Balance is the visual weight of elements in a composition.
Balance is used to add stability, add structure, create emphasis and to create
dynamics. In design, one should attempt to place visual elements in an aesthetically
pleasing arrangement, or particular arrangement to fulfill a purpose or achieve
a particular look and feel.
There are three main types of balance:
Symmetrical Balance (formal)
Asymmetrical Balance (Informal)
Radial Balance
Understanding
these three types of balance will help achieve the right type of visual effect
in your design.
The
following are some examples of balance:
Symmetrical Balance
Symmetrical balance is mirror image balance. If you drew a line
down the center of the page, all the visual elements on one side of the screen
are mirrored on the other side. They don’t have to be identical visual elements
but can be similar in number, color, shape and scale. When visual elements are
equal in weight, they are said to be in balance.
Symmetrical balance can be used when one wishes to achieve a
formal design, a sense of structure, a sense of organization and stability.
Asymmetrical balance is used to describe a kind of balance that
is not identical on both sides of a central line i.e. not relying on symmetry,
opposite of symmetrical balance.
Asymmetrical balance occurs when several smaller visual elements
on one side are balanced by a large visual element on the other side or smaller
visual elements are placed further away from the center of the screen than
larger visual elements.
Asymmetrical balance can be used when one wishes to achieve a
more casual or less planned look and feel. An asymmetrical composition can
create a sense of tension as if the page or screen may tip or things might
slide off the side. Asymmetrical balance is more dynamic than symmetrical
balance and normally keeps the audience’s attention focused on the visual
message.
Radial Balance
The third type of balance is radial balance where all elements
radiate out from a center point in a circular fashion. It is very easy to
maintain a focal point in radial balance since all the elements lead your eye
towards the center.
Depending on the intended purpose or look and feel, a designer
must sense which type of balance to execute. A designer must sense whether or
not a composition is balanced or not. Success in using good balance can help
achieve a strong visual effect and good quality designs.
When you look at a design, ask yourself how has balance been
considered? What part does balance play to create the overall design? Is there
a good or bad sense of balance? And how well does it work as part of the
design?
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