Elements of Design

Welcome back, printmaking nerds! I’d like to give a special warm welcome to the 55 new folks that joined The Inkplate community last week. So happy you’re here.

In this week’s issue:

• Elements of Design

• Question Time

• Speedball Takeover Recap

Let’s dive in!

Elements of Design

One of the hardest questions I received during the takeover was:

“What’s your approach to design?”

I panicked. I wasn't sure how to answer this question because up until then I had not placed much thought into how to describe my design process. I’ve always gone for it and worked my idea on paper or in the block - even during times while carving. I knew that referring to my process as organic would only get an eyeroll.

This question set me down the path of analyzing everything I have ever made. Existential dread you could call it.

Most of my work follows these principals: Line, Value, Shape, Texture, Color, Size and Space. These also happen to be the principles of Modern Design Theory with some lists including typography, rhythm, reception, unity, emphasis and hierarchy into that mix.

As printmakers, these first seven (7) elements of design should be our North star.

Design is an integral part of creating visual artwork, whether it be through printmaking or other mediums. The elements of design include: line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in the composition and overall aesthetic of a piece.

Line is the path that the eye follows as it moves through an image. It can be used to define shape, create movement, and establish a sense of hierarchy. Lines can be straight, curved, thick, thin, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and a variety of other forms.

Shape refers to the two-dimensional areas that are created when lines intersect. Shapes can be geometric (such as circles, squares, and triangles) or organic (such as flowers, animals, and people). Shapes can be used to create balance, unity, and emphasis within a composition.

Form refers to the three-dimensional quality of an object. It can be suggested through the use of light and shadow or through the use of texture and line. Form helps to give a sense of depth and volume to a piece and can be used to create a sense of realism or abstraction.

Space refers to the area around, between, and within objects in a composition. Negative space is the empty space around and between objects, while positive space is the objects themselves. The use of positive and negative space can create a sense of balance and harmony in a piece.

Color is an essential element of design, as it can affect the mood, emotion, and perception of a piece. Color can be used to create harmony, contrast, and emphasis within a composition. Color theory involves the use of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as complementary, analogous, and monochromatic color schemes.

Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. The use of value can create a sense of depth, form, and contrast within a piece. Highlighting and shading techniques can be used to suggest form and depth in a piece.

Texture refers to the tactile quality of a surface. It can be actual (such as the texture of a leaf or a piece of fabric) or implied (such as the texture suggested through the use of lines or brushstrokes). Texture adds interest and depth to a piece, and can be used to create a sense of realism or abstraction.

As printmakers, it is important to consider the elements of design in order to create cohesive, effective compositions. By understanding how each element works and how they can be used in relation to one another, you can create dynamic, impactful pieces that communicate your desired message and evoke a desired response in the viewer.

I obviously had to ponder on this quite a bit. The more I looked into my work, the more I realized I was already using these. These elements create harmony in a piece. The trick I still use to determine harmony is the ‘3,6,9 feet’ rule I learned in high school.

The rule is simple. Place your piece on the wall at eye level and step back three feet from it. Does it still make sense now that you are not looking at inches away? Now step back another three, and ask yourself the same question. Finally, step back another three feet, at this distance, what can you still recognize? Thank you, Mrs. Lua, for having engraved this on my brain. After 18 years, I still use something I learned in high school.

Question Time!

Do you have a printmaking or artist-related question you want me to answer? Let me know here!

Hi there, Steve! First of all, thanks for subscribing to the newsletter! Currently, I do not have a single post or comprehensive list with all my materials and tools. They are on several posts, however, that is one of the things I realized I will need to create this year. I had this wild idea for 2023. For now, all I can say is that I will make it available for free for all Inkplate subscribers. Stay tuned!

Speedball Instagram Takeover Takeover

I want to give a special thanks to the folks at Speedball Art Products for their trust during the amazing eleven (11) day takeover! It was a great way to start the year!

I guess, really deep down, and I mean deep down, I have a teacher's vocation. I LOVED doing the demos and answering questions. I hope you were able to learn something new, laugh, and feel encouraged. I can't wait for the next one.

In the meantime, I will probably return to my regular one post per day and hang out on Instagram stories for now. I have some ideas brewing for Earl, Tony, and Daniel as they work their way with printmaking! So excited to show you those videos soon!

Before You Go,

• Want to be part of the ‘Artist Highlight’ or know of someone who might be, fill out this interest form!

• Do you have a printmaking or artist-related question you want me to answer? Let me know here!

-Daniel