Fundamentals of Graphic Design

Formal Elements:
Line: Definition
Line Type
Line Direction
Line Quality
Shape
Texture

Principles of Design:
Balance
Emphasis
Visual Heirarchy
Rhythm 
Unity

Manipulating Space:
Positive/Negative
Illusion
Perspective

Perspective

Perspective is the idea that diagonal lines moving toward a point in the distance create the illusion of three dimensions on a 2 dimensional surface.

The lines join at the vanishing point. The vanishing point sits on the horizon line.

Trompe-l' Oeil means "fool the eye". Use shadows ands overlapping shapes to create this effect.

The horizontal lines help keep the spatial illusion shallow. The advantage of shallow space is that it keeps the eye focused. It will not wander off into deep space.

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