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.