Visual Literacy Project by Kristina Esau Visual Literacy

Visual Literacy Project by Kristina Esau

Visual Literacy is the ability to understand apply design elements and principles as a way of communication. If used properly, it can be a very powerful tool.

Visual Literacy Includes: Design Elements • • • Point Line Shape Value Texture Color Design Principles • • • Balance Perspective Harmony Unity Movement

Point • focus of an image • draws the onlooker’s attention to a specific location

Line • directs the eyes into a specific direction • used to imply motion, or to express or evoke emotions

Shape • communicate emotions • curvy shapes evoke feelings of comfort • square shapes can seem dull or even harsh

Value • relative degree of lightness or darkness of a particular design element • can be used to define objects, shapes, or space • can express and evoke emotions

Texture • brings dimension to an image • can give information about how an object would feel when touched

Color • brings another dimension to an image • can be used to direct the onlooker’s attention or to evoke emotions

Balance • arrangement of design elements in an image that make it aesthetically pleasing • use or lack of balance can evoke emotions

Perspective • size and relative position of objects in an image • used to create the illusion of depth • can evoke emotions

Harmony • complementary relationship among all elements of the image • use or lack of harmony can evoke emotions

Unity • visual elements in the image function together to create meaning • created through similar shapes, colors, or specific placement of elements

Movement • an illusion in still images • usually created by curved or diagonal lines