The 7 elements of art and design are color, line, form, space, shape, value, and texture. By understanding and leveraging these elements and principles of design, you can create visually stunning works that guide viewers to a specific and intended impression.
In this post, we’ll cover:
The 7 Elements of Art and Design
When it comes to design, certain elements can have a profound impact on the way viewers perceive art. There are basic elements present in all visual works and when used purposefully, provide a strong foundation for creating effective designs.
Through learning these principles, artists and designers can leverage them to inform design choices and elevate the composition of their works.
In a nutshell, the seven elements of art can work seamlessly with other principles of design to improve your visuals and ensure your work is accomplishing all of your artistic goals.
Let’s explore the seven elements of design and how they affect your designs.
Element 1: Color
Color holds immense power in design by setting the tone of a piece. It can evoke an emotional response, while also creating visual interest.
Through the principles of color theory, artists and designers can create a sense of balance or disarray and add complexity to art through intentional color choices.
License this image via Jorm Sangsorn.
While the piece above is abstract, there’s a clear sense of sadness through the use of the color blue.
Other elements of art, such as space and value, also play a role here, which we’ll touch on later.
Element 2: Line
Lines control the movement in the piece, guiding the viewer while adding direction and definition to visual compositions.
In design, lines connect two points in space. In art, the use of lines can draw the viewer’s eyes to important points in a graphic.
Line art can also introduce texture, creating a multifaceted work.
In the image below, both the strong border lines and the lines that create the shape boundaries continually draw the viewer back into the piece, as all the leading lines return to the center of the art.
License this image via Master1305.
There are numerous types of lines including:
Straight, Curved, and Zig-Zag Lines
Straight lines are rarely found in nature, whereas curved and zig-zag lines are more organic.
Curved lines change directions gently, have no sharp angles, and relate most closely to the natural world.
Zig-zag lines have sharp angles as they rapidly change directions, creating a sensation of unrest and movement.
Diagonal, Vertical, and Horizontal Lines
Diagonal lines convey movement, action, freedom, and dynamism.
Vertical lines give the impression of height and strength, whereas horizontal lines represent feelings of calmness and stability.
Thick and Thin Lines
Thick lines suggest strength and give emphasis to nearby elements.
Thin lines appear delicate and suggest elegance and lightness.
Long and Short Lines
Long lines create length and guide the audience’s eye to create rhythm and flow.
Short lines also can be used to create a sense of rhythm in artwork, or they can help highlight details in the art work.
Three-Dimensional and Imaginary Lines
Three-dimensional lines make artwork occupy greater space through height, depth, and width, allowing the art to be observed from all sides and angles.
Much like their name suggests, imaginary lines are suggested or guessed rather than physically existing. They can trace paths of motion, drawing the audience’s eyes and attention from one place to another.
Element 3: Form
The definition of form in art is how objects fit within the larger space. In art and design, form is created using techniques such as lighting, shadows, contours, and negative space.
By mastering the concept of form, artists and designers can add depth, presence, and realism to their creations.
In this example, the use of shadows adds depth, while the planets are rendered more three-dimensionally. This gives the viewer an interesting contrast.
License this image via Anton Vierietin.
Element 4: Space
How do artists create the feeling of space between objects in their art?
Positive and Negative Space
Space, both positive and negative, helps to establish balance within a work of art.
Here, the negative space surrounding the piece draws the viewer’s eye to the main focal point.
The main lines and colors within the positive space then create a sense of wonder and excitement.
License this image via Master1305.
White Space
White space allows for breathing room, whereas positive space is filled up by the focal point of your piece.
The use of space guides the viewer’s perception, emphasizing the focal point and enhancing the overall impact of the design.
Element 5: Shape
Shapes are a basic building block of design, creating a two-dimensional area out of lines. There are three categories of shapes—organic, geometric, and abstract.
Organic Shapes
Organic shapes are shapes similar to those found naturally in the world.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes have a specific amount of angles and curves based on mathematical principles.
Abstract Shapes
Lastly, abstract shapes are stylized representations of real things.
License image via Master1305.
In this image, the oval portal and the rectangular ocean represent geometric shapes. The askew depiction of the sun is an organic shape, while the line art birds in the corner are abstract shapes.
Element 6: Value
Value refers to the range of lightness or darkness of colors in a composition. Using different variations of hues can give viewers a sense of depth and volume in a piece.
License image via VISTA by Westend61.
The light pink hues contrasted with the darker pinks give these shapes the illusion of depth and volume in a two-dimensional work of art.
Element 7: Texture
Texture engages the viewer’s senses, providing a sense of the tactile nature of objects in an image.
Careful use of texture allows designers to build visual interest by inviting the audience to consider their work as both a visual and physical object.
Texture can also add realism—or unique stylistic elements—to a composition.
License image via mikesj11.
The rough ink roller texture on these prints makes the piece feel organic and less structured. When placed in context with the even, geometric sections, the texture adds a unique balance to the art.
How to Use the Elements of Art in Your Own Work
No single principle stands above the rest in terms of usefulness.
Use all seven elements of art—line, shape, form, color, space, value, and texture—in harmony to enhance your creativity and improve your art.
By embracing the power of these elements in your own work, you can create visually stunning and emotionally resonant designs.
Here are some additional tips:
Create Harmony
Harmony in art compositions can be achieved through repetition.
Subtly repeat colors, shapes, and patterns throughout the design. This leads to a harmonious viewer experience.
Experiment with Opposites
By strategically placing dark objects next to light ones allows the images to pop.
You can also use complementary colors for a nice splash of energy, as well as monochromatic colors sidled by brighter, more vibrant images to heed the same results.
Negative Space (or White Space)
By using negative space around a design, you essentially isolate the design itself, drawing the eyes to the area.
Negative space also creates a sense of balance, leading the viewer’s attention to the main attraction.
Here are couple fantastic articles that thoroughly demonstrate how to implement white space in design:
- What Is White Space in Design and Why Should We Use it?
- Negative Space Photography: What It is and How to Use It
Use Shutterstock’s Create Tool
Ready to use these elements for your next project? Visit Shutterstock Create’s template page to access graphics that seamlessly incorporate all of the seven elements.
Ignite your creativity and bring your artistic vision to life while leaving a lasting impression through stunning visuals.
Elements of Art FAQs
What are the 7 elements of art form?
Color, line, form, space, shape, value, and texture are the primary elements of design.
What is the purpose of the elements of art?
The purpose of the elements of art is to create a visual composition.
What is the purpose of the principles of art?
The principles of art represent how the artist uses the elements of art to create a piece of art, conveying their intended message or meaning.
License this cover image via Anton Vierietin.
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