How to create the Principles of Design Tile Project

Welcome! This blog post features a guided tutorial of how to create a principles of design tile project. This is a great introduction or review activity for artists to deepen their knowledge of the principles of design, including rhythm, contrast, unity/harmony repetition/pattern, and more!

What are the principles of design? The principles of design describe a variety of ways an artist can use the 7  elements of art (line, shape, color, value, form, space, texture) to create visually pleasing compositions. So let’s begin the exploration…!

PAPER SETUP //

If possible, I recommend using an 11″ x 11″ sized drawing paper. Draw a 1″ border on the edges. Inside the 9″ x 9″ box, draw your tiles. Each tile will be 3″ x 3.” However, this could be adapted to fit a variety of paper sizes big and small!

TILE 1 // RHYTHM

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: RHYTHM. Rhythm can be created by using repetitious lines/shapes to create a sense of action and movement.

One way to illustrate rhythm is by drawing a op art design with a predictable pattern.

TILE 2 // CONTRAST

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: CONTRAST. Contrast can be created in an artwork by showing two different elements next to each other (such as light vs. dark, warm colors vs. cool colors, bumpy vs. smooth, geometric vs. organic).

One way to illustrate contrast is to draw a squiggly line down the middle of your tile and create an interpretation of a yin-yang design. This shows great contrast with the light and dark colors.

TILE 3 // VARIETY

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: VARIETY. Variety can be created in an artwork by using a variety of shapes, colors, lines, and more!

One way to illustrate variety is to draw at least 10 different types of lines. Vary the line weight, line style, line direction. Get creative!

TILE 4 // BALANCE

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: BALANCE. Balance is how the visual elements are arranged in an artwork. There are three types of balance: asymmetrical, symmetrical, and radial.

One way to illustrate a tile to show balance is to render a symmetrical “ink blot.” Strive for the “ink” look and be sure the left side mirrors the right side.

TILE 5 // EMPHASIS

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: EMPHASIS. Emphasis can be employed in an artwork by making one element stand out amongst other elements. The element that really POPS out at the viewer is often referred to as the focal point. Artists can make elements POP out by making them larger, brighter, bolder, and more!

One way to illustrate emphasis is to draw a bunch of shapes all the same size, but have one shape be larger and more dramatic.

TILE 6 // UNITY & HARMONY

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: UNITY & HARMONY. Unity and harmony can be achieved in artwork by making all the elements go together visually to achieve a sense of connectedness.

One way to illustrate unity and harmony is to draw a design that all uses one type of shape. By repeating this shape over and over, it will help to achieve a feel that they all go together visually.

TILE 7 // MOVEMENT

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: MOVEMENT. Movement can be achieved in an artwork by guiding the viewer’s eye around the artwork, or suggesting a sense of motion.

One way to illustrate movement is to draw a bunch of tightly woven, repeated curvy lines over and over. This will create a sense of visual movement.

TILE 8 // PATTERN & REPETITION

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: PATTERN & REPETITION. Pattern can be created by repeating an element in a predictable manner. Patterns can be created with shapes, lines, colors and more!

One way to illustrate a pattern is to show a predictable repetition of an element, such as three lines vertical… three lines horizontal… three lines vertical… and so on.

TILE 9 // SCALE & PROPORTION

Draw a design that illustrates the principle of design: PROPORTION & SCALE. Proportion is how the parts of an artwork relate to the whole. Scale can be used in an artwork by exploring how the varying size of objects, from tiny to large!

One way to illustrate scale in an artwork is to draw a variety of shapes from small to large.

INCORPORATING COLOR //

When all your tiles are finished, you may wish to incorporate color. In this example, only one color is added to the black and white and it really helps to achieve a sense of unity (<– hey! we are using one of principles of design).

Get creative with how you finalize your design!

Hi teachers! If you’re interested, please click below to purchase this lesson including a 18 slideshow presentation, printable tile template worksheet, and project specific grading rubric. This is also available on my Tpt- click here!