Basic Elements of Design

The six basic elements of design include line, shape, value, space, color, and texture. Lines are basic straight lines that can connect things and create shapes. Shapes can be simple or complex and can create images or symbols to convey a message. Space can be negative or positive. It can spread things in a design out and give the eye a break in an image. Value is the shadow in images and designs that give depth and perception. It gives the design more realism, as opposed to a flat image. Texture gives designs a quality that can visually make it appear rough or smooth, and adds character to the design. Color is used in designs to convey messages and especially to catch someone's attention. Colors can create different moods or feelings.

Colors trend from year to year and some of the colors that are predicted to be popular in 2014 are shown in the color palettes below.