Color

• Color is carefully selected when creating graphics, and many times is the last element used in the process. Color can create an emotional connection with the audience, but lack of any color does not constitute bad design. Artists share color themes on websites such as kuler, where they can also download them for use in Adobe Creative Suite products.
  
  

Shapes

• Shapes are literally the building block of all design, beginning with the shape of the design itself. They can be decorative in nature or used to organize information. There are three types of shapes: abstract, geometric and natural. Abstract shapes have no definite form or symmetry. They also do not fall under any of the other categories. Geometric shapes are the basic shapes you learn as a child: triangles, squares, rectangles and the like. Natural shapes are what you see outside. Leaves are a popular example of natural shapes.
  
  

Texture

• In print design, texture is always inherent based on the paper something is printed on. There are many techniques to create the look of particular textures for computer graphics. From embossing to glass, textures tend to be based on current design trends. For timeless design, use texture carefully. What looks great today may look dated soon. Some textures, like metallic looks, never go out of style. It all depends on what you are creating. Web graphic trends seem to be the fastest changing of all.
  
  

Lines

• Lines have a variety of functions within design. In an infographic or flow chart, they lead to the next element. A line under type adds emphasis. Lines on a form give someone a space to provide information. And sometimes, lines are just another decorative element in a designer's toolbox. The most important parts of a line are the weight and style. Lines may be thin or thick, dotted or straight, but every line serves a specific purpose, even if it is just looking pretty.
  
  

Mass

• Mass in design is simply how big something is, such as the size of the page or computer monitor. In addition to the size of the piece, the element on the piece also have their own mass; type, lines, shapes and other graphics. Photographers have a great understanding of the use of mass with the concept of scale, such as the picture of a "tiny" person standing at the bottom of a huge mountain.
  
  

Techniques

• There are an infinite number of techniques used to create great design, but there are several that never go out of style. Entire books have been written on them. Typography uses text to create designs with interesting fonts, use of color, and many times varying sizes. Repetition takes an identical element and uses it frequently in a design. This is popular in larger projects such as books. White space is the idea of "designing" with empty space. Many designers also use the Rule of Thirds to create balance in their work, by designing everything based on imaginary dividing lines.