Here is a quick overview of what has been covered in this series. Today’s post will conclude the design series.

• The Design Process
• Unity in Design
• Emphasis and Focal Point in Design
• Scale and Proportion in Design
• Balance in Design
• Rhythm in Design (This Post)

Rhythm in design is best explained in one word – consistency. This is achieved by utilizing elements in a composition that are consistent, which creates a sense of rhythm that is understood by the viewer. Typically, rhythm is generally defined as a series of beats in music. Visually, rhythm is created through repetition, patterns, sequences, and textures.

Textures

Rhythm is created in this image by using texture. While the textures vary in size and shape it still identifies continuity as an example of visual rhythm. For example, the clouds are softly flowing in a horizontal form by contrasting value and color.

Shapes and Repetition

In this image, we can see that the shapes are repetitive which, create a juxtapose of repetition in colors and textures within the arrangement of its shapes. This rhythm is also known as Legato. Legato is defined as a connecting and slowing repetition through the use of shapes.

Patterns and Sequences

The repeating pattern of light columns against the darker negative spaces is clearly known as an alternating rhythm. Alternating rhythm is the use of consistent anticipated patterns. This expected quality of the pattern is not created on purpose, unless the repetition is fairly obvious. This aerial view of the city portrays a sequence of forms that not only, alternates in dark and light areas but also, regularly shifts back and forth as the figure and ground alternate for our attention.

There you have it - this concludes our series on ‘The Fundamentals of Design.’ We have covered everything from basic form and shape to techniques related to an emphasis in design. So take our series and show off your creative and intelligent solutions.

Here is a quick overview of what has been covered in this series and what we will be covering next week as the final post within this series.

• The Design Process
• Unity in Design
• Emphasis and Focal Point in Design
• Scale and Proportion in Design
• Balance in Design (This Post)
• Rhythm in Design

Balance is a simple concept that we see abundantly. Simply stated, balance is the distribution of visual weight within a composition. When one views a pictorial, the center vertical axis is always assumed. At this point, the individual judges the visual weight distribution on either side of the composition. Let’s take a look at the quick example below.

The axis functions as a fulcrum on a scale or seesaw, and the two sides should achieve equilibrium. In the image on the left, we can see that equilibrium is achieved through the use of the palm tree. What makes this image balanced is the visual attention placed on the jet in the sky. The Palm tree with its diagonal sweep is subtly balanced by the radiation of its leaves.

Horizontal and Vertical Placement

Sometimes equal distribution of visual weight is a universal aim of composition. Artists consciously balance the vast majority of pictures we see. However, this does not mean there is no place in art for purposeful imbalance. An artist may choose to create imbalance because of a particular theme or topic, where the picture may raise uneasy, disquieting responses in the viewer.

The equal distribution of visual weight is the universal aim of composition. Artists consciously balance the vast majority of pictures we see in the market today. However, this does not mean that there is no room to place an art piece that purposely portrays an imbalance An artist may, due to a particular theme or topic, expressly desire that his/her piece raises an uneasy or disturbing response from its audience. At first glance this image seems rather balanced. The image does not relatively cause any discomfort or uneasiness to the viewer. However, if we examine this image further, we find there is a certain level of imbalance. The image is split into five sections within a grid. The sky, mountains, lake, trail, and shrubbery make up the five elements of the image. If we analyze it further, we find the image becomes heavier on the bottom and lighter on the top. Do you see the height of each proportion increase, as we look at it from top to bottom?

How can we forget Symmetry?

This is a concept that was ingrained into our minds since pre-school.

In the image above, balance is achieved utilizing similar elements of equal weight — symmetry. The fishing boat in the background, combined with the fence helps to illustrate the use of symmetry.

In the image above we see the use of asymmetry. Asymmetrical balance is achieved with dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or equal eye attraction. The only reason this image is asymmetrical is because of the contrast between the white headlight trail on the left and the dark pavement on the right. Both the light trail and dark cement have visual appeal and are equal in weight – functioning as two separate elements.

There you have it, design through balance. Next week we will be covering Rhythm In Design, which will conclude our design series.