When we think about what is graphic design, we instantaneously refer our mind to nicely printed magazines, book covers, logos, illustrations, and many others. Although, these graphic design examples are definitely parts and parcel of what graphic design is about, however, there is more to it than meets the eye.
Firstly, we need to know what graphic design is starting from its premodern era to how it is today, aided by technological advancements of our current time which have made it easier and more flexible. so, without further ado, let’s see what graphic design is.
What is graphic design?
Graphic design or visual art is the skillful art and craft of professionally bringing together an aesthetic, a functional, and an organized structure of various elements to create meaningful and informational visual content. Graphic design is the process and final product of that process.
According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), graphic design is defined as “the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.” In other terms, graphic design visually communicates a certain idea or message.
Whereas art strives to express fundamental ideas and perspectives on the human condition, design is concerned with finding the representation best suited to the communication of specific information content.
Traditionally, graphic design was majorly practiced on print media which required ink pressing on materials or surfaces. This typical printing method was found present in lithography and poster printing.
Nowadays graphic design has spanned broadly and has developed multiple disciplines in recent times. Prior to modern graphic design, all that mattered 50 years ago was just print media.
Nowadays, with technological advancement in place, graphic design has evolved from a traditional standpoint to becoming a very important role player in today’s digital world.
Mobile phones, laptop screens, electronic billboards, VR and AR technologies, etc. depend greatly on graphic design to be able to create appealing visual content that helps promote information effectively.
Before the internet, there was no need or means to read blog posts or read articles online but with the help of graphic design and technological advancement, today, we could do a whole lot more.
The objective of graphic design
A graphic designer simply has one objective to accomplish using graphic design. That is to effectively pass a piece of intended information across with the help of visual elements through a medium while having the intended receiver in mind.
By simply knowing what graphic design is, we can be able to figure out how to rightfully combine and make use of the various types of graphic design elements to make the viewer experience fun.
For example, readers will find it boring to reading a book cover that is only made up of texts but rather will find it appealing and satisfying to read a book mixed with properly laid out text mixed with imagery.
This way the information seems to make a lot of sense because the text alone won’t be able to give the reader an imaginative sense of what the book is about. But with images, it will be easier and fun to digest the data or information because they say “a picture speaks a thousand words”
History of graphic design
Before knowing what is graphic design, I insist we take a while to honor history by going back in time to know how the great discipline was practiced. It is with the knowledge of the past that we appreciate the present and be able to predict what the future of graphic design holds.
The history of graphic design dates back to ancient times when humans first started communicating through visual symbols and images. However, the modern graphic design we know today has its roots in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
During the Industrial Revolution, advancements in printing technology led to a greater demand for printed materials. This created a need for skilled designers who could create visually appealing designs that could effectively communicate messages.
The Art Nouveau movement, which began in the late 19th century, is considered the first modern graphic design movement. It emphasized decorative elements and the use of organic shapes and curves.
In the early 20th century, graphic design began to evolve and take on a more functional role. Designers like Peter Behrens, a German designer, and member of the Deutsche Werkbund, pioneered the idea of “form follows function.” This approach emphasized the importance of designing for a specific purpose rather than just creating something aesthetically pleasing.
In the 1920s, the Bauhaus movement emerged in Germany. It emphasized a minimalist approach, with a focus on clean lines, simple shapes, and sans-serif typography. The Bauhaus movement was influential in shaping modern graphic design, and its principles are still used today.
During World War II, graphic design played a significant role in propaganda and advertising efforts. The government used posters, brochures, and other printed materials to communicate messages and inspire support for the war effort.
In the post-war era, graphic design continued to evolve, with designers experimenting with new materials and techniques. The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of the psychedelic and counterculture movements, which heavily influenced graphic design during that time.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the advent of computers and digital technology revolutionized the field of graphic design. Designers began using software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create designs, and the internet allowed for new forms of digital design.
Today, visual communication plays an essential role in almost every aspect of our lives, from advertising and marketing to product packaging and user interface design. Its history has been shaped by artistic movements, technological advancements, and cultural shifts, and it continues to evolve and innovate as new technologies and mediums emerge.
Graphic design today
Graphic design today isn’t how it used to be years back. From the analog era of the printing press to the digital age of digital screens, obviously, so many things about design have changed.
If you could travel back in time and walk in a printing press, you will absolutely find most of their design tasks to be solely print bases and lithographic works of art.
Printing press spent quality time designing typefaces with good taste in aesthetics and legibility. Much attention was paid to details of how decorative they would look on paper. These typefaces were used as text ornament, border decoration, and drop caps.
Graphic design today has evolved in contemporary times. Nowadays graphic design can easily be accessed and practiced by so many even nowadays kids do graphic design.
It touches every part of our daily lives, both the digital and physical aspects. We subconsciously make contact with parts and parcels of design every day.
As we walk through the subway we can find informational posters on the walls, we can find graphic design present in apps, handheld devices, laptops, and computers. We virtually find graphic design everywhere.
Businesses and brand owners pay millions to promote their products and services that appear on screens and printed media e.g. electronic and print billboards, flyers, and posters.
So much concern is paid by business owners to how graphic design influences the day-to-day running of their businesses. Whether it’s an online or offline business, graphic design plays a crucial role in boosting sales and generating revenue for the business.
It is a crucial aspect of what helps makes sales for marketers today using social media ads, trailers, commercial ads, etc.
Good graphic design or visuals is what compels the client to want to purchase a product.
We can find the manipulative power in colors, which most times influences the buying decision of a product, imagery, and even text. They all have a psychological impact on why a prospect or client should or should not buy a product.
Principles Of graphic design
Knowing what is graphic design and how to successfully communicate a message to the intended receiver is a crucial objective. Also, Knowing the principles that govern graphic design is an inevitable tradition that every designer must know and adhere to.
The principles of graphic design are sets of instructions that work beneath the surface of any great design which helps achieve a well-organized distribution of elements across the design.
We have 8 major principles of design:
Balance
Balance is the distribution of visual weight within a design. A well-balanced design creates a feeling of stability and harmony.
There are two types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is when the design is mirrored on both sides, while asymmetrical balance is when the design is balanced through other means, such as color or texture.
Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference between elements in a design. It can be used to create interest and emphasize important information. For example, using a light font on a dark background creates contrast that draws the eye to the text.
Emphasis
Emphasis is used to draw attention to the most important elements in a design. This can be achieved through color, size, or placement. For example, a large, bold headline can create emphasis and draw the reader’s eye to the most important information.
Unity
Unity is the harmonious relationship between all the elements in a design. A well-designed piece should have a cohesive look and feel, where every element works together to create a unified design.
Proportion
Proportion refers to the size and scale of elements in a design. Proper proportion ensures that all elements are visually appealing and work together to create a balanced composition.
Alignment
Alignment is the proper positioning of elements in a design. A well-aligned design creates a sense of order and makes the information easier to read and understand.
Repetition
Repetition is the repeated use of visual elements in a design. It can create a sense of rhythm and consistency, and help to tie different parts of a design together.
White Space
White space, also known as negative space, is the area between and around design elements. It can help to create a clean, uncluttered look, and draw attention to the important elements of a design.
Elements of graphic design
We cant talk about graphic design completely without making mention of the various elements of graphic design. These are the ingredients that when put together, open a whole new world of creative possibilities.
These are the 8 essential graphic design elements that graphic designers use to make create stunning visuals:
Color
Color is one of the most powerful tools in graphic design. It can convey emotions, establish a brand identity, and create contrast and emphasis.
Shape
Shapes are used to create visual interest and help organize information. They can be simple or complex and can be used to create balance and contrast.
Texture
Texture can add depth and dimension to a design. It can be used to create contrast, add interest, or emphasize certain elements.
Type
Typography refers to the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.
Space
Space refers to the area around and between elements in a design. It can be used to create balance, emphasize certain elements, or create a sense of movement.
Image
In graphic design, an image is a visual representation or depiction of an object, concept, or idea. It is a key element of design that can be used to communicate a message, evoke an emotion, or convey a brand identity.
Images can take many forms in graphic design, including photographs, illustrations, icons, logos, and other types of visual elements. They can be used as a focal point or background and can be manipulated in various ways to create a desired effect.
Line
Lines are one of the fundamental elements of graphic design. They can be used to create boundaries, separate elements, or create patterns.
Value
In graphic design, value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color or grayscale. It is one of the critical elements of design that helps to create contrast, depth, and visual interest in a composition.
Types of graphic design
Graphic design is a diverse field that uses visual elements to solve problems and communicate ideas. Beneath it are so many other subfields that also carry out the same objective but in different styles.
As you progress through your own niche, you will journey through these various types of graphic design, you will perch on these other fields to learn a few tricks and tips that will help in building your overall experience.
These are the 6 fundamental types of graphic design are:
- Visual Identity Design
- UI/UX Design
- Motion Design
- Illustration Design
- Packaging Design
- Publication Design
Visual Identity design
Undoubtedly known as one of the most popular types of graphic design field in the industry. Visual identity design has to do with how a brand or company creates a catchy type of identity that customers vibe and resonate with.
Visual identity is how a designer uses graphic design elements to translate a company’s idea, mission, vision, experience, and emotion into a visual form that customers can digest.
The visual identity of a company can be found present in logos, websites, publications, etc, they can be communicated through tangible and intangible qualities of the brand or company.
UI/UX design
UI(user interface design and UX(user experience) are terms used mainly by the tech field. UI is solely digital but UX also applies to every physical interactive object used by humans.
Firstly, UI(user interface) is the interaction you have with the elements on an electronic device or interface. It could be buttons, toggles, images, icons, and other virtual elements you click on a digital device. UI elements are mostly visual elements that need to be seen.
While UX(user experience) is the entire interaction you have with the product, the satisfactory experience of how your interaction with the UI results. These included the way the buttons, toggles, and sounds satisfied or solved the user’s problem or task.
The ultimate 3 goals of UX are simply Usefulness, Utility, and Usability
Motion design
Motion designers or animators are given the task of creatively using graphic design elements like color, text, shapes, texture, and sounds to create informational motion pictures that users find appealing.
Motion graphics is one of the most used mediums of advertisements by companies and brands. Especially in recent times when digitalization has made it more accessible. We can find Motion pictures used in the form of entertainment, cartoons, trailers, social media ads, video streaming ads and so many more.
Motion graphic designers are presented with a more challenging task to create those simple animated you see on your digital screen but in all, they still adhere to the basic rules that help them know what is graphic design and its prerequisite before they could become creative.
Illustration design
Illustration design is the art of creating visual representations that communicate a message, idea, or emotion. It involves using a variety of mediums, such as pen and ink, watercolors, or digital tools, to create images that convey a particular meaning.
Illustrations can be used in a wide range of contexts, including editorial, advertising, book covers, product packaging, and branding.
Illustration design is an important aspect of the creative industry, as it allows designers to convey complex ideas in a simple and engaging way. Illustrations can also add an element of visual interest and emotional depth to any project.
Packaging design
Your packaging is what holds your product. Your packaging design is the various visual elements that wrap up your product and gives the buyer the impression to pick your product from the shelf instead of others.
Packaging design has to do with the combination of colors, imagery, typography, texture, and structure. All of these elements incorporated in your packaging make your product suitable for marketing.
Additionally, good product packaging is appealing to the eyes, it states all the benefits and features it has to offer and the target audience resonates well with such products because of trust also with the product being able to reflect the company’s brand.
Publication design
Publication design in its glory is a traditional practice of graphic design which originally has to do with the printing of newspapers, posters, flyers, magazines, etc. It simply requires the use of text, color, and space.
Just like every other discipline that blended in and utilized the potential capabilities of technology, graphic designers did the same.
They were able to transform the various elements that were required traditionally for printing into a digitized form that could be visually perceived and also printable. E.g. ebooks, magazines, flyers, brochures, posters, etc.
When designed correctly, publication design can inform, instruct or guide an audience on what to do through the combination of words, graphics, and layout.
What is the 5 steps process of graphic design?
Before any graphic design kicks off from start to finish, there are rigorous steps that must be taken for a more effective and efficient result. These processes help put you on a direct course so that you will have a clear roadmap for your design project.
These are the essential 5 steps processes of graphic design:
- Begin with a creative brief
- Research and analysis
- Concept development
- Design Execution
- Review and Feedback
- Present the final product
Begin with a creative brief
A creative brief is an inevitable step in the design process, it is the first step toward achieving the various objectives that a client expects from the designer. It contains all the information needed by the designer to be able to achieve the goal of the design.
The creative brief is like a roadmap that directs the designer on what his clients him to do. The designer always falls back to the creative brief whenever he loses track of the project’s main objective.
A creative brief should always answer the following question:
- How is the project defined? What should be created?
- What is the objective of the project?
- What challenges are they facing, if any?
- Who are the target audience (both business and end-user) and why will they be interested?
- Where will the end product be used?
- What are the brand guidelines and how much of the brand should apply to the project?
- Who are the competitors in and out of your niche?
- What are the client’s precise preferences?
- When is the project considered due?
Research and analysis
The first step is to research and analyze the project requirements, target audience, competition, and industry trends. This step helps designers to gain a better understanding of the project and the target audience.
Concept development
In this step, designers brainstorm and develop multiple design concepts based on research and analysis. They explore different ideas, layouts, colors, typography, and imagery to create a design that communicates the message effectively.
Design Execution
Once the design concept is approved, designers start the execution phase. They create detailed designs using software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. They refine the typography, imagery, and color scheme to create a visually appealing design.
Review and Feedback
After completing the design, it’s important to review and get feedback from clients or stakeholders. This step helps to ensure that the design meets the project requirements and the client’s expectations.
Present the final product
Once the design is approved and all feedback is incorporated, designers finalize the design and prepare it for delivery. They ensure that the design is compatible with various devices and platforms and deliver it to the client in the required format.
Now that you have an idea of what graphic design is all about, you can boldly throw your steps towards developing your graphic design skill and experience with the guidance of what you have read so far. Nowadays, learning graphic design isn’t as difficult as it was decades ago.
You can simply start up your graphic design career by practicing all the basic principles as a self-taught graphic designer or enrolling in a college degree. Before transiting into the much harder phase of graphic design you will need to learn the Basics in terms of software and other need-to-know graphic design niches.
Knowing what is graphic design isn’t one-time know-how, it is a step-by-step process that requires consistent progression that cuts across various phases. patience, persistence, and practice should be your routine.