Balance in Graphic Design
Look at this poster:
At first glance, an observer may wonder how this cover could possibly represent a good example of balance. Think of this design not in terms of balancing two mirrored sides (symmetrical balance), but of two different elements--typeand shape—offsetting each other. The illustration on the left side is basically built of shapes, while the right side of the design is primarily type. The two are placed in the format in such a way as to create a sense of near-perfect balance. The dark vignetted border and the tail of the cat coming up to the right edge of the cover do wonders to stabilize the design.
Further DefinitionBalance is the attainment of optical and psychological equilibrium in a design.
What is it?The visual weight of an image. Balance can relate to symmetry, asymmetry or radial balance.
- Symmetrical Balance is an even placement of visual weight in the design.
- Asymmetrical Balance creates uneven spaces, a sense of imbalance making tension and a dynamic suggestion of visual movement. Asymmetrical balance refers to a psychological or "felt" balance. Space and shape don't need to be evenly dispersed on the page
- Radial Symmetry relates to images emitting from a point like spokes on a wheel or ripples from a pebble tossed into a pond.
How to achieve it
- Color: Colors have weight (Red = Heavy, Baby Blue = Light)
- Shape: Squares can be heavier than circles
- Lines: Thin vs. thick
- Size: larger=heavier
- Use elements to create stability or a sense of dynamic space.
Balance is an equilibrium that results from looking at images and judging them against our ideas of physical structure (such as mass, gravity or the sides of a page). It is the arrangement of the objects in a given design as it relates to their visual weight within a composition. Balance usually comes in two forms: symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Symmetrical balance occurs when the weight of a composition is evenly distributed around a central vertical or horizontal axis. Under normal circumstances it assumes identical forms on both sides of the axis. When symmetry occurs with similar, but not identical, forms it is called approximate symmetry. In addition, it is possible to build a composition equally around a central point resulting in radial symmetry1. Symmetrical balance is also known as formal balance.
Asymmetrical balance occurs when the weight of a composition is not evenly distributed around a central axis. It involves the arranging of objects of differing size in a composition such that they balance one another with their respective visual weights. Often there is one dominant form that is offset by many smaller forms. In general, asymmetrical compositions tend to have a greater sense of visual tension. Asymmetrical balance is also known as informal balance.
Here is a link that gives effective examples of symmetry and asymmetry.
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2013/10/symmetry-vs-asymmetry/
Your task today? Using only text, shapes and a logo you either take or create, make
1. A symmetrical poster;
2. An asymmetical one, using shape and/or color to achieve both items.
You can do this on paper, or in power point or photoshop. Remember to convert the file to a jpeg if you work in Photoshop.