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And how you can apply them to your social images for

maximum effect

The 4 Rules of Balance Designers

Live By

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A degree of balance is at the heart of every successful image and can’t be ignored.

A balanced composition feels right. It feels stable and aesthetically pleasing.

When a composition is visually balanced, every part of it holds some interest, which keeps your viewers engaged with your design.

Read on to find out how to achieve balance in your designs and create social content that engages.

Why Visual Balance is Important

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The 4 Principles of Balance for Images in Social Media • Symmetrical balance • Asymmetrical balance • Radial balance • Mosaic balance

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1. Symmetrical Balance

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Symmetrical balance can be described as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a central axis. This axis can be in any direction although it is often horizontal or vertical.

Everything on one side of the axis is mirrored on the other. When the elements are arranged equally on either side of a central axis, the result is bilateral symmetry but symmetry can occur across multiple axes at the same time.

By using symmetry your social images will seen as beautiful, harmonised and professional.

Symmetrical Balance

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2. Asymmetrical Balance

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Asymmetrical balance involves the placement of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another around a central point.

The more complex relationships between elements often makes asymmetry more interesting than symmetry, and is useful for drawing attention.

Contrast symmetry and asymmetry in your social compositions to attract the viewer.

The factors that affect visual weight include:

• Size

• Value (light/dark)

• Colour

• Texture

• Quantity

• Isolation

• Orientation

Asymmetrical Balance

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3. Radial Balance

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In radial balance, elements extend out (in a circular shape) from one core central point.

Stars, the iris around each pupil of your eyes, a wheel with spokes and many plant forms are examples of radial balance.

If you’re looking to create a strong focal point in your social image, radial balance is an effective technique because your eyes are naturally drawn inwards to the centre of your image.

Radial Balance

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4. Crystallographic Balance

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Also known as mosaic or “allover” balance, crystallographic balance is about repetition.

Repetition and consistency are major design principles, and by evenly repeating elements with equal weight throughout the design, it actually creates a sense of balance.

Whilst at first images employing crystallographic balance may seem chaotic, the lack of visual hierarchy actually works very well.

This form of visual design is aesthetically pleasing and intriguing to those who view it.

Crystallographic Balance

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this series. You’ll now have more control over the visual communication in your

designs, eventually leading to greater impact and better social

results.

Thanks!