Basic Design Principles
2026 | Study Guide,
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Answers, Rationales &
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Rationales
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, GRAPHIC DESIGN The process and art of combining text, graphics, and images to communicate an
effective visual message.
COMPOSITION the placement or arrangement of visual elements in a work of art.
DESIGN The integration and manipulation of visual and verbal elements to achieve a
coherent outcome.
PROXIMITY Elements that are intellectually connected should be visually connected. Items,
which relate to each other, should be grouped together. When several items are in
close proximity to each other, they function as one visual unit rather than separate
elements. This helps to organize informa- tion and reduce visual clutter. Items that
are not related to each other should not be placed close to each other. Closeness or
lack of closeness indicates a conceptual relationship
CONTRAST When elements in a design are noticeably different, emphasis and visual hierarchy
are created. It is one of the most important visual signifiers in a design. Elements,
which are not exactly the same,should be deliberately and noticeably different.
REPETITION Elements in a design are used more than once to develop the organization of the
piece and strengthen the visual unity. Color, shape, texture, spatial relationships,
line thicknesses, sizes, fonts, etc. are all elements, which can be used repetitively.
ALIGNMENT very element of a design should have a visual connection in relationship to the other
parts. Nothing in a design should be placed in an arbitrary manner, including the
alignment of text, images, and graphic elements. Using this creates a clean,
purposeful organization.
UNITY/HARMONY Harmony in visual design means all parts of the visual image relate to and com-
plement each other. Harmony pulls the pieces of a visual image together. When all
elements work together, a design is considered unified.
BALANCE occurs when the weight of one or more things is distributed evenly or
proportionately in
space.
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE Equal visual units right and left/ top to bottom of an imaginary center point.
ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE Visual balance achieved by dissimilar visual units; for example, two or three small
shapes on the right balancing one larger shape on the left.
RADIAL BALANCE Visual balance emanating from the center out.
2026 | Study Guide,
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, GRAPHIC DESIGN The process and art of combining text, graphics, and images to communicate an
effective visual message.
COMPOSITION the placement or arrangement of visual elements in a work of art.
DESIGN The integration and manipulation of visual and verbal elements to achieve a
coherent outcome.
PROXIMITY Elements that are intellectually connected should be visually connected. Items,
which relate to each other, should be grouped together. When several items are in
close proximity to each other, they function as one visual unit rather than separate
elements. This helps to organize informa- tion and reduce visual clutter. Items that
are not related to each other should not be placed close to each other. Closeness or
lack of closeness indicates a conceptual relationship
CONTRAST When elements in a design are noticeably different, emphasis and visual hierarchy
are created. It is one of the most important visual signifiers in a design. Elements,
which are not exactly the same,should be deliberately and noticeably different.
REPETITION Elements in a design are used more than once to develop the organization of the
piece and strengthen the visual unity. Color, shape, texture, spatial relationships,
line thicknesses, sizes, fonts, etc. are all elements, which can be used repetitively.
ALIGNMENT very element of a design should have a visual connection in relationship to the other
parts. Nothing in a design should be placed in an arbitrary manner, including the
alignment of text, images, and graphic elements. Using this creates a clean,
purposeful organization.
UNITY/HARMONY Harmony in visual design means all parts of the visual image relate to and com-
plement each other. Harmony pulls the pieces of a visual image together. When all
elements work together, a design is considered unified.
BALANCE occurs when the weight of one or more things is distributed evenly or
proportionately in
space.
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE Equal visual units right and left/ top to bottom of an imaginary center point.
ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE Visual balance achieved by dissimilar visual units; for example, two or three small
shapes on the right balancing one larger shape on the left.
RADIAL BALANCE Visual balance emanating from the center out.
