Principle of Design – Proportion(scale)
Proportion is a learned meaning of the relationship between different objects.
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Proportion allows us to relate to the size of elements in a composition. The shape of the design can support the message.
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Proportion can be used to draw the viewer into a visual.
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Proportion can be achieved through the use of the relative sizes of objects,
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Proportion can be achieved through the use of overlapping objects
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Proportion can be achieved through the use of blurring or sharpening objects.
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Proportion directs eye movement
Bigger elements get more attention. You can intentionally make an object too large for emphasis, or too small to hide it in the background.
In the example below, the use of large trees and mountains surrounding the river emphasizes the power of nature. The boat appears small in comparison and therefore less significant. The viewer would conclude that nature is overpowering humanity.
[Guided Search]
Proportion can be achieved in several different ways. Using your internet search engine, enter the search term “principle of design proportion” and look through several different websites for how proportion can be achieved. When you are done, ask yourself if you feel confident that you can identify the use of proportion in an image and how that proportion creates the focal point of the composition.
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