Often used indiscriminately, the term “graphics” can designate different things. In this article, we will look in detail at its history, its evolution, the concepts associated with it, the different forms it can take, as well as the many professions that result from it. The objective? The answer once and for all is the following question: what is graphic design?
Definition
Graphic design refers to the visual and creative expression of an idea, a concept, a message, or information. This discipline encompasses all artistic techniques relating to representation. From drawing to photography through the use of typography, shapes, or colors. The notion of graphics is characterized by the connection of each of these techniques to create a meaningful composition.
The history of graphic design
Although the terms “graphics” and “graphic design” only appeared late in history (early 20th century), the origins of the discipline are much older.
The origins of graphics
Indeed, although its name has changed over the centuries, graphics is nothing other than a synonym for visual communication. If you have some memories of your primary school lessons, you should know that Man has been communicating for thousands of years. Thus, all the wall paintings (-36,000 BC) representing animals are, in a way, the starting point of graphics!0
Write to exist
Subsequently, humanity was marked by the emergence of writing in the four corners of the globe. From Sumerian writing composed of signs to Chinese calligraphy, including Roman writing on bound parchments (called codices), Man has been able to refine his way of expressing messages.
Several of these advances made possible the appearance of graphic art as we know it today. Particularly via alphabet systems.
The Gutenberg galaxy
If there was one episode to remember from this evolution of visual communication, it would probably be that of the invention of printing by Gutenberg. In 1439, the German Johannes Gutenberg developed and spread the technique of removable characters in Europe.
We will not go into detail on how this practice works, but you simply have to understand that this invention was a real revolution for the West.
Gutenberg’s printing had both a graphic and cultural impact. Books and other written materials could now be duplicated and copied, so information and knowledge spread much more quickly.
The revolution was so significant that we sometimes speak of “ the Gutenberg galaxy ”.
Graphic design
A few centuries later, in 1922, designer William Addison Dwiggins used the term “graphic design” for the first time. At the beginning of the 20th century, various visual creation agencies were already beginning to develop. However, none of the protagonists working there had yet found words to define their activity.
Subsequently, graphics will continue to develop until they take on the face we know now. From the invention of advertising to the philosophical theorization of graphics by Paul Rand in Thoughts on Design in 1947, through the beginnings of the digital transition by Adobe in 1990: the last century shaped the way we perceive graphics today ‘today.
Graphics are everywhere
Contrary to what some may think, graphics do not only appear in exhibition halls and other museums: they are present everywhere!
If you are reading this article in the metro, the advertising you see on the platform is the result of the graphics. The patterned jacket on the person in front of you is the work of a graphic designer. Even the funny colorful carpet that makes up the seat you are sitting on is the result of graphic design!
Wherever you are, you are constantly in contact with the work of one or more graphic designers. And this has been happening since you were very young.
Graphic design is linked to the idea of visual communication. Thus, as soon as a company, a celebrity, a public organization or a brand wishes to transmit a message, a means of communication is developed.
These messages pass through different media that we can divide into two main categories :
The print
As we mentioned just now, printing was a revolution in the history of graphics. Until the early 2000s, printing was the most popular method of visual communication. Magazines, newspapers, leaflets, posters, faxes, brochures, catalogs, and booklets: the communication media was mainly physical.
Read Also: Four essential tips for making advertising posters
Graphic designers therefore carried out their profession taking into account the technical constraints linked to printing. Mastery of inking methods or even knowledge of different materials: professionals of the time had to take the production stage into account in their creative thinking.
For a long time, the profession of graphic design has generally remained the same. Design tools were improving and incorporating additional features. But over the years, digital means have begun to become more widely available, pushing professionals to gradually integrate electronic tools into their creative process.
At the start of the 21st century, traditional and analog tools no longer occupied a minimal place in the daily lives of graphic designers. Communication media were no longer designed in the same way.
Beyond that, the very nature of these supports had changed. This brutal transformation could be explained in one word: the internet.
Digital
Since the year 2000, communication needs have changed drastically. This can be explained by the emergence of the internet and the fact that the majority of audiences are now present online. The primary objective of visual communication is to graphically transcribe a message so that it optimally reaches its receiver, graphic designers have had to adapt to new channels.
The visual creations, always bringing together shapes, typographies, photographs, colors, and illustrations, must now be disseminated on the Internet; and by extension on screens.
Graphic designers have therefore had to develop the practice of their profession on new media: websites, banners, video thumbnails, applications, emails, videos, social networks, etc.
The technical constraints of digital are relatively different from those of print. Color management is not the same (CMYK vs. RGB) and the possibilities offered by digital technology are much wider (3D, motion design, etc.).
Due to these many differences, some graphic designers from the “old era” have not managed to make the switch to digital. And conversely, some professionals today have absolutely no mastery of the concepts related to print.
Although today’s visual communication mainly takes place through digital channels, we should not think that print is dead. On the contrary, to completely neglect it would be a serious mistake!
Indeed, all professionals in the sector (independent or employees) agree that digital and print do not kill each other, they complement each other. It is therefore strongly recommended that graphic designers (and future graphic designers) master each type of media.
What are the careers in graphic design?
The generic term for professionals working in the graphic design field is graphic designer (no surprises). However, this profession is often misunderstood by the general public.
Generally speaking, a graphic designer is a person responsible for the creative and visual translation of an idea, message, or concept. To carry out this mission, he pools all of his artistic skills. Systematically, this involves using software from the Adobe suite.
As we mentioned previously, the development of communication support has involved, for around thirty years, the use of digital tools. The main ones are Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign. Each of them is intended for a specific use.
In 2023, a graphic designer must master all the tools at his fingertips to be able to realize his creative vision without compromise.
On the other hand, contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily have to know how to draw to be a graphic designer. Since visual creation is now mainly done by computer, it is possible to be a great graphic designer without knowing how to use a pencil. This is also one of the characteristics that differentiates graphic designers from illustrators.
Just like photography, motion design, 3D, and calligraphy, drawing is nothing more than a plus!
Note that it is nevertheless very interesting to have several strings to your bow when considering becoming a freelance or salaried graphic designer.
Conclusion
As you will have understood throughout this article, graphic design is a relatively broad concept. From its thousand-year-old origins to its recent innovations, this discipline has always punctuated human daily life. Whether you are a freelance graphic designer or completely removed from this professional field, there is no doubt that graphic design has played a role in your life.
This article may also have made you aware of the accessibility of this discipline. As digital creation is now at the heart of the graphic design profession, everyone can now train in the discipline.
With time and the latest technological advances, the profession may even change shape again soon. This is evidenced by artificial intelligence for generating images.