Classic Graphic Design Theory Principles of Design: Balance
To understand balance, think of the balance beam. When objects are of equal weight, they are in balance. If you have several small items on one side, they can be balanced by a large object on the other side. Visual balance works in much the same way. It can be affected not only by the size of objects, but also their value (ie. lightness or darkness, termed visual weight). Symmetrical (Formal) Balance Symmetrical balance is mirror image balance. If you draw a line down the center of the page, all the objects on one side of the screen are mirrored on the other side (they may not be identical objects, but they are similar in terms of numbers of objects, colors and other elements. Sometimes they are completely identical (often seen in architecture). Look at this drawing of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre in Angouleme, France. You can draw a line down the middle of the front face, and everything on either side would be mirror image. Pic: formal balance-Cathedral Asymmetrical (Informal) Balan...