Principles of 3D Design

In this chapter, principles of 3D design are broken down into strategies and elements.

Unity and variety are the cornerstones of a composition. Unity can be used to describe the cohesion within a piece, while variety can be used to reflect the difference within a piece. There are 6 commonly used strategies used for increasing unity: grouping, containment, proximity, continuity, repetition, and closure.

Grouping

Can be used to create order and to make sense of a composition
Viewers tend to group visual units by location, orientation, shape, and color

In the composition above, we can group these units by their respective shapes, acknowledging that there are 5 separate rectangular boxes. We can then group them by color, classifying the first, third, and fifth units to be marked with “warm” colors, while the second and fourth units have overpowering “cool” colors.

Containment

Created by a unifying force, typically on the edge or boundary of a composition
Containment encourages the viewer to seek connections and define any negative space

Proximity

Placing objects with little space in between creates unity within a composition

This composition is made out of discarded plastic bottles placed within close proximity of one another to create the shape of a fish. The way in which each of the bottles was placed created minimal space and allowed for cohesion and unity.

Repetition

Repeating shapes or figures creates a strong connection from panel to panel

In this piece, the wavy lines, spirals, and triangular shapes are constant in different placement in each of the panels representing repetition.

Closure

Makes it possible to communicate by using implication
Closure conveys idea through suggestion rather than description

Balance :the distribution of weight or force among visual units.

3 MAJOR TYPES OF BALANCE:

Symmetrical Balance

-forms mirrored on either side of a central axis

Radial Symmetry

-elements extend out from a central point

Asymmetrical Balance

-creates equilibrium among elements that do not mirror each other on each side of an axis.

Here are a few more important terms that are reflected in the principles of 3-D design: Scale, proportion, contrast, and emphasis.

Scale: size or form compared to that of human size.

This composition is a valuable representation of scale because it is un-proportional to the actual size of a human head.

Contrast: 2 or more forces operating in opposition.

This piece represents contrast by the use of complimentary colors black and white.

Emphasis: gives particular prominence to part of the design.

And anomaly, or break from the norm, can emphasize part of a design as well

This piece represents emphasis by the change in material/texture as well as the bright color.