Rhythm

1. Defining Rhythm

Rhythm is a visual principle that emulates time by repeating strong and weak elements sequentially in a design.

Below is an image of some very simple shapes in a pattern that creates rhythm.

There is a repeating visual element that creates a regular beat, similar to the way rhythm works in music.

Take a look at the Morse code wine label below.

Morse code was a means of transmitting text using basic tones, clicks, or sounds. You'll notice the repeating elements, which are very similar in shape to those in our first example. However, there's no longer that sense of movement anymore; there's no real beat or rhythm.

So much of the image is just shapes that the common viewer will see as stacked or scattered. There is not that nice pattern or flow that we had in our first example.

term to know

Rhythm

A visual principle that emulates time by repeating strong and weak elements sequentially in a design.

2. Rhythm and Lines

Rhythm can also be applied to line work.

It can be used to create an area that will navigate the viewer's eye through the design like in the example above of the spiral commonly known as the Fibonacci sequence or golden rectangle. Here, rhythm is used effectively to spiral the viewer into the design, and the line creates a nice flow or movement.

3. Examples of Rhythm

You might see examples of line work in your garden.

Or maybe you're just bored and looking up at the ceiling indoors.

Or maybe you're sitting around and waiting to catch the next train.

There are a lot of repeating elements in this image, as well as the nice line that will guide the viewer all the way to the end of the tunnel.