Principles of Design Digital Art Lessons Art Activities Online Art Projects

This Principles of Design art lesson booklet introduces students to the eight core design principles: Balance, Emphasis, Contrast, Proportion, Rhythm, Movement, Pattern and Repetition, and Unity and Variety. For each principle, students see a visual introduction, follow a step-by-step art tutorial, and then create their own artwork in a guided space.

It is designed for Grades 3 to 9 and works in an elementary classroom, on an art cart, in middle school art or in a homeschool program. It comes in printable and digital formats, so it suits back to school art, distance learning, homeschool art units and sub plans, and helps students build art vocabulary and an understanding of composition.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “During school closures I used this resource with my gifted students. We had so much fun doing the lesson via ZOOM and then I could see what they produced in their online folders! It was awesome!” Stacy B.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• PDF Booklet to use as a full printable workbook or as single worksheets
• PowerPoint Presentation for projecting in class or teaching from a cart
• Google Slides Version for online classrooms, homeschool co-ops and remote learning
• 8 Principles of Design Lessons, each with a Visual Introduction Page (simplified definitions and real-world art examples), a Step-by-Step Art Tutorial and a Student Art Page for hands-on creation or digital uploads

HOW TO USE IT

Print version: print it as a complete art workbook or lesson by lesson. Display finished projects at Meet the Teacher Night, art shows or on hallway bulletin boards, or keep a copy in your emergency sub binder or maternity leave plans.

Digital version: share the PowerPoint or Google Slides through Google Classroom or Teams. Students can draw traditionally or upload digital artwork, which suits hybrid or flipped classrooms and art at home during school breaks.

The lessons are medium-flexible, so students can use pencils, markers, colored pencils, watercolor or whatever you have on hand. The guided steps keep learning focused, which helps non-art specialists and general classroom teachers. The lessons are aligned to curriculum standards and build visual literacy and design vocabulary.

FAQ

What grade levels is it best for?

It is designed with Grades 3 to 9 in mind, and can be adapted for younger students with teacher support or used for review at higher levels.

Can I use it in my homeschool curriculum?

Yes. It provides guided instruction while leaving room for independent creativity, and works in co-ops or one-on-one.

Is it editable?

No. The files are non-editable, but they are ready to print or assign digitally.

What materials do students need?

Any materials you have, such as crayons, pencils, markers, watercolors or digital tools.

Can I use it for sub plans?

Yes. The instructions are clear enough that non-art teachers can lead the projects.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (12)

★★★★ “Great bundle! Will definitely be using again next year! Loved it.” Hana W.

★★★ “This was a great resource to help with principles of design. My students loved this resource. It is also easy to implement and leave for a sub.” Tanya G.

★★★★ “This was so cool! My students loved this. It was such a cool thing for the beginning of the year.” Shauna C.

★★★★ “This allowed me to have small ideas and create a power point for my classes for this area in art” Melissa K.

★★★★ “I used these activities with my fourth grade gifted students and they loved them! I will be using these year after year!” Melinda T.

★★★★ “I bought this for students who are not terribly confident in art. Because it is easy to follow and the steps are broken down, my students found success.” Shelley O.

★★★★ “I use these both with my online students and for my paper package students. They are perfect! Thank you” C G.

★★★★ “Fantastic resource!” Mrs L

★★★★ “This was filled with so many wonderful ideas that I am breaking them up, so very worth the price. thanks so much” Elizabeth G.

★★★★ “Just started Principles of Design, and students are enjoying it! I love the bright, colorful examples that they can follow.” Alexandra B.

★★★★ “Amazing resource for distance learning to tie into my Principles of Art unit! Thank you!” Mimi Z.

★★★★ “Used for high school special education distance learning.” Karla Q.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in your classroom for many years, print and use it for homeschool lessons, and purchase additional licenses for school-wide use.

YOU MAY NOT: share it with other teachers or school districts (additional licenses are available), post it online, on blogs, Google Drive or shared platforms, or sell or distribute it in any way.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic