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Graphic Design: Definition, Basics, and Jobs

Graphic Design is an old term used for communication and expression through visual and textual language.

Graphic Design is an old term that we have been using it for many centuries. It is strongly connected to the field of communication and expression through visual and textual elements. In other words, it consists of ideas and messages that are conveyed into visual means, or visual ways of transmitting to the viewer our ideas, thoughts and textual-language contents. These visuals can be as simple as a small logo, or as complex as page layouts on a website. Sometimes these visual elements work as best for more complexed projects that consist of large-scale concepts such as branding and big festivals.

So, to understand what graphic design is exactly, we need first to define each word separately. It is important to have a clear idea of what the terms graphic and design mean separately. These two words don’t change much their function over time, while the term Graphic Design evolves continuously and is always expanding its means of practice.

What does the word Graphic mean?

The simple and a direct explanation of the word graph-ic comes from the Greek word graphein (γράφειν), to write or to describe. They also use it to describe the action of carving figures, creating works of art and letters into wood plates, metal plates or different surfaces that can be used as well for artistic purposes. So, it’s mainly related to the visual form of our thoughts and ideas.

What does the term Design mean?

Design is mostly a conceptual term. It is used to explain the planning or construction of an object, system, or for the implementation of an activity that relates to a prototype, product, or process. Design can be used as a verb, i.e., to design, that expresses the process of developing a design or an idea. Typical examples of designs include architectural and engineering drawings, circuit diagrams, sewing patterns and less tangible artefacts such as business process models.

So, what is Graphic Design?

It is the process of planning, creating, and communicating visual elements to create a visual identity of a company, organization, etc.
Graphic design can be broken down into two categories: web design and print design. Web design focuses on creating visual interfaces for websites such as logos and buttons. Print design focuses on creating visual interfaces for magazines and newspapers, such as book covers and advertisements.

It is a broad field that encompasses many disciplines, such as art, architecture, advertising, web design and user interface design. It involves the use of typography, illustration, and photography.

The term is also used to describe the process of creating and editing visual elements like websites, print advertisements, billboards, and other forms of communication. This can include designing logos and packaging materials as well as web-based applications, such as e-commerce sites.
Graphic designers use a variety of tools to create graphic designs that are effective in communicating their message to customers or viewers.

Basics of Graphic Design

To better understand the meaning, it is necessary to understand the elements and principles that comprise design. Elements are used in tandem or in opposition to one another to create visually appealing and impactful designs.

These graphic design elements are as follows:

  • Colors
  • Forms
  • Line
  • Shape
  • Sizes
  • Space
  • Texture

Graphic designers must also follow design principles, which are essentially a set of guidelines that assist a design in achieving effective composition. These fundamental principles contribute to the piece’s balance and stability.

These graphic design principles are as follows:

  • Balance
  • Contrast
  • Emphasis
  • Movement
  • Proportion
  • Rhythm

You’ve probably heard the expression “rules are meant to be broken,” which certainly applies in this case. However, a good graphic designer must first understand these principles before consciously breaking them.

Graphic design styles

As previously stated, there is no single meaning. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines and specializations, from print and web design to animation and motion graphics. It provides opportunities and options for people with almost any interest.
If you asked someone 30 years ago to define graphic design, they would most likely focus on print-related examples, such as magazines, movie posters, and advertisements. Now that we live in the digital age, several new types of graphic design have emerged.

Technological advancements have resulted in some of the most notable modern-day graphic design examples. Here are some examples of these types of graphic design:
Website design entails creating user-friendly and engaging web pages. