Beginning Design

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Instructor: Jennifer Swoboda

This is a SELF STUDY Course.

Description

The course will introduce the student to techniques used to create sound compositions via an exploration of the design principles of balance, unity and variety, rhythm, and focal point.

Skill Level

Beginning – there are no prerequisites for this course.

Software Requirements

  • Microsoft® Word or Works
  • Adobe Reader
  • QuickTime ( for viewing video).

Hardware Requirements

  • A computer capable of viewing PDF lesson and QuickTime Video
  • Mouse and keyboard input devices

Before Class

Please take some time to become familiar with the navigation of the site and our classroom set-up.  Be sure to review this course syllabus and all documents uploaded to the classroom carefully.

Week One

Balance: Symmetry and Asymmetry

Week one includes a careful review of the design principle of balance, focusing on symmetrical, or formal balance, and asymmetrical, or informal balance.

Week Two

Unity and Variety: Bringing it Together and Spicing it Up

Week two includes an examination of the design principles of unity and variety.  There will be a focus on creating unified compositions with visual interest achieved by variations of visual elements.

Week Three

Rhythm:  Repetition for Visual Fluidity

Week three includes a focus on the development of visual rhythm via the repetition of visual elements such as line, color, texture, value contrast, shape and size.

Week Four

Focal Point: Creating a Center of Interest

Week four will address focal point, or the main area of interest in a composition, via the use of such visual elements as: directional lines and contrasts in value, color intensity, size, shape, and texture.  There will also be a discussion of psychological and emotional content and how that content serves to focus a viewer’s attention within a composition.