Line
Line is the path of a moving point. It can be either straight or curved. Lines define the edges of shapes and forms.This not only includes actual drawn lines, but also implied lines, or the way in which the eyes move through a composition. Lines are useful for a variety of purposes, from adding movement to defining space.

Color
Color is the way light is reflected off a surface and includes a range of hues along a spectrum. Color has several important properties, including saturation and brightness. Careful control of color is an essential element for quality design; good use of color can increase visual interest and govern emphasis, inefficient use of color can be easily distracting.

Shape
Shape is an area enclosed by line. It is 2-dimensional and can be geometric (squares, circles, triangles, etc.) or organic (more free-form shapes). Shape is key to organization of a composition.

Form
Forms are 3-Dimensional. They occupy space or give the illusion that they occupy the space. Actual form is only found in tangible art forms, such as sculpture. In two-dimensional design work, one uses tools like perspective and shading to create the illusion of form.

Value
Value is the lightness or darkness of a surface. It is often referred to when shading but value is also important in the study of color. Value is an essential component of contrast. Lighter values of a color are known astints, while the darker values are shades.

Size
Size refers to the amount of space that a line, shape, or form requires on the plane. A designer uses large sizes to make things appear near and of greater importance, and small sizes to make things appear far away or less important. This interplay is known as scale.

Texture
Texture can be either real or perceived. Tactile texture is how an artwork actually feels, while implied texture (more commonly found in 2-dimensional design) is how an artwork appears to feel.

Balance
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Most successful compositions achieve balance in one of two ways: symmetrically or asymmetrically. Balance in a three dimensional object is easy to understand; if balance isn't achieved, the object tips over. To understand balance in a two dimensional composition, we must use our imaginations to carry this three dimensional analogy forward to the flat surface.

Proportion
Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is therelationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions. This is extremely important in typography.

Repetition
Repetition with variation is interesting, without variation one runs the risk of monotony. In any case, repetition of visual motifs is a good way to make an idea "stick."

Contrast
Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements, such as opposite colors, contrast in tone or value, or contrast in direction. The major contrast in a design should be located at the center of emphasis. Too much contrast scattered throughout a design can destroy unity and make a work difficult to look at. Unless a feeling of chaos and confusion are what you are seeking, it is a good idea to carefully consider where to place your areas of maximum contrast.

Unity
Relating the elements to the idea being expressed in a design reinforces the principal of unity. For example, a design with an active aggressive subject would work better with a dominant oblique direction, course, rough texture, angular lines, whereas a quiet passive subject would benefit from horizontal lines, soft texture and less tonal contrast. Unity in a design also refers to the visual linking of various elements of the work.