Anybody can draw a picture or take a photograph, right? Well, anybody can put images and text together to make a graphic design, too. It is the way those images and text are put together that distinguishes a good design from an ordinary one.

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The design or arrangement of the parts on any two-dimensional surface is called its composition. Every graphic designer creates compositions by using design's most basic building blocks: the elements of art and principles of design.

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This chapter introduces you to the elements of art and principles of design as they are used in graphic design. Awareness of these elements and principles will help you understand and interpret the multiple messages around you. It will also help you communication through your own designs.

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In this chapter you will:

• get to know the elements of art and principles of design, especially as they are applied to graphic design

• learn to see elements of art and principles of design in the graphic design work of professionals and students

• work with a shape in space to create movement in a simple design