Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

Discover why balance is so important in art and design, and how you can apply the four types of balance to your own creative projects.

Balance, which is the way visual elements are arranged on a layout, is one of the key principles of graphic design and art, helping an image to feel stable and generally pleasing to look at.

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Although the elements making up an image don’t have physical mass, balance assigns these elements with a visual weight, allowing some to feel heavier or lighter than others. If you ever looked at an image and thought something was a little off about it, but couldn’t quite define why, it’s likely that poor consideration of balance is a factor. Similarly, an image that’s pleasant to look at will likely use one of four types of balance—symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, or crystallographic—to produce a professional result.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

An oft-neglected design principle, established artists will often apply balance instinctively, but we can all benefit from a little education in balance to make our designs, photos, and illustrations the best they can be. Read on to discover how you can apply the four types of balance to your own projects to create compelling images.

What Is Balance in Art?

Balance is the distribution of elements in a design or artwork. The human eye is always seeking order and stability in images. It’s the psychological reason behind why we’re attracted to symmetrical faces and objects. By assigning elements in an image with visual weight, we can promote a sense of balance and stability, helping to relax the eye and make the image feel more appealing.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

Although balance appears in some prehistoric and early art, the principle of balance was formalized by artists working during the Renaissance period. Leonardo DaVinci was particularly renowned for his striving for balance in paintings like The Last Supper and his famous drawing, Vitruvian Man (“Proportions of the Human Body”). DaVinci based the latter drawing on the teachings of the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who argued that the proportions of a temple should reflect those of the human body, which he believed to be perfectly proportioned.

Does Balance Always Mean Symmetry?

While balance might bring symmetrical balance immediately to mind, symmetry is in fact only one of four types of balance in art and design. Having said that, the principle of symmetry certainly influences the other three types, as each type strives to mimic the effect of symmetry on the brain.

(Video) BALANCE in Art | The Principles of Design EXPLAINED!

For example, while an asymmetrical image can’t be split down the middle and produce a mirror image on either side, the fact that the heavier and lighter elements strive to balance each other (e.g. two light elements to one heavy element) replicates the stabilizing effect that symmetry has on the viewer.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

There are four main types of balance that can be applied in art, design, and photography, of which symmetry is one. The four types are:

  • Symmetrical balance
  • Asymmetrical balance
  • Radial balance
  • Crystallographic (or Mosaic) balance

Read on to find out more about each type and how you can use them to make your images feel more attractive, compelling, and balanced.

1. Symmetrical Balance

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

What Is Symmetrical Balance?

Symmetrical balance is achieved by giving equal weight to elements across the center-point of a composition. The center-point can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. The result is a repetitive or mirrored (referred to as perfectly symmetrical) image that appears to be completely equally balanced.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

How Do I Use Symmetrical Balance?

Remember creating symmetrical “squish” paintings at school? These effortless designs demonstrate how symmetry is an instant beautifier, able to transform a messy painting into a beautiful mirrored image.

Symmetry is innately attractive—we’re hard-wired to find symmetrical faces more appealing, for example. Whether this is due to evolutionary theory telling us to seek out a healthy mate, or simply because we like to impose order on a largely unstructured and random world, it’s clear that almost everybody finds symmetrical images more pleasing to look at.

(Video) Type of Balances in Art and Design

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.
Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

One of the most helpful uses of symmetry is that it can tidy images that are flawed or messy. This type of balance works particularly well for wide layouts, such as full-width web designs, allowing the designer to repeat an image across and enhance an awkward area. In symmetrical images, the eye is also drawn towards the point of mirroring, usually in the center of the image. A symmetrical image might be a good framing technique for placing headings, calls-to-action, or clickable buttons, for example.

While symmetrical balance is attractive and sought-after, it’s also omnipresent in visual culture, meaning that symmetrical images can become like white noise. Try enlivening an otherwise symmetrical image with a point of difference, such as a different color on one side of the design. This will help keep the viewer’s eye active and the image engaging.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

2. Asymmetrical Balance

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

What Is Asymmetrical Balance?

Asymmetrical balance occurs when the elements on a layout are different, but by being equally weighted still feel balanced. There might be two elements with a similar weight but different shapes, or one larger, heavier element balanced by a couple of lesser focal points. Compared to symmetry, asymmetrical balance can produce images with varying levels of attractiveness, but generally they make for more interesting, dynamic images.

