Line in Design - Year One Tech

Lines are one of the most basic design elements used in art and design. They can be used to divide, to direct the eye, to create rhythm or to create forms. They can be implied and can also help form grids, one of the basic tools for layouts in graphic design.

FIRST, take about 20-30 minutes to read the following articles.

Here are 6 tips for designing with lines that will start you off.

Here is a post that goes into a little bit more detail about the use of line in design

Lines can also create mood and meaning. Here is a post that explains more about this in web design.


THEN, experiment with line by drawing 3 5x5" boxes in your sketchbook that convey 3 distinctly different emotions. Try to choose three different ones and challenge yourself!

Here are some ideas - anger, sadness, depression, boredom, joy, elation, fear, angst, anxiety, nervousness, enthusiasm, disappointment, happiness, loneliness, rage

You can fill the box any way you want, just use only line (pencil only) and express the emotion you chose. Please be prepared to hand in your sketchbook to Ms. Silverman on Tuesday. Make sure that you know what specific emotion you are trying to convey BEFORE you start sketching.

Elements and Principles of Design - CyberARTS Year One

The Elements and Principles of Design are the foundations of design, whether it be in the print industry, photography, illustration, advertising, animation, video and film, web, fine arts, graphic design etc.

Once you know and understand these basics, you will gain the ability to control where your viewer looks, and when, or in what order! And then, the WORLD!!! Or at the very least - unbelievably cool looking posters, logos and other designs...

Once you have seen the powerpoint presentation in class, or if you missed it, find it HERE, fill out the handouts either by hand - or on the computer (whichever you prefer). Or you can see it right here from the blog post, if the link isn't working, or vice versa.

The Elements of Art & Principles of Design from jdavis76

Elements of Design and Principles of Design Handouts Due: end of class on Thursday, or first thing Friday morning - handed in.


Step 2: Analysis of a poster design - to be presented
AND please hand in your worksheet for your group.

Look HERE for some beautifully designed posters
or HERE at my pinterest board of fantastic posters.

or take a look through this blog called Gentle Pure Space. It's lovely.

Don't spend too much time looking, because you do need to do your analysis as well.

1. Choose one fantastic poster or design that really speaks to you/your group. Try to find something that has a variety of elements and principles to discuss.

2. Using another blank chart, begin listing any and all elements and principles of design that you see in the image. Write them down as a group - have one person do the writing, but all of you should be doing the looking and the thinking. Make notes about how each of the elements used in the poster helps to create the principles of design.
 i.e. the thin, wispy, curving lines help create movement in the poster by leading your eye around the image. OR the vibrant use of bright red against the neutral gray coloured background creates a strong point of emphasis

Analysis: Due Monday Sep 9 to present in class.