Sew Easy Peasy: Elements and Principles of Design

The elements and principles of design are foundational aspects to design and is the visual communication to your audience.

As you explore the elements and create designs your creativity will be realised by how you use the principles.

The Elements of design include: line, shape, size, space, colour, texture and value.

The Principles of design include: balance, contrast, emphasis, proportion, pattern and gradient

Creating folios of information around these elements is helpful for consolidating knowledge about the elements. Designers are often inspired by the use of these elements in nature. Try taking an object/plant or something from nature and replicating it in a design for a piece of clothing, accessory or furniture.

Here is a great website to learn more about the elements and principles:

https://designwithmshsquared.wordpress.com/interior-design/elements-and-principles-of-design/

In my exploration of "line" I used a bird of paradise flower and considered the LINE features to create a hat for the races! Maybe not your thing, but in looking into the design feature, I had to consider how paper or fabric could replicate the element in my own design.

In considering the Principles of design, it's about using the elements in a creative way to create your design. Understanding body shape helps support the coming together of your ideas. Adding line for example to certain body shapes is not flattering and can take away from an otherwise good design. Similarly, using it well, creates a visually appealing garment.

Body shape templates and information is abundant on the web.

Source - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2440176/Women-hourglass-20s-apple-50s-How-female-body-shapes-change-age.html