Design Principles Task #2: Balance & emphasis

 04.09.2020 - 11.09.2020 

Seerat Tayyab Mukhtar Qureshi - 0345576 (BDCM)

Design Principles 

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Lecture #2: Balance & emphasis

For our next exercise, we will be looking at the principles of balance and emphasis and then create two works corresponding to each.  

1. Emphasis 

Is used to create dominance and focus in a design work. Emphasis can be achieved through various elements such as colour, shapes and value. 

Fig 1.1: Examples of emphasis 

SOURCE: Lecture slides

2. Balance

Refers to the distribution of visual weight in a work of design. Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. 

Fig 1.2: Characteristics of symmetrical balance

SOURCE: Lecture slides

Fig 1.3: Example of symmetrical balance

SOURCE: Lecture slides

Fig 1.4: Characteristics of  asymmetrical balance

SOURCE: Lecture slides

Fig 1.5: Example of asymmetrical balance

SOURCE: Lecture slides

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Instructions:

Module information booklet

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Exercises: Balance & emphasis 

1. Balance:

I looked for some inspiration and came across this image on Pinterest of the famous painting Creation of Adam. 

Fig 1.6: Creation of Adam by Michelangelo

SOURCE: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13721973854289764/?nic_v2=1aKWQzpY5

I really liked the balance and composition so I decided to do a similar sketch on Procreate using the symmetry feature. 

Fig 1.7: My sketch on Procreate. 

In Miss Jinchi's feedback, she told me lower the composition a bit more and and experiment with a landscape element at the back. I decided to add some simple clouds. For my final piece I used colour pencils and markers. 

Fig 1.8:  Balance, final piece. 

2. Emphasis:

I had a tough time coming up with an idea for this one because I wasn't too sure how I should express emphasis. Lastly, I chose colour as a way to create emphasis. 

Fig 1.9: Digital sketch, emphasis

Fig 2.0: My reference picture

Miss. Jinchi liked this composition too, especially the exaggerated rouge. She advised me to add a little more details to the hair to avoid it looking too sketchy. I recreated the final piece using colour pencils and markers.

Fig 2.1: Final piece, emphasis 

Reflection:

I found this exercise a bit more challenging especially the emphasis part because they are so many ways to create emphasis. However, I learnt that there is a difference between creating emphasis and contrast. Contrast doesn't necessarily mean emphasis.