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

FAQs

What is balance symmetry vs 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 is when you have two dissimilar sides of a design and have positioned visual weight unequally, and yet you've still achieved a sense of balance. It evokes a sense of modernism and movement.

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.

Asymmetrical balance is also known as informal, active, or occult balance. It is attained when visual units on either side of a vertical or horizontal axis are not identical, but are placed in positions within the frame so as to create a felt equilibrium.

Cons of asymmetrical balance:

Absence of formality: Asymmetrical balance might lack the formality and order found in symmetrical balance, making it less appropriate for traditional or classical interiors.

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.

For example, Van Gogh's The Starry Night is an excellent demonstration of leveraging asymmetrical balance. Van Gogh has used very different shapes and objects on either side of his work. Yet he manages to provide a sense of balance by playing with the size and color of these elements.

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.

Balance different-sized furniture and decor elements to achieve a balanced asymmetry. For example, placing a large sofa opposite a cluster of smaller accent chairs can create a visually balanced composition. Remember: achieving asymmetry isn't about appearance but visual weight.

We observe symmetry in any object if it can be split into two identical halves. Asymmetric indicates that an item cannot be split into two identical parts.

What is another name for asymmetrical balance? ›

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

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.

Asymmetrical balance in art is when an artwork's composition is not symmetrical, but balances visual weight between its two sides. This frees an image from the constraints of symmetry, while still maintaining a feeling of balance in the artwork.

Correcting facial asymmetry doesn't always require surgery and a long recovery. For example, cosmetic dentistry is an area that you can help contribute to a symmetrical face. Dental treatments such as veneers, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign are non-invasive options you can choose from.

The good news is that there's no right or wrong answer — it really just boils down to your personal preference. With that said, it's important to have a good understanding of the differences between the two so you can achieve the beautiful, eye-catching balance both have to offer.

Symmetrical balance in art is when you can draw a line down the middle of a piece and each half will mirror the other. 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.