Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region III
Schools Division of Zambales
JESUS F. MAGSYASAY TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Castillejos, Zambales

Name: Grade/Section
School: Date:

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Technical-Vocational Education
Animation and Visual Graphics Design 8
(Specialization Course)

I. Introduction

Good design can sometimes seem magical, like the designer simply
stumbled onto a great combination of components that both engage and
enlighten the viewer. Graphic designers use a set of tools, known as the
elements of design, to build and hone that perfect design.

Remember that every single piece of design is trying to communicate a

message. Design can tell us which emails are unread in our inbox, which
brand of socks to buy, or even to be wary of falling rocks. The elements of
design are tools that designer uses to craft meaning and bring clarity to a
muddled mess of ideas. They will make sure your design is as powerful as it
can be.

So, what are the elements of design? Here is an overview of the seven
basic elements of design you need to know.

II. Learning Competency

Elements of design are identified.

III. Objectives:
At the end of this learning activity, you are expected to
 • identify the elements of design.

IV. Discussion

1. Line

Line is probably the most fundamental of all the elements of design.

It is the starting place for most artistic creation whether one is starting a
fine drawing or painting or even sketching ideas for a sculpture. Most design
begins with line.

A math teacher would say that line consist of only one dimension
which is the length. In the real world of creating art though a one-
dimensional line would not be practical. A more usable definition might be
that line is the path of a dot or point through space and that is always has
more length than thickness. Lines are not all the same, especially in art.

Types of Line

Vertical lines - lines that move up and down without any slant.

Horizontal lines - lines that are parallel to the horizon

Diagonal lines - lines that slant

2
 Zigzag lines - lines made from a combination of diagonal lines

Curved lines - Lines that change direction gradually

Variations of Lines

Lines come in many varieties. They may:

• be long, short or anything in between

• be thick, thin
• be smooth or rough
• be continuous, implied, dotted, dashed
• change direction
• change in degree of curve (curved Lines)
• be any of the above combined

Some ways Artists use line

• to outline; a starting place for many drawings or paintings

• to suggest moods or emotion; lines can appear calm, nervous,
angry, etc.
• to lead the viewers eye through a work of art
• to create lightness or darkness; lines placed close together appear
darker than those placed further from each other
• to create texture; roughness or smoothness

Common types of line drawings

Contour line drawing- drawings that use a continuous line to

represent the edges and surface detail of shape or objects being drawn.

3
 Gestural line drawing- drawings that use quick pencil strokes (or
other drawing instruments) to capture a scene. gestural drawings imply
action and movement

Drawing by Joseph F. Morey Jr.

Hatched and cross-hatched line drawing- drawings that consist

or parallel lines (hatching) or crossing parallel lines (cross-hatching)
drawn to create changes in lightness and darkness and texture.

Hatching Cross-hatching

2. Shape

Shape is a two-dimensional area confined by an actual line or

implied line. In drawing, shapes are created when the ends of lines are
joined to enclose areas.

4
 Types of Shapes

Geometric Shapes

• It can be described using mathematical terms

• They are very regular or precise
• They are more often found in man-made things because they are easier to
reproduce and make things with
• Examples of geometric shapes are: squares, rectangles, triangles, circles,
oval and pentagons.

Organic Shapes

Lack well-defined edges and often feel natural and smooth. Shapes add
emphasis to a layout.

Abstract shapes

Abstract shapes are a minimalist representation of reality. For instance,

a stick figure of a person is an abstract shape. Logos are mostly represented
by abstract figures to show the type of business. The icon below is a great
example of abstract shapes conveying real-life objects and situations.

3. Form(Positive Space)

Form applies to three-dimensional objects and describes their volume

and mass. Form may be created by combining two or more shapes and can
be further enhanced by different tones, textures, and colors.

Two types of Form

Geometric forms have specific names associated with them and are
typically man-made.

5
 Organic forms do not have specific names associated with them and
are often associated with naturally occurring forms.

When drawing representationally, the goal is to create the illusion of

form. We can create the illusion of form by understanding how light reacts
on the object.

Light reacts on objects and is communicated to viewers through

several factors. Adjusting these areas with values of the local color will
result in the illusion of form in a drawing or painting.

The highlight is the area where light is hitting the object directly.

The midtone is the middle value of the local color of the object.

The core shadow is the area(s) that is shaded on the object.

The cast shadow is the area(s) that is shaded on surrounding objects

and surfaces because of blocked light.

4. Color

Color is the element of art that refers to reflected light. Colors create
moods and can say something different depending on the connotations
associated with it. Color can create an emphasis on specific areas of your
design layout.

