Defining Asymmetrical Balance and Determining Its Use in Art and Design

Design principles are the foundation of a good design. The design principles you learned will guide you in creating visual media. An efficient design will guide the viewer to see what you intend for them to look in the way you intended for them to see it.

One significant component of a good design is balance. A balanced composition is aesthetically pleasing.
Balance addresses the truth that while you can create focal points to emphasize certain parts of the composition, they will still see the entire structure. Balance involves making sure the piece functions by balancing both the positive elements and negative space.

Visual weight and direction go hand and hand with visual balance. Vision weight measures the amount the eye is drawn to a particular composition. On the other hand, visual direction describes how the eye perceives an element that would move in the physical world.

Good visual balance design assures that the viewer spends their time looking at components that you want them to by maintaining the piece’s balance. It helps keep their concentration, so they receive the intended information.

The type of balance that is most used to create a visually stimulating effect is an asymmetrical balance.

Two Types of Balance

When we evenly distribute all of the compositional parts of a piece around a central point, we achieve symmetrical balance. Draw an imagined line across the middle of a composition to obtain a sense of this. The item is said to be symmetrical if each side mirrors the other in some way.

A sense of formality and order can be expressed by symmetrical balancing. This may be seen in the White House’s architecture, which is a symbol of logic and permanence.

On the other hand, asymmetrical balance is not a lack of symmetry but rather the lack of any symmetry at all. The unequal distribution of visual weight creates an asymmetry. It can be seen in Japanese art being used effectively.

Why Use Asymmetry?

Asymmetrical balance is considered to be more lively, dynamic, and visually appealing. It sends a feeling of excitement, movement, and modernism.

 The logo designs for Youtube, Facebook and Nike are famous examples of asymmetrical balance.

This type of balance is more challenging to implement because it involves a complex relationship between the elements. This leads most designers to avoid asymmetrical design.

The asymmetrical design grabs the attention of viewers. Learning how to use it properly is essential for any designer. Tactful mixing of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements creates a right balance while still being bold.

Asymmetry is perfect to use for minimalist designs. The uneven visual balance contrasts with similar elements. It helps create movement because the eyes naturally take directional clues from the piece. This includes moving from heavier objects to smaller ones and from darker to lighter shades.

Should I Use Asymmetrical Balance?

The simple answer is, yes, you should.

But how?

There are a variety of ways to create an asymmetrical balance. You can use tone, texture, and weight.

• make elements of different sizes
• use texture to make an element appear heavier
• use bold colors instead of muted colors
• place elements near the corner or edge which gives a sense of heaviness

The use of negative space can help you achieve asymmetrical balance. Space also creates an automatic asymmetry. The eye is drawn automatically to the visible components if there are a few elements and a lot of negative space.

For designers and artists, visual balance is critical. It’s how artists build their brand, advertise themselves, and communicate their message. The visitor may not be able to see all of the design elements and hence lose out on important information.

Asymmetrical balance provides fluidity and directs the viewer’s gaze to where you want it to rest. Understanding how to use colour efficiently produces flow. Flow can also be achieved by stressing movement. For organisation and appropriate alignment, some people utilise grids.

You’ll be able to apply asymmetry in a larger project with practice and patience. You’ll start making intriguing items that you enjoy as well.

Source

The best ways to use symmetrical design … – designrfix.com. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2021, from https://designrfix.com/uncategorized/the-best-ways-to-use-symmetrical-design-in-your-projects-2.

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