Balance in Graphic Design

Balance is one of the important points the success of a design. Everyone loves the convenience (not lame) to what they see. Balance in graphic design can be achieved by adjusting the visual weight of each element, both in terms of scale, color, contrast, etc. Here's on Jayce-o, we're going to see more of the basics of the application of balance in graphic design.



Broadly speaking, the balance in graphic design can be divided to two parts

1. Symmetrical balance

Symmetrical balance occurs when the visual weight of design elements evenly divided in terms of horizontal, vertical, or radial. This style relies on a balance of two similar elements from two different sides. Conditions in the symmetrical equilibrium is a general style that is often used to achieve a balance in design. Although it is easy to implement, symmetrical balance is difficult to evoke emotion from the Visual readers because it was impressed too "planned". Symmetrical balance is also commonly referred to as formal balance.

Here is an example design that uses symmetrical balance:



This poster has been assembled with a combination of visual elements symmetrically between the left and right. Design elements on the left side of the balance with other elements such as the right side of the mirror.

2. Asymmetrycal balance

Asymmetrical balance occurs when the visual weight of design elements are not evenly distributed in the central axis of the page. This style relies on visual games such as scale, contrast, color to achieve a balance with irregular. We often see a design with the big picture offset by the small but visible text balanced because the game contrast, color, etc. Asymmetrical balance is more likely to arouse emotions because the Visual reader and the resulting visual tension. Tensions asymmetric also referred to informal balance.

Here is an example design using asymmetrical balance:



This poster uses the asymmetric form of contrasting styles and scale. Elements of a large black hand balanced by Flawless black text but its small size.

Tips: Balance in Graphic Design

now we will go further to apply the balance through the composition of graphic elements such as shapes, colors, textures and so on.

1. Balance by color

Balance with color can occur when a small area with bright colors combined with a large area with a dark color. In addition, of course, understanding the use of color must be mastered first. To learn about the principles of color application in the design, see the folowing article: 5 Important Points to Know About Color Theory.



The design of the poster above is a good example to see how the combination of balance created by color. Small areas of bright color (green and yellow gold) combined appear balanced with dark brown background with large areas.

2. Balance by shape

Balance in the form can be created through the field of complex composition with a flat field (plain). Field complex and more details will appear in balance with the plain area in the opposite side.




In this poster forms a complex though positioned corner of the area of design, but it looks unbalanced because the other side of the field of flat to form a plain.

3. Balance by position

Another way to create a balanced design is by regulating the position of items in the design. Balance in position is another example of the kind of balance Assimetris, where a large object on one side balanced by putting the smaller objects on the other side.



The Zu coffee's website designed using combined position to create a balance view website. Zu logo on the top left is balanced by Zu coffee packaging look smaller lower right section.

4. Balance by value

Value or Value color can also be a key point in the balance of a design. Small area of high value-will create a balance when combined with a large area with a low value.



Black and white photographs combine the main object of a man and a dog that has a high value value (solid black) with a broad area that has a lower value (gray).

5. Balance by texture

Texture also affects the balance of a design. Just like the previous principle, in which the area is more complex, detailed and attract the attention going to look good when combined with a large area of the flat. Small area with an interesting texture looks balanced when combined with a large area and flat (no texture).



In this artwork, the narrow form of rippling water has a water texture which attract the focus appears balanced with a wider area but not textured.

6. Balance by eye direction

The balance can also occur when we lead the reader's eyes to the main content. The objects are used as "tools" to guide the reader's eyes composed with a larger area, while the main content displayed in a smaller area.




This poster uses a balance based on color, also creates a nice balance in guiding the reader's eyes to the main content.

Well, that's a few tips about the application of the Balance in Graphic Design. What do you think? If there are additional, please share it via the comment section! :)