6
 This element contains multiple characteristics:

• Hue is the name of a color in its purest form. For instance, cyan,
magenta, and green are pure colors.
• Shade is the addition of black to a hue in order to make a darker version.
• Tint is the addition of white to a color to make a lighter version.
• Tone is the addition of grey to make a color muted.
• Saturation refers to the purity of a color. A specific color is most intense
when it is not mixed with white or black

The Color Wheel

The color wheel was developed by Sir Isaac Newton by taking the color
spectrum and bending it into a circle. If you follow around the color wheel,
you will find the same order of the color spectrum- red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo(blue-violet), and violet. Some remember it by the
acronym ROY G. BIV.

The color wheel is made up of three different types of colors: Primary,

Secondary, and Tertiary.

The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. They are called primary
for a couple of reasons. First, no two colors can be mixed to create a primary
color. In other words, primary colors can only be created through the use of
natural pigments. Secondly, all other colors found on the color wheel can
be created by mixing primary colors together.

The secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. Secondary colors
are created by mixing equal parts of any two primary colors. Yellow and
blue will give you green. Red and blue will create purple(violet). Red and
yellow will give you orange.

Tertiary colors are created by mixing equal parts of a secondary color

and a primary color together. There are six tertiary colors- red-purple, red-
orange, blue-green, yellow-green, blue-purple, and yellow-orange. Notice
that the proper way to refer to tertiary colors is by listing the primary color
first and the secondary color, second.

5. Texture

Texture refers to how a surface feels or is perceived to feel. By repeating

an element, a texture will be created, and a pattern formed. Depending on
how a texture is applied, it may be used strategically to attract or deter
attention.

7
 Texture can be applied graphically through patterns, either digitally
created or an image mimicking the desired pattern. Below is an example
of an abstract geometric pattern made up of basic geometric elements.

6. Space (Negative Space)

Space is the area that surrounds a shape; it creates a form within

the space. Think of it as music: space is the silence between the notes of
a song. If all the notes were played together, that would turn into noise.

The Uses of Space

Many new artists overlook the importance of creating space in a

drawing or painting. The result usually looks flat or objects can appear
to be floating. Luckily, however, creating space in an artwork is very
simple to accomplish and there are a number of ways to it.
There are six ways an artist can create the illusion of space on a 2-
Dimensional surface.

Overlapping - occurs when objects that are closer to the viewer

prevent the view of objects that are behind them.

8
 Placement on the paper - Objects placed higher within the picture
plane will appear further away.

Size - Objects that are smaller will appear further away from the
viewer.

9
 Detail - Objects that are further away should have less detail than
objects that are closer to the viewer.

Color and Value - Objects that are further away are cooler in color
temperature, while objects that are closer are warmer. Objects that are
further away are lighter in value, while objects that are closer are
typically darker in value.

Perspective - Linear perspective is a drawing method that uses

lines to create the illusion of space on a flat surface. There are three
types of linear perspective. Two are displayed on this page.
One point perspective uses one vanishing point to accomplish this
illusion.

Two point perspective uses two vanishing points to create the

10
 illusion of space.

7. Value

Value refers to the degree of lightness and darkness of a specific hue.

Yellow has a higher value than purple because it is closer to white. Value
changes create contrast on a page. The reason you can read this text is
that the black content contrasts with the white background.

In design, use different tonal values to create emphasis in your

design. Create the illusion of movement by overlapping multiple elements
with different values. Value is also important in photography. You’ll notice
that high-value images have a light and airy feel to them, while dark value
images feel heavy and dramatic.

Value also defines the spatial relationship between elements. If color

values are close between the elements and space, then the design will look
flat. If there is a strong contrast between the elements, then the form will
be extremely noticeable. The example below features multiple colors with
multiple values, which helps add a sense of depth to the design.

11
V. Activities

Activity A. “Find Me”

Directions. Find the element of design.

Activity B.
Directions. Identify the elements of design. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

_________1. It connects two points and can be used to help define shapes,
make divisions, and create textures.
_________2. The result of enclosed lines to form a boundary. It can be
described as geometric, organic, and abstract.
_________3. The distance or area around or between elements of an
artwork. The illusion of depth created on a flat surface using
perspective, overlapping elements, size, level of detail, color
and value.
_________4. The visible spectrum of radiation reflected from an object.
_________5. The tactile sensation or feel of a surface (rough, smooth, spiky,
etc.) or how something appears to feel.

12
Activity C. “Match me”

B. Directions. Match Column A with Column B. Write your answer on a

separate sheet of paper.

Column A Column B

1. A line that slant

a. Space

2. A line made from a combination

b. Texture
of diagonal lines.

3. Drawings that use a continuous c. Color

line to represent the edges and
surface detail of shape or objects
being drawn. d. Abstract Shapes

4. Drawings that consist or parallel

lines or crossing parallel lines e. Organic shapes
drawn to create changes in
lightness and darkness and
texture. f. Shape
5. It is created when the ends of
lines are joined to enclose areas.
g. Diagonal line

6. Lack well-defined edges and often

feel natural and smooth. h. Curve line

7. A minimalist representation of i. Contour line drawing

reality.

j. Hatched and Cross-hatching

8. It refers to reflected light. drawing

9. It refers to how a surface feels k. Value

or is perceived to feel.