How Do I Use Asymmetrical Balance?

Compared to symmetry, striking the perfect asymmetrical balance can require a little more experimentation and skill. However, the result can be images which feel thoroughly modern, energetic, and engaging. If symmetry was the soothing perfection of the 1950s, asymmetry is more like the off-kilter spirit of the 1960s. Both eras have their own design merits, but there’s something a little more intriguing and refreshing about images that feel a little off-beat.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

Asymmetrical balance is all about being confident and playful with the scale, color, and form of elements on the layout. The idea is to keep the eye engaged because the image isn’t symmetrical, while still promoting an overall sense of balance. If two elements are too similar to each other, they risk appearing like a poorly executed interpretation of symmetrical balance. Try scaling up one element and scaling down others for high contrast, or using brighter colors on a smaller element to make it feel equalized to larger, duller elements.

Distance can also play a role in promoting asymmetrical balance. A large, heavy element that can be perceived as being further away or lower down than a smaller, lighter element will give a sense of correctness to the overall image. The distance and/or hierarchy helps the smaller element to not feel overwhelmed, creating an image that’s playful and balanced. Everyone wins!

(Video) BALANCE:PRINCIPLE OF ART EXPLAINED (ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION OF SYMMETRICAL BALANCE)

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

3. Radial Balance

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

What Is Radial Balance?

Water ripples, the inside of shells, and rays of sunlight all have a hypnotic, calming quality. These types of images use radial balance to draw the eye towards a central focal point. Elements radiate from the center equally, creating a balanced, soothing layout.

How Do I Use Radial Balance?

Radial balance often naturally occurs in the environment—ripples, whirlpools, tree rings, and flower petals are all examples of this beautiful form of balance. In graphic design, spirals are the best way to achieve radial balance, and these can also be a useful technique for drawing the eye’s attention towards the center of the image. Sales flyers and event posters often use the principle of radial balance through circular frames or borders to draw a customer’s attention to an offer or date.

In photography, close-up shots of plants and flowers often reveal an innate radial balance, making for serene and naturally beautiful images. Illustrators can create their own spiral designs which demonstrate radial balance, with circular optical illusions taking the principle of radial balance and exaggerating its hypnotic effect to the extreme.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.
Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

4. Crystallographic Balance

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

What Is Crystallographic Balance?

Crystallographic (or mosaic) balance is achieved by giving equal weight to a large number of elements. The result isn’t a perfectly symmetrical pattern, but a type of balanced chaos in which several different elements combine into a unified whole. Because the eye cannot locate a single focal point on a crystallographic image, the viewer is tricked into accepting the image as a balanced whole, even though there might be a multitude of differing and random elements.

How Do I Use Crystallographic Balance?

You can promote mosaic balance in your designs and photographs by cramming the layout with different elements. Layouts that are too sparse will allow the eye to locate individual items, diluting the effect.

Think of Jackson Pollack paintings. Although his work is chaotic and diverse in nature, the overall effect is of a calm and uniform whole. You can use different or similar elements and repeat them to create a crystallographic effect. These types of images are often read by the eye as being like background noise, so they work well as backgrounds and backdrops for other prominent graphics or typography.

(Video) Art Education - Principles of Design - Balance - Back to the Basics - Art Lesson

You can also afford to be playful with scale and proportion. Slightly enlarged elements won’t overwhelm smaller ones when combined into a busy mosaic layout. In fact, a heady combination of randomly sized elements can actually make the image feel more appealing and natural.You can also use a similar or complementary color scheme to pull mosaic images together, making them feel even more balanced.

Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.
Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.
Elements are not the same or of the same weight on each side, putting the heaviness on one side.

On Balance

Balance is one of the principles that underpin how appealing we find art or designs, but it’s often taken for granted. With a little more know-how about the different types of balance and how these can affect the impact of images, you can create images that feel…just right!

Eager to learn more about the theory of design? From how to use the color black with impactful effect, to the ultimate guide to using the Golden Ratio, don’t miss these tutorials and articles:

  • The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Ratio and How to Apply It to Your Designs
  • Back to Black: History, Theory, and Palettes for the Color Black
  • Complete Guide to Color in Design: Color Meaning, Color Theory, and More
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  • Design Trend: Abstract Geometry, a Historically Modern Style

Cover image by contributor First_emotion.

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(Video) Principle of Balance in ART -elementary

FAQs

4 Types Of Balance In Art And Design And Why You Need Them? ›

Similarly, an image that's pleasant to look at will likely use one of four types of balance—symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, or crystallographic—to produce a professional result. The four types of balance that can be used in art, design, and photography—symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, and crystallographic.

Why is balance needed in art? ›

Artists generally strive to create artwork that is balanced. A balanced work, in which the visual weight is distributed evenly across the composition, seems stable, makes the viewer feel comfortable, and is pleasing to the eye. A work that is unbalanced appears unstable, creates tension, and makes the viewer uneasy.

What is balance in art explain it with example? ›

Balance in Art refers to the use of artistic elements such as line, texture, color, and form in the creation of artworks in a way that renders visual stability. Balance is one of the principles of organization of structural elements of art and design, along with unity, proportion, emphasis and rhythm.

What are the types of balance in principles of design? ›

There are three main types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

How many types of balance are there in design? ›

There are three different types of balance: Symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial.

What are the 4 types of balance? ›

The four types are:

  • Symmetrical balance.
  • Asymmetrical balance.
  • Radial balance.
  • Crystallographic (or Mosaic) balance.

Why is balancing important? ›

Having good balance is important for many activities we do every day, such as walking and going up and down the stairs. Exercises that improve balance can help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults and stroke patients.

What are examples of balance? ›

An example of balance is being able to walk on a tight rope. An example of balance is when a person divides his time evenly between work, family, and personal pleasure. An example of balance is a person who doesn't get upset very often and doesn't let the little things bother them.

How is symmetrical balance used? ›

Symmetrical balance occurs when your composition has the same visual weight on each side of an axis. Imagine perfect mirror images looking at each other around a central axis. This type of balance evokes gracefulness and simplicity. It's pleasing to look at, but also very predictable.

What is symmetrical balance example? ›

Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper is another great example of symmetrical balance, drawing upon a one-point perspective in which the vanishing point is somewhere behind and above Christ in the center of the painting. An equal number of figures can be seen on either side of Christ, six on each side.

What are different types of balance in art? ›

There are three different types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial.

Why is symmetrical important in design? ›

Symmetry creates balance, and balance in design creates harmony, order, and aesthetically pleasing results.

What is balancing and its types? ›

There are three types of unbalance: Static unbalance – is where the mass axis is displaced only parallel to the shaft axis. The unbalance is corrected only in one axial plane. Couple unbalance – is where the mass axis intersects the running axis. For example: a disk that has swash run-out with no static unbalance.

Why are principles of art and design very important? ›

The principles of design are the most important part of any design process. Without these principles, it would be very difficult for the users to understand the type of message that the designer is trying communicate.

Why is asymmetrical balance important? ›

Asymmetrical balance is more dynamic and interesting. It evokes feelings of modernism, movement, energy and vitality. Asymmetrical balance offers more visual variety, although it can be more difficult to achieve because the relationships between elements are more complex.

What are the examples of asymmetrical? ›

Asymmetry definition

Frequency: The definition of asymmetry means that two parts of something are not exactly the same. A fiddler crab has one claw that is bigger than the other so that is an example that a fiddler crab's body has asymmetry.

What is an example of asymmetrical balance? ›

Asymmetrical Balance in Art Examples

Asymmetrical balance in art is when each half is different but has equal visual weight. The artwork is still balanced. For example, in the Caravaggio (the picture in the right in the collage), the three men are balanced with Jesus on the left.

What is symmetrical and asymmetrical balance in art? ›

Types of balance: Symmetrical balance (or Symmetry) means that the work of art is the same on one side as the other, a mirror image of itself, onboth sides of a center line. Asymmetrical balance (or Asymmetry) means that the two halves of the work of art are different, however, try to create balance.

What are the 3 types of balance in interior design? ›

Balance can also be achieved in three ways: symmetrically, asymmetrically and radially.

What are the importance of variety in art? ›

Variety is used to make a drawing or painting more interesting. We use variety to catch the viewers attention. Different elements are used, like line, shapes, and colors are placed next to each other in a work of art. They are in contrast to each other giving the picture a lively quality.

Why do we need patterns and symmetry? ›

We view symmetrical objects such as the regular repeating patterns of ancient pottery, weavings, and tilings as pleasing, proportioned, balanced, and harmonious. In addition to offering aesthetic pleasure, symmetry has a role in pattern formation. Patterns in nature possess some form of symmetry in space or in time.

Why is symmetry so important? ›

Symmetry is a fundamental part of geometry, nature, and shapes. It creates patterns that help us organize our world conceptually. We see symmetry every day but often don't realize it. People use concepts of symmetry, including translations, rotations, reflections, and tessellations as part of their careers.

Why is symmetry attractive in art? ›

The simple explanation for our attraction to symmetry is that it's familiar. Symmetrical objects and images play by the rules that our brains are programmed to recognize easily.

Why is balance important to a work of art quizlet? ›

The expressive qualities of balance: The type of balance an artist uses to organize a work of art affects the feeling expressed by that work. To express a message of dignity and stability an artist may use this form of balance.

What is the most important in principle of art? ›

HARMONY. The sense of continuity or similarity across an artwork that creates a connection and a flow of intent is called harmony. It is the most important and a very versatile principles of art.

How is balance achieved in art? ›

To achieve balance, artists arrange and organize elements of design so that all areas of the composition have equal visual weight. Balance can be achieved symmetrically or asymmetrically. To achieve unity, artists rely on repetition and variety, and a clear message presented through subject matter.

Why is harmony important in art? ›

Unity (also called harmony) is an important principle of design that gives the artwork a sense of cohesion or coherence. It is the wholeness or completeness of a picture. Unity and harmony in art are used by artists to tie a composition together and help the composition make sense as a whole piece of art.

What is color balance in art? ›

Balance can be achieved with just color values alone. A small amount of color can offset the visual weight of a large area of neutral values. Similarly, a small area of warm color can balance a large area of cool color. This Pop Art image illustrates symmetrical color balance.

What does balance refer to? ›

Balance refers to an individuals ability to maintain their line of gravity within their Base of support (BOS). It can also be described as the ability to maintain equilibrium, where equilibrium can be defined as any condition in which all acting forces are cancelled by each other resulting in a stable balanced system.

Why are principles of art and design very important? ›

The principles of design are the most important part of any design process. Without these principles, it would be very difficult for the users to understand the type of message that the designer is trying communicate.

What is the importance of rhythm and variation? ›

Rhythm is a direct result of repeated use of one or more components of an artwork to create a feeling of organised movement. In creating exciting and active rhythm, variety is especially essential as it helps the viewer all around the artwork. Rhythm creates some harmony and unity within a work of art.

How do you use unity and harmony in design? ›

Using harmony and unity to create a sense of cohesion makes that initial pattern recognition easy. Our brains categorize those repeated details and similarities much faster than they would if none of the design elements fit together, which subconsciously allows us to be calmer when we're in the space.

What is unity in design? ›

In graphic design, unity is the principle that pulls together all the other elements of the design. Your design should be focused. Each element of the piece should feel like it belongs there, rather than standing out in isolation or failing to fit with the rest of the elements of the design.

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What refers to the way in which the weights of the elements are distributed throughout the composition?

Balance. Balance refers to the equal distribution of visual weight in a design. Every design element has visual weight that is determined by its darkness or lightness, size, and line thickness.

What is the balance of the design wherein elements are different but the weight is still evenly distributed?

Asymmetrical balance occurs when the elements on a layout are different, but by being equally weighted still feel balanced. There might be two elements with a similar weight but different shapes, or one larger, heavier element balanced by a couple of lesser focal points.

What type of balance is demonstrated when the visual weight is heavier on one side than the other?

Asymmetrical balance. Asymmetrical balance results from unequal visual weight on each side of the composition. One side of the composition might contain a dominant element, which could be balanced by a couple or more lesser focal points on the other side.

What type of balance is created when elements on the left and right sides of the center line are the same?

Symmetrical balance (or Symmetry) means that the work of art is the same on one side as the other, a mirror image of itself, onboth sides of a center line.