MC DESIGN ACADEMY

GRAPHIC DESIGN / WEEK 2

FINDING
BALANCE

UNIT PROJECTReflection Collage

THE BIG IDEA

What is balance?

Balance is the way visual weight is distributed across a composition.

Aa

Size

Large objects usually feel heavier.

■

Color

Bright, dark or saturated colors demand attention.

✦

Detail

Texture and complexity create visual pull.

●

Position

Distance from center can add visual weight.

THREE WAYS TO ORGANIZE

Types of balance

01
Hand-drawn symmetrical arrangement with matching shapes mirrored across a center line.

Symmetrical

MIRROR BALANCE

Both sides of an imaginary line are the same or very similar. It feels formal, stable, calm and orderly.

Look for: matching size, shape, color and placement.
02
Hand-drawn asymmetrical arrangement with one large shape balanced by several smaller shapes.

Asymmetrical

DIFFERENT, BUT BALANCED

The two sides are not identical, but their visual weight still feels equal. It feels active, modern and interesting.

Look for: one large object balanced by several smaller ones.
03
Hand-drawn radial arrangement with repeated shapes spreading from a central point.

Radial

BALANCE FROM THE CENTER

Elements spread outward from a central point. It creates movement while keeping attention focused in the middle.

Look for: circles, spirals, rays or repeated rotation.

STUDIO ACTIVITY

Balance three ways.

Cut your shape set

Cut one large and one small version of each shape:

  • 2 circles
  • 2 squares
  • 2 triangles
  • 2 stars

Draw a light vertical line down the center of your background page. Do not glue yet.

  1. Symmetrical Arrange the shapes so the two sides mirror one another.
  2. Asymmetrical Rearrange them so both sides feel equal without matching.
  3. Radial Build outward from one center point.
  4. Choose Select your strongest arrangement and glue it down.
  5. Label Add the type of balance and your name.

SKETCHBOOK REFLECTION

What do you see?

Title a new page Reflection: Balance, then respond:

Look at your finished design as if the shapes were clouds. What real images, people, objects or scenes could replace them? Describe what you see and explain which shapes suggested it. Could it become a car on a road, a ship in the ocean, a mother and child, or a child with their dog?
NEXT PROJECT

Make an idea visible.

Create an original collage that communicates something meaningful about who you are, where you come from or where you are going.

OPEN REFLECTION COLLAGE →