balance
symmetrical, assymetrical & radial
We use the term balance in so many different varieties throughout our day. We may be referring to our physical balance (or our lack thereof), a balance in our life between our obligations and our down time or even maintaining a balanced diet. We strive to find balance in everything around us, yet it is not one of the goals that you would ever write down in a planner, for example, “…must find balance today…” In the design sense, finding balance in our composition can refer to more than just one element. It may refer to a balance or imbalance between two objects, shapes or forms. It may refer to a balance between the use of two or more colors or even textures. Often times it refers to the balance between our positive and negative space, and the way that our design interacts with the boundaries of our work space.
When we talk about the kinds of balance that we are seeing used in different compositions, we normally use the three following keywords. Symmetrical balance refers to the constant and stable relationship that exists between equal parts in a design, however, for a design to be balanced it doesn’t have to be perfectly split right down the middle. Asymmetrical balance refers to a layout that is balanced by the delicate relationship of two or more parts that occupy different size spaces, or exhibit completely different characteristics. Radial balance comes to us in the form of the circle, something that truly resembles balance at its finest: a wheel, a spider web, a CD or even a flower if viewed from the right angle. We will look at some examples of balance below, and then create three individual and unique pieces that exhibit these types of balance.
When we talk about the kinds of balance that we are seeing used in different compositions, we normally use the three following keywords. Symmetrical balance refers to the constant and stable relationship that exists between equal parts in a design, however, for a design to be balanced it doesn’t have to be perfectly split right down the middle. Asymmetrical balance refers to a layout that is balanced by the delicate relationship of two or more parts that occupy different size spaces, or exhibit completely different characteristics. Radial balance comes to us in the form of the circle, something that truly resembles balance at its finest: a wheel, a spider web, a CD or even a flower if viewed from the right angle. We will look at some examples of balance below, and then create three individual and unique pieces that exhibit these types of balance.
Pay close attention to the following guidelines:
- You must create your own organic shape, meaning a shape that follows no predetermined form or line (that means I don’t want to see triangles, square or circles). You can think of organic as something that might exist in nature.
- You must use that shape and ONLY that shape for all three compositions, although you may use it as many times, and in any way you see fit.
- You can use an unlimited amount of SOLID color in all three pieces.
Begin by sketching your ideas out first. You must show me the shape that you plan on using that you have created before you begin sketching your ideas for the three pieces. Once you have had the initial sketch of your shape approved, I will need to see your sketches for all three pieces before you begin in illustrator.
Next, you will create 3 individual and completely unique compositions that exhibit the three different types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical & radial. Your dimensions will again, be a standard print size document in Adobe Illustrator (8.5 x 11 inches, 300 dpi) and RGB selected as the color profile. All three pieces will be the same dimensions. You will be graded based on your creativity and your ability to illustrate these three types of balance
Lastly, once you have completed your 3 pieces, save them respectively as “YOUR LAST NAME_SYMMETRICAL, (ASSYMETRICAL, RADIAL).PDF.” Again, you will be saving and sending a PDF version, and you are going to uncheck the box that says “Preserve Illustrator Capabilities.”
Works Cited
Lupton, Ellen & Jennifer Cole Phillips. Graphic Design, The New Basics. New York, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008.
Lupton, Ellen & Jennifer Cole Phillips. Graphic Design, The New Basics. New York, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008.