Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Balance: Symmetry and Asymmetry
The way in which elements are arranged within an image or design contributes to a visual
sense of balance which may be symmetrical; or, which may feature a sense of balanced
asymmetry or unbalanced asymmetry. Balance may be depicted using a mirror-image ap-
proach to arranging visual elements; rotational arrangement, or diagonal arrangement.
By varying balance and symmetry, a sense of stability and solidity can be achieved; or, con-
versely a visual sense of instability or volatility. The following Figure depicts simple repres-
entations of symmetrical and asymmetrical balance.
Figure 49. Variations of visual balance.
The following posters illustrate different types of balance and these are indicated by overlaid
green lines: Horizontal-vertical mirror balance in the poster for
Side Effects
(2013) and bal-
anced asymmetry in the poster for
The Bourne Legacy
(2012). This latter poster also con-
veys a level of dynamism due to the asymmetrical format
