RepetitionRepeating parts of a picture helps make the design seem active. Designers will repeat elements such as shapes, colors, or lines, which creates unity within the design. These repeated elements may or may not be identical in size, color, shape, or form, but may simply relate to one another.
The repetition of the arrow shape in the recycling logo above helps to unify the logo while still projecting the feeling of a changing cycle. RhythmRhythm is a type of movement in a design created by repeating some elements; but steadily altering others. It recurs at regular or irregular intervals depending upon the artist’s intention. Variety is essential to keeping rhythm exciting and moving the viewer around the design. Visual rhythm creates a mood for viewers, much like rhythm in music creates a mood for listeners.
The audio visualization above repeats the rectangle shapes as well as their vertical position; but alters their color and height to create dynamic movement.
Finding a balance between what elements to repeat and what items to alter when developing a rhythm will help create stronger designs. This image uses repetition in the four square sections and in the triangle patterns, but also creates a rhythm by changing the direction and color of the triangles. |
 |
