should reinforce the content of any work. Content may include your emotional, intellectual, symbolic, spiritual, and/or narrative intentions, as well as subject matter (the imagery included within a piece). Unity of form and content is important to communicating an idea or message feature in any work of art or design.
- creative brainstorming Specific techniques for generating many ideas and possibilities either individually or collectively. Creative brainstorming encourages a non-judgmental attitude, rapid generation of ideas, record-keeping, and a willingness to push to the edges for strange and unexpected possibilities within a limited time-frame.
- portfolio A thoughtfully edited and organized body of work ready for presentation (not just a physical case to carry work).
Design Elements
- line – a visual element of length; it can be created by setting a point in motion
- shape – a visually perceived area created by an enclosing line or by color and value changes defining the outer edges
- value – a measure of relative lightness or darkness
- color – a property of light; objects have no color of their own but merely reflect certain rays of white light, which contain all the colors
- texture – the surface quality of objects that appeals to the tactile sense
- space – refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within elements; both positive and negative space are important factors to be considered in every design.
- negative space – the space between objects or the “empty” space; the arrangement and organization of negative shapes is as important, if not more important, as the arrangement and organization of positive shapes in any successful composition
- form – 2d: the visual aspect of composition, structure, and the work as a whole; 3d: actual objects with volume and structure
- volume – 2d: the appearance of height, width, and depth in a form; 3d: the space occupied by an object
- closed volume – a compact, solid mass; material doesn’t reach into surrounding space
- open volume – more diffuse forms; material reaches into surrounding space
- plane – the two-dimensional surface of a shape
Design Principles
- unity – the degree of agreement existing among the elements in a composition
- harmony – the pleasing combination of parts which make up a whole composition
- focal point – the location in a composition that attracts the viewer’s attention and may repeatedly draw attention back to itself
- emphasis – similar to the pictorial idea of focal point; special attention given to some aspect of a composition to increase its prominence
- visual flow – using various visual elements to direct the viewer’s eye around the picture plane (i.e. directional forces, converging lines, repetition)
- balance – the equilibrium of opposing or interacting forces in a pictorial composition
- symmetry – a quality of a composition or form wherein there is a close or precise correspondence of elements on either side of a center axis or point; implies formality, tradition, stability
- asymmetrical balance – balance achieved with dissimilar shapes/forms that have equal visual weight or visual interest; implies activity, motion, modernism
- contrast – the juxtaposition of opposing elements (color or value, size, position, etc.); allows us to emphasize or highlight key elements by breaking or disrupting an established order or system
- repetition – using the same visual element over again within the same composition; used to create visual order or connection
- alignment – lining up shapes or forms, usually along edges or centers; allows us to create order, organization, and visual connection between elements
- proximity – the degree of closeness in the placement of elements; shapes or forms placed near one another are frequently interpreted as similar, and this is used to create visual order or connection
- continuation – a line or edge that continues from one form or shape to another, allowing the eye to move smoothly through a composition this line can be actual or implied
- direction – implied or actual movement of an element within a composition
- hierarchy – composition that shows difference in significance between elements; designers can influence the order in which we perceive elements in the composition through contrast and similarity
- closure – the mind’s inclination to connect fragmentary information to produce a completed form
- scale – a size relationship between different shapes or forms
Below are additional terms covered throughout the semester. The definitions for each of the below terms may be found in the glossary section of your textbook “Design Basics”.
- picture plane
- actual, implied, and psychic lines
- line quality
- directional and converging lines
- contour and cross contour
- cross-hatching
- directional dominance
- directional conflict
- compressed and expanded space
- biomorphic
- geometric
- figure/ground relationships
- convex and concave shapes
- value contrast
- atmospheric perspective
- hue
- primary, secondary, and tertiary colors
- tint and shade
- saturation
- color temperature (cool and warm colors)
- complementary colors
- simultaneous contrast
- monochromatic, analogous, and complementary color schemes
- emotional color and color symbolism
- concept
- critique
2D Design 