With graphic design there are two things: We have the ‘graphic’
part and the ‘design’ part.
Graphic is visual, which is mainly associated with art,
imagination and expression involving many mediums such as drawing, painting,
engraving or lettering, given clear and explicit detail.
The graphic part of graphic design is made up of visual elements
which are the building blocks of design.
The basic visual elements that combine to create graphic design
include the following:
Line
Color
Shape
Texture
Space
Form
Typography
Through the harness of our artistic expression we choose these
visual elements and arrange them on a surface in a layout to convey an idea.
The second part is design, which is to decide upon the look and
function of something before it is made. Design is thinking, problem solving
and practicality.
In graphic design there are rules that are to be considered and
these rules are called ‘The Principles of Design’. All these principles have a
relationship between each other and appear in every well designed piece of work
you see.
A good grasp of design theory will mean there is always
substance behind your work.
The key principles of design are the following:
Contrast
Hierarchy
Alignment
Balance
Proximity
Repetition
Simplicity
Function
When we bring both the visual elements and the design principles
together, we have graphic design.
Graphic design is not about making things look pretty or
drawing, painting, creating a poster or a quick logo on your computer. These
things are the means to the end and are skills in their own right.
Graphic design is the organisation and presentation of information developed through a creative process for a particular function.
In
graphic design we must first understand information, a message or a brief and
then research, think, imagine, develop and create a solution or concept in
order to communicate that information, story, message or idea in a visual way.It’s only when we have a solid idea, developed through the design process is when we can use our skills with layout, color, typography and creative tools to bring that idea to life.
Since the invention of the print press which enabled
reproduction on a mass scale, graphic design has been used to communicate and
spread messages worldwide.
Through the evolution of technology, today we are surrounded by
an abundance of visual communication. Today, graphic design is implemented
across a broad spectrum of media both print and digital such as:
Advertising,
Branding,
Web Design,
Interface Design,
Magazine Layout,
Paper Engineering and Packaging,
TV, Motion Graphics,
Info-graphics,
Signage,
Art and Installations and
Digital Art.
Advertising,
Branding,
Web Design,
Interface Design,
Magazine Layout,
Paper Engineering and Packaging,
TV, Motion Graphics,
Info-graphics,
Signage,
Art and Installations and
Digital Art.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in graphic design, you will
inevitably end up creating work across one of those sectors.
Over many decades in the past, graphic design has shaped culture
through pop art, political art and commercial art. Today graphic design has a
big commercial side and used to sell and advertise things, but that’s not all
it has to be. The power of graphic design to inform, influence and instruct on
a commercial level can also be used to educate and inspire a generation.
Graphic design is the unity of two opposing forces: artistic expression and practical application. As a graphic designer these two forces will always be at odds with each other in your mind. When you can harness these two forces together in harmony, then you can create great visual communication.
So… that’s an introduction to what graphic design is for anyone
who was not sure of what graphic design was all about.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
Related Post
Questions you’re asked at a graphic design Interview
So, at a graphic design interview, after presenting your work, you
will typically be asked a vari- Interview preparation to be a graphic designer
So, you applied for a
design job, they are interested and want you to go in for an interview. For
- Equipment to be a graphic designer
Graphic design is a very
broad and diverse creative discipline. To develop your design ideas and
- What programs do I need as a graphic designer?
Now in my experience, I
have created work across many forms of media, from print to digital. Bein
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon