Elements of design

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

Line

Object/form

TextureColour

Shape

Value© SOFT Student Handouts, By, Sunil

Talekar, Faculty, SOFT-Pune

What is clothing made up of?Good fashion has a combination of the elements and principles of design.

Elements of design are the parts.They structure and

carry the work.The elements of design are;

LineShapeForm or ObjectColorTexturespaceValue

Principles of design are concepts.They affect content and message.The principles of design are;

BalanceHarmonyProportionEmphasisRhythm

LineOut of the 6 elements of design, line is the strongest and most important and dominant. Without line;¥…. There can be no shape. ¥…. Without shape there can be no form. ¥…. Without form there can be no texture and there can be no pattern.

Lines can be;

• Vertical• Horizontal• Diagonal• Curved• short or tall• thick or thin• can lead you

away, or move you forward in an image

Vertical linesVertical lines tend to convey different moods, ranging from power and strength, to growth.

Directional/Jagged linesJagged/sharp lines can be perceived as forceful, chaotic, sharp, and threatening

Curved linesRepresents freedom, the natural, having the appearance of softness and creates a soothing feeling

Diagonal linesDiagonal- Represents action, activity, excitement and movement.

Thin linesThin lines can be experienced by some as unstable, and by others as weak.

Thick linesThick lines can be experienced as rigid and dependent, or can be experienced as dominating .

Horizontal linesRepresents calm, peace and relaxation.

What lines appear in this dress?

What is Line?Refers to an elongated mark that connects two or more points. Line encloses and divides space, creating shapes and forms. Seam lines divide and enclose space on a garment.

.

Effects of lineCan create optical illusions

Show directions

Show movement

Show strength

A

B

C

D

StructuralStructural – lines required to maintainthe structure of the garment;

for example, seams

Decorative

Decorative – lines created by the designer purely for decoration; for example, a printed-on design

Vs.

Straight Lines

MessageForceful, Rigid, Strong, Hard, Formal, Masculine, Crisp, Stiff, Severe

IllusionIncreases, emphasizes, reinforces body lines and angles, counters curved lines and rounded body areas

PlacementsClosures, Necklines, Collars, Lapels, Seamlines, Darts, Tucks, Pleats, Folds, Stripes, Shapes, Silhouettes

Straight lines

Curved Lines

MessageGentle, Romantic, Fragile, Soft, Casual, Feminine, Graceful, Sensual

IllusionHolds attention longer, increases, emphasizes, reinforces rounded soft-body curves, counter straight lines and angular body areas

PlacementsFabric pattern, necklines, collars, yokelines, seamlines, bows, lapels, sleeves, ruffles, skirts, gathers, trims, buttons

Curved lines

Vertical

MessageFormal, strong, dignified, stiff, business-like, stately, conservative, grandious, majestic, efficient

IllusionIncreases, emphasizes, reinforces length, height, narrowness, thinness– slimming, counters horizontal lines

PlacementDeep v-necklines, pointed collars, narrow lapels, narrow panels or gores, fabric insets, lengthwise grainline, vertical stripes, darts, tucks, pleats, folds, crease, zippers, row of buttons, pockets, ties, neckties, long sleeves, high heels

Vertical lines

Horizontal

MessageRestful, stable, calm, relaxed, casual, quiet, serene, in repose, lethargic

IllusionIncreases, emphasizes, reinforces width, bulk, shortness, counters vertical lines, when placed high appears taller, when placed low appears shorter

PlacementNecklines, flat collars, bow ties, yoke lines, horizontal stripes, belts, cuffs, waistline, sashes, patch/flap pockets, wide-set double-breasted closure, strap shoes, platform shoes, wide-brimmed hat

Horizontal lines

Diagonal

MessageActive, movement, instability, excitement, interesting, dramatic, restless, sophisticated, in motion, vitality

IllusionIncreases, emphasizes, reinforces the direction of the dominant angle, counters vertical and horizontal lines

PlacementV-shaped neckline, open collar, lapels, raglan sleeve seamlines, French darts, closures, surplice closure, row of buttons, fabric inset, diagonal stripes, gores, herringbone pattern, zigzag pattern, A-line skirt, flared skirt or pants, shoe laces crisscross straps

Diagonal lines

Portfolio Assignment

Create portfolio pagesFor Straight Line, Curved Line, Diagonal Line etc.

Address the following in the paragraph:What lines are found in the picture?Where are the lines found?Are the lines structural or decorative?What is the illusion and message associated with the described lines.

Curved line sampleportfolio page

Curved

lines

Curved images, such as

curves on dress makes the

curves on the body more

Dramatic and apparent.

Because the top is patterned

with sequins, the upper

body seem fuller, rounder

especially when contrasted

to her bare shoulders, which

appear thin and narrow

Diagonal Line

sampleportfolio pageOn the particular light blue

dress, the attention is directed

towards the upper body. The

center of focus is placed at the

center of her chest. This is because the pair of diagonal

lines from her upper waist meets with the multitude of

diagonal lines coming down

from her neckline. The V neck

makes the models neck appear

thin

Curved

lines

Straight line portfoliosample page

On the particular jacket

horizontal lines emphasize width

on apparel. Attention I drawn

towards the bolder lines of this

jacket. The bolder strips make

her arms seem wider than the

narrow stripes on her shoulder

blade

Types

• Warm Colors• Reds, oranges,

yellows

Color has an immediate and profound effect on a design.

• Cool Colors

• Blues, purples, greens

Color

Colors can affect how humans feel and act.

Color

Area enclosed when both sides of a line meet. Shapes can be geometric or organic.The shape, outline, or configuration of anything.

Shape

Shape

Examples: Squares, Circles, Ellipses, Ovals, Rectangles, Triangles

By incorporating the use of space in your design, you can enlarge or reduce the visual space

Space

Types of Spaces are

• Open, uncluttered spaces

• Cramped, busy

• Unused vs. good use of space

Texture The surface look or feel of something.

Texture

Rough surface

Absorbs more light and, therefore, appears darker.

Smooth surface

Reflects more light and, therefore, is a more intense color.

Smooth Texture

Rough Texture

Value

The relative lightness or darkness of a color.

Methods

Shade

Degree of darkness of a color

Tint

A pale or faint variation of a color

Value

Thank you!!!!!