ADN 111 Basic Terms

The understanding and interpretation of visual images and their meaning.

The use of similar design techniques in both physical and digital mediums.

The fundamental concepts that guide the arrangement and composition of visual elements in a two-dimensional space, including balance, emphasis, contrast, and rhythm.

The distribution of visual weight across an image to create a sense of equilibrium.

The size relationship between elements in a design to highlight the most important element and create a focal point.

The use of different elements or values to create variety and draw attention to important elements in a design.

The repetition and flow of visual elements to create a sense of movement and guide the viewer's eye through the design.

A type of balance where the weight of elements is evenly distributed across and within the format, creating a sense of harmony.

A type of balance where elements are arranged in an unbalanced manner to create contrast and visual interest.

A tool used in design to bring visual structure and balance to a composition by organizing and presenting information in a systematic way.

The most important element in a design that stands out and attracts the viewer's attention.

A secondary point of emphasis in a design that supports the dominant element and contributes to the overall unity of the composition.

The use of strong differences in value or color to create a powerful visual impact and draw attention to specific elements.

The use of subtle differences in value or color to create a sense of depth and add visual interest to a design.

The repetition of visual elements to create a sense of movement and flow in a composition.

The use of repeated elements in a design to create a sense of unity and rhythm.

The guiding path created by the arrangement of visual elements in a design that leads the viewer's eye through the composition.

A variation of rhythm is used to create interest in design.

Repetition can create texture and interest in a design.

Color is a key element in graphic design and can have different meanings in different cultures.

Hue refers to the quality that distinguishes one color from another.

Tone refers to the brightness or darkness of a color.

Chroma refers to the saturation or intensity of a color.

A color wheel is an organization of color hues that shows relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

A tint is created by lightening a color by adding white.

A shade is created by darkening a color by adding black.

A tone is created by adding gray to a color.

Content refers to the subject matter or words in a design.

Form is the visual aspect and utilization of the principles and elements of design.

A shape is a line that is closed and has width, height, and an inside and outside.

Positive space refers to the figure or shape in a composition.

Negative space refers to the background or ground in a composition.

Geometric shapes are defined within mathematical parameters, such as circles, squares, and triangles.

Organic shapes are formed in nature and can be undefined or geometric in form.

Man-made shapes are found in architecture, clothing, and artwork.

Marks that span a distance between two points or the path of a moving point.

Created when a pencil is placed on a piece of paper, they create contrast, mass, balance, value, and other effects.

An outline or internal line that defines the shape or form of an object.

Lines that serve the purpose of describing something in the real world.

Lines used to define the shape of an object.

Lines that are not physically present but separate shapes.

Lines that are suggested or psychological rather than physical.

The perceived speed of a line, which can be influenced by thickness and direction.

A line that appears slower in direction.

A line that appears faster in direction.

A line that appears more peaceful.

A line that appears less peaceful.

A line that gives the most action.