10. The area that surrounds a

shape.
13
Activity D. TRUE or FALSE

Directions. Write T if the statement is true and write F if the statement is

false. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Line is the most fundamental of all the elements of design.

2. Shapes are created when the ends of lines are joined to
open areas.
3. Form may be created by combining two or more shapes and
can be further enhanced by different tones, textures, and
colors.
4.Colors create moods and can say something different
depending on the connotations associated with it.
5. The color wheel was developed by Sir Isaac Newton.
___________6. The primary colors are red, yellow, and black.
___________7. Secondary colors are created by mixing equal parts of any
two primary colors.
__________8. Texture can be applied graphically through patterns.
__________9. Yellow has a higher value than purple because it is closer
to white.
__________10. Space is the area that surrounds a shape.

VI. Assessment

Directions: Choose the correct answer. Write your answer on a separate

sheet of paper.

1. The elements of design are _______.

a. color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value

b. balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, proportion and simplicity
c. all of the above
d. none of the above

2. A circular chart used to show color relationships is called a _______.

a. Color scheme c. Color Wheel

b. Color ray d. Color Circle

3. _______ is an element of art that refers to the sense of touch.

a. Value c. Texture
b. Pattern d. Shape

14
4. Which of the following is NOT a primary color?

a. Red c. Blue
b. Yellow d. Orange

5. The element of art referring to the emptiness or area between, around,

above, below or within objects.

a. Space c. Texture
b. Pattern d. Shape

6. Shapes and/or forms similar to those found in nature are _______.

a. geometric c. organic
b. pattern d. texture

7. _______ is a mark with greater length than width. They can be

horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight, curved, thick, or thin.

a. Space c. Texture
b. Pattern d. Shape

8. The degree of lightness or darkness of any given color within a piece

of art.

a. Value c. Color
b. Space d. Shape

9. The following are secondary colors EXCEPT

a. Green c. Yellow
b. Violet d. Orange

10. It refers to the purity of a color.

a. Hue c. Shade
b. Saturation d. Tone

11. The area that is shaded on surrounding objects and surfaces because
of blocked light.

a. highlight c. core shadow

b. midtone d. cast shadow

12. It uses quick pencil strokes or other drawing instruments to capture a

scene.

a. gestural line drawing c. contour line drawing

b. hatched line drawing d. cast shadow

15
 13. It made from a combination of diagonal lines

a. Zigzag lines c. diagonal lines

b. Curved lines d. horizontal lines

14. A line that move up and down without any slant.

a. diagonal lines c. curve lines

b. vertical lines d. horizontal lines

15. Objects that are further away should have less detail than objects
that are closer to the viewer.

a. detail c. overlapping
b. size d. perspective

VII. Reflection

Complete the statement below. Write your answer on your activity notebook.

Good design can sometimes seem magical, like the designer simply stumbled
onto a great combination of components that both engage and enlighten the viewer.
Graphic designers use a set of tools, known as the elements of design, to build and
hone that perfect design.

In design, a _______________ can be a visible, physical mark connecting two or

more points or an implied line, drawing the viewer's eye in a particular direction. A
____________ may be defined by surrounding objects or a clearly signified outline to
a shape. ___________ affects the arrangement and appearance of the objects in an
artwork or design object.

__________ is an essential element in design and art, expressing basic human

emotions. ____________ has a number of properties affecting its appearance,
including hue (the specific color), intensity (how strong or pure the color is) and
_________ (how light the color is). Significant use of color in art and design often
involves contrasting colors as well as individual color elements.

___________ in an artwork or design are defined areas, sometimes delineated

or indicated by the other elements present. __________ is typically thought of as two
dimensional, and ___________ as three dimensional.

____________is typically thought of in two senses. It can be an indicator of

physical dimensions or depth and of empty areas inside or outside an object.

____________is an indicator of the touch quality of an element in an artwork

or design. _____________implies that an element has some quality such as roughness,
smoothness, heat, cold, softness or hardness. Texture can have a significant impact
on how a piece of work is perceived.

16
"The Elements Of Art". 2020. Thevirtualinstructor.Com.
https://thevirtualinstructor.com/line.html.

Keung, Laura. 2020. "The Basic Elements Of Design". Design & Illustration
Envato Tuts+. https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/the-basic-elements-of-
design--cms-33922.

"Visual Design Basics | Usability.Gov". 2020. Usability.Gov.

https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/visual-design.html.

"The Elements Of Art". 2020. Thevirtualinstructor.Com.

https://thevirtualinstructor.com/artfundamentals.html.

"The Basic Elements Of Art | Teresa Bernard Oil Paintings". 2020. Teresa
Bernard Oil Paintings. http://teresabernardart.com/elements-of-
composition/.

Prepared by:

JHUNEL CEAZAR A. ALEJO

Teacher I
Jesus F. Magsaysay Technical-Vocational High School

17