6 SYMMETRY OR ASYMMETRY

Symmetry is great at telegraphing order and calm, but it can be pretty unexciting. Sometimes, as with this portrait, I design while thinking about bilateral symmetry, but I vary the elements a bit to keep the piece feeling active: the expression in the eyes, and the positioning, shape and size of the different tentacles, for example. I also balance the background elements without repeating them, so that they retain a sense of energy.