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Elements and Principles of Design


    The science behind the art of design is accredited to six elements and six principles. The six main elements (or visual traits) of design are; line, color, shape, texture, size/scale, and direction. Whereas the principles of design–the message created by the used element–are as follows: proximity, balance, alignment, repetition, contrast, and space. The principles of design, however, are not limited to these. Your principles may depend on style or practice.

    So, why do elements and principles matter? If you're venting anger or calming your chi, it might not. However, if you're looking to create captivating visuals, understanding some of the core traits will help you to convey your message or story successfully. You don't want a crowded mess now, do you? Well, actually, you might...if you know how to do it tastefully!
    Once you've got a pretty good grasp on some principles or elements or elephants, it'll be your ticket to success! No matter who you are, a writer or an artist, your design knowledge will improve the quality of your work. With even the simple concepts, you can begin creating a logo, drafting out website pages, or planning social media posts. 

    Whether you need those for your own business to establish your online presence, or if you want to freelance your skills to entrepreneurs and small businesses, your portfolio will surely bloom (and so might your pocket!)

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