Balance (Symmetry/Asymmetry) > Issaquah Schools Foundation (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between balance symmetry and asymmetry? ›

Types of balance: Symmetrical balance (or Symmetry) means that the work of art is the same on one side as the other, a mirror image of itself, onboth sides of a center line. Asymmetrical balance (or Asymmetry) means that the two halves of the work of art are different, however, try to create balance.

Asymmetrical balance results from unequal visual weight on each side of the composition. One side of the composition might contain a dominant element, which could be balanced by a couple or more lesser focal points on the other side.

A great example of asymmetrical balance is Caravaggio's The Incredulity of Saint Thomas. Jesus on the left side of the painting is bathed in light and is exceptionally bright in comparison to the other figures. Saint Thomas, on the right, also receives some light, but does not by himself balance the painting visually.

No one is necessarily better than the other! They are both great to incorporate in graphic design, it all just boils down to your design's purpose, intent, and the message it wants to convey. Graphics Zoo's team of professional graphic designers are well-versed in graphic design symmetry and asymmetry.

Any straight line will be symmetrical since it can be folded in half and the two sides will be identical. A wavy line can be symmetrical as well, as long as the waves are the same size and evenly spaced. Many lines, though, are asymmetrical, such as the colorful lines shown in the picture.

A good example of symmetrical balance in nature is the human face. If you were to draw a line down the middle of your face, you would have two sides that have the exact same design.

Answer and Explanation: Another term used for the word asymmetrical balance is: Informal balance.

The American flag is an example of asymmetry. If you understand symmetry, you're on your way to understanding asymmetry. Symmetry means that the parts of something are equal or match: if both halves of a house look exactly the same, that's an example of symmetry. If the sides are different, that's asymmetry.

Symmetrical balance is achieved in work of art when visual elements are arranged on both sides of a center line in equal weight. Symmetrical balance, also called formal balance, can be thought of as a mirror image of one half of a work of art on the other half.

There are three main types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Let's look at them one at a time. Even though they're different, the two apples create symmetrical balance. Asymmetrical balance is also absolutely balanced on both sides of a central line.

Why do people prefer symmetry? ›

According to the American scientist Alan Lightman, human brains actually strive to see things symmetrically. “The reason must be partly psychological," he says. "Symmetry represents order, and we crave order in this strange universe we find ourselves in... [It] helps us make sense of the world around us".

Symmetry in a photo allows you to draw the viewer's eyes to all parts of the photo. Asymmetrical balance has two sides that are unequal while having elements that balance each other out. Radial balance is when there's a circular shape that begins in the center of an image.

Asymmetrical balance is established when the two imaginary halves of a hairstyle have an equal visual weight, but are positioned unevenly. Opposite sides of the hairstyle are different lengths or have a different volume.

asymmetrical balance, which is created with grouping lighter-weight objects on one side of a center line to offset a heavy object on the other side; and. radial symmetry, where objects balance in relation to a central point in the composition, rather than a central line.

Symmetric Sequence: A symmetric sequence is one in which movements to the right are mirrored by movements to the left, and vice versa. Asymmetric Position: By contrast, an asymmetric position is different on the right and left sides of the body. It suggests mobility and potential loss of balance.