In the physical world, the weight of two different objects can be measured with a balance scale.

In the visual world, the weight of two different sides of an artwork (composition) can be measured with eye attraction

Visual Balance can be measured by first imagining a CENTRAL AXIS. A central axis is a dividing line that works like the point of balance in a balance scale. But visual balance is also created on a horizontal axis. Therefore it is important for you to make sure your art isn’t visually heavy on the bottom (a common design problem). Bright colors and dark values often attract the eye more.

FORMAL BALANCE occurs

when equal, or very similar,

ELEMENTS are placed on

opposite sides of

the central axis.

INFORMAL BALANCE involves a balance of unlike ELEMENTS.

This is possible because two unlike elements can have equal visual weight.

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ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE is the same as informal balance.

Informal/asymmetrical balance can create a feeling of movement in a composition.

It is usually harder to achieve than formal balance.