“I pay close attention to the variety of shapes and sizes, and place the objects so that the lines and edges create a rhythm that guides the viewer’s eye around the image and into the focal point.” - Sergei Forostovskii

In her book Graphic Design: The New Basics, Ellen Lupton writes, “In design, balance acts as a catalyst for form, anchoring and activating elements in space. If a design is static, it is usually a result of the proportion and placement of elements in relation to each other, and to the negative space - too big, too tight, too flat, misaligned, etc…” To achieve visual balance, one must evenly distribute the weight of objects evenly and/or proportionally in a given space. Large objects must counter-point small objects, dark objects must counter-point light objects, and so on.

There are two kinds of balance, symmetrical and asymmetrical. A symmetrical composition can exist when objects on either side of the line of symmetry, which can be vertical or horizontal, equalize each other. Asymmetrical compositions exist when contrasting elements are placed in counterpoint to each other, while maintaining an overall stability. Often times asymmetry yields compositions that allow the eye to wander, triggering emotions like noise and activity. To achieve asymmetry, designer employ contrasting sizes, textures, value, color, and shape to offset or emphasize the weight of an object and create dynamic senses of balance.

The above image is an album cover from the Blue Note Label. Blue Note set a precedence for their work with jazz artists creating cover art for such legends as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and as seen above, Thelonious Monk. In the example above the designer has utilized asymmetry to elicit a sense of movement, and rhythm, while maintaining balance and stability.

In addition to balance, rhythm is another basic fundamental of graphic design. Most forms of design seek rhythms that are punctuated with anomalies, or punctuated with change and variation. Balance and rhythm work together to create works of design that pulse with live achieve both stability and surprise. Some important relationships that can create rhythm include: symmetry & asymmetry, repetition & change, rhythm & time, and rhythm & pacing. In sequential designs such as books and magazines, rhythm is critical for maintaining flow and interest throughout the piece. Elements such as imagery, typography, rules, color, and form must possess an overall coherence. Grids are also a useful tool for bringing order to a progression of pages. Keeping an element of surprise and variation is key to sustaining interest.

In the above example, the artist has utilized alternating type and color to achieve rhythm.