Introduction to Visual Balance: Principles of Organization in 2D Design

1. Balance • Danielle Bass • Ciara Clauss • Sierra Leitner • Jose Ramos Project 3: Principles of Organization 2D Design | Prof. Jacques | Semester Year

2. Intro to Balance Balance is achieved when the elements of design are “visually distributed to appear equally weighted”. It provides equilibrium in a work. • Sense of “stability” in the work • Types of balance: symmetry, approximate symmetry, radial symmetry, asymmetry Balance

3. What influences“visual weight”? • Position • Size • Texture • Value • Quantity • Orientation • Shape Balance

4. Symmetry • Most formal type of balance • An imaginary line can be drawn through the center of the work - - both sides will be exactly the same Balance

5. Approximate Symmetry • Similar to regular symmetry, but opposing sides are not perfect mirror images • Slight differences in opposing sides but very similar Balance

6. Radial Symmetry • Balanced around a central point • Elements are arranged around a center object or point and mirror each other around this point Principle Name

7. Asymmetry • Unique type of balance • Elements appear imperfect – there is no “imaginary line” or symmetry – but there is still a sense of stability throughout the piece Balance

8. Balance Applications – Rule of Thirds • Renowned way of achieving balance in a work • Use an imagined grid divided equally into nine squares – focal points of your work should be placed at the intersections of the squares • Creates a more interesting composition! Balance Photos source: http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

9. Balance Applications – More unique types of balance Crystallographic balance = • “allover pattern” • Elements of equal weight are repeated everywhere • No distinct focal point • Examples: quilts, chessboards Balance

10. References • http://nwrain.net/~tersiisky/design/balance.html • http://www.claudiajacques.org/2d/balance.pdf • http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/design-in-art-balance-and-contrast Balance

11. Review • Balance helps create a complete and visually pleasing composition • Remember that balance does not necessarily mean “symmetry”! (imperfect mirror images can still create a unified/stable sense of balance) Balance