Design Principle: Balance

Beginning Digital Design

Design Principle
Balance

Assignment
Letterform Abstraction

Instructor: Po-Chi Chu

Balance
Definition: Balance refers to the equal distribution of
weight or force among visual units.

You can use either negative or positive shapes to
create an equilibrium among compositional units,
regardless of variations in their size, weight or shape.

When physical objects are of equal weight, they are in
balance. Visual balance works in much the same way.
However, the visual weight can be affected not only by
the size of objects, but also their values, texture, colors
and shapes.

Visual Weight refers to:
 the inclination of shapes to float or sink;
 the relative importance of visual units within a design.

Types of Balance
1. Symmetrical Balance: occurs when shapes are
mirrored on either side of an axis (i.e., vertically divided
or horizontally divided).

Types of Balance
2. Asymmetrical Balance: creates an equilibrium
among visual elements that do not mirror each other on
either side of the axis.

Symmetrical Balance in 2-D
Symmetrical balance communicates calmness
and stability.

(Student work/FSU, 2011) (Student work/FSU, 2010)

Symmetrical Balance in 3-D
The Taj Mahal in India and Saint Peter’s Basilica in
the Vatican are both built symmetrically.

(Taj Mahal, India) (Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican)

Variations on Symmetry
Approximate symmetry is created when similar
imagery appears on either side of a central axis.

(Student work/FSU, 2006)

Here are more examples of approximate symmetry.
(Example 2 also demonstrates inverted symmetry.)

Example 1 Example 2

When design elements are mirrored both vertically and
horizontally, with the center of the composition acting
as a focal point, it is called radial symmetry.

Tibetan Mandala, early 13th century

Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical balance can be quite stable, very
dynamic or nearly chaotic; it depends on the degree of
asymmetry. You can use the following simple strategies
to create asymmetrical balance.

STABLE VERY DYNAMIC NEARLY CHAOTIC

Strategies for Asymmetrical Balance
1. Place a large shape in the center with a small shape
farther away.

2. Multiple small shapes placed together can balance a
large shape.

3. A solid, small shape can balance a large, open shape.

4. A textured shape placed near the fulcrum can
balance a distant open shape.

Add Boundary to Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetry becomes even
more interesting when a
boundary is added.
The negative shape will play
an important role, and more
complex composition can be
achieved. The boundary
makes the imagery seem
symmetrical.

Balance Is Constantly Changing
Balance in a composition changes each time a visual
element is added or removed.

Assignment: Letterform Abstraction

• Objective
Understand the design principles of unity and balance
through the use of letterform.

• Problem to Solve
You will create a design based on the abstraction of the
initials of your first and last names. The placement and
juxtaposition of the two letters and the specific choice of
the type will help you to develop the ability to create
unique shapes using the principles of unity and balance.

• Steps (Adobe Illustrator)
1. Use two letters (your initials) for this exercise. The
end result will be a design you could apply to your
own brand or logo in the future.
2. Create a new document with an artboard of 4 inches
by 6 inches.
3. Choose a specific typeface. Both letters must use
the same typeface in 72 pts.
4. After you type the letters, choose the Select tool to
select the letters.

• Steps (Adobe Illustrator) Cont.
5. Go to Type and choose “Create the outline”. This
step will specify the letters you typed as the
object/path (shape) for further manipulation.
6. While the letters are still highlighted, go to Object,
then choose “Ungroup”. Now, you should have two
individual shapes to manipulate with the Pen tool
(P), the Direct Selection tool (A) or the Object
Transform function.

7. Arrange and distort the letters to make them
interesting. After you have completed the design,
scale the design larger than 4 inches by 6 inches on
your artboard. Group the letters together.
8. Create a 4 inch by 6 inch rectangle with the white fill
and 1pt black stroke. Move the rectangle on top of
the letter design. Change the opacity of the
rectangle to 80%. You should be able to see through
the rectangle now.

9. Next, move and rotate the design you have created.
You will compose a partial design that is both
balanced and visually interesting within the 4 inch by
6 inch rectangle.
10. Now select all the objects on the artboard. Check
the Layer palette to ensure the rectangular shape is
above the other designs.

11. Go to Object and choose Clipping Mask, then Make.
The design sitting outside the rectangle will become
invisible, and only the part that was inside the
“mask” will remain.
12. Save the file as letterform**.ai for future use.

Design Principle: Balance

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