What is Graphic Design?

What is Graphic Design?

Many people hear about graphic design but don’t really know what it entails.  People look at things all day every day that have been designed by a graphic designer and they have no idea.  So, what is graphic design?  Graphic Design is a creative process that involves using shapes, colors, symbols, letters and images for an expression or to communicate a message.  Graphic design is the process in which many things are artistically designed to relay a message.  Every publication you receive in the mail, every website you visit, every business card you see and every billboard you pass on the freeway has been marked by a graphic designer.  A graphic designer is the artist behind newspaper layouts, magazine formats, web layouts, and logos.

The Logo

When asked “What is graphic design?” One answer could be “a logo.”  A logo is one of the many products or expertise of a graphic designer.  Not all graphic designers specialize in logo design, as there are many facets of Graphic design.  The purpose of a logo is to appropriately represent a company, and increase their branding ability by being unique enough to remember for potential clients or customers.  Graphic design is a creative process, in which artists design this unique symbol or logo.  There are many interesting angles of graphic design, including typefaces, color pallets, symbols, and the creative process itself.

What is Graphic Design and where did it come from?

Graphic design really dates back as far as we know.  The hieroglyphics in caves were one form of ancient “graphic design.”  The phrase of “graphic design” was actually coined by William Addison Dwiggins in 1922, who was a prominent graphic designer and book illustrator.

Graphic Design is the artistic and creative process in which the following things are created:

  • Advertisements
  • Logos
  • Brochures and Flyers
  • Magazines and Books
  • Websites
  • Business Cards
  • Signs
  • Billboards
  • Commercials
  • Posters
  • Newspapers
  • And many more!

A college education is necessary in order to become a successful Graphic Designer.  There are many great schools for Graphic Design in the United States, and all around the world.  It is important when choosing a Graphic Design school that you decide what your budget is, and what your end goal is.  What kind of designer do you want to be?  Do you want to specialize in a specific area of design, such as game design, or logo design?  After making these assessments, it is time to get started in school and get your education underway.  Once you finish, when someone asks “What is graphic design?”  You can answer, and say- “It’s what I do!”