Lines form the shapes that animate an image. Multiple lines create patterns that cause the image to have a psychological effect. Lines can be used as a form of universal communication. Lines that form shapes or symbols such as arrows convey messages that are recognizable across cultures and languages.
Shapes are basic formations that characterize defined areas of space. Rudimentary design has three shapes; the triangle, circle and square. The basic shapes are associated with a psychological meaning. The triangle, the square and the circle respectively represent conflict, equality and infinity.
Mass in graphic design is the same as mass is to physics. It is a measure of volume. Mass gives definition to shapes. The volume of an illustrated object is what defines its relationship to other elements in the image like text or other lines or shapes.
Assessing texture is typically a function of physical touch. In design, it is the composite visualization of how lines form shapes that when given volume or mass, are skillfully and artfully manipulated into images that produce the illusion of texture.
Like shape, color is a very important element of design. Color has a specific psychological affect. Primary colors, red, yellow, green and blue are combined to create orange and violet. Yellow, red and orange produce moods of aggression excitement and danger while blue green and violet are cooler colors, emoting nature and passiveness. Colors are literally attractive and enhance the intensity of an object or image. Understand the traditional meanings associated with color to enhance its power in design.