Unit 2: Proportion and balance
Elements of Design (Semester 2) notes · PTU syllabus (BSTD 203-20)
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Unit summary
Proportion and balance decide whether a composition feels right. This unit treats both as compositional principles and shows how scale, emphasis and symmetry are used in garments and prints.
After this unit you can
- Apply ratios and scale in a composition
- Explain symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial balance
- Use emphasis and focal points
- Evaluate a design for unity and variety
PTU syllabus topics
Proportion and balance as compositional principles in visual design
Symmetrical
Mirror-image halves
Formal, calm
Asymmetrical
Unequal elements of equal visual weight
Dynamic, modern
Radial
Elements radiate from a centre
Focused, energetic
Topic 1
Proportion
Proportion compares the size of one part with another and with the whole. Familiar systems are the golden ratio (about 1 : 1.618), the rule of thirds and the Fibonacci series (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…).
The larger part is about 1.618 times the smaller part; many pleasing designs and layouts approximate this ratio
In dress, proportion appears in the relation of top to bottom, collar to bodice, and motif to garment size. A large print on a small garment overwhelms; a tiny print on a large surface gets lost.
Exam tip
Scale is the size of a motif relative to the product or wearer; proportion is the relation of parts within the design.
Topic 2
Balance, emphasis and unity
Symmetrical
Mirror image about a central axis
Bilateral border or mandala
Asymmetrical
Different items of equal weight
Large motif balanced by small ones
Radial
Elements radiate from a centre
Rosette, kaleidoscope print
Emphasis (focal point) draws the eye to the most important part, using size, colour or contrast; unity ties the parts together, variety keeps the design interesting. Good composition has both.
A single large focal point is balanced by several smaller motifs placed farther from the centre
Key terms
- Proportion
- Relation of parts to each other and to the whole
- Golden ratio
- About 1 : 1.618
- Scale
- Size of the motif relative to the product
- Emphasis
- Focal point of a design
- Unity
- Harmony among parts
- Variety
- Differences that sustain interest
Quick revision
- Golden ratio ≈ 1 : 1.618.
- Balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial.
- Emphasis creates a focal point; unity and variety must both be present.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.Define proportion.
- Q2.What is the golden ratio?
- Q3.Name three types of balance.
- Q4.What is emphasis?
- Q5.Define scale.
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Explain proportion and its use in garment and print design.
- Q2.Discuss balance, emphasis, unity and variety in composition.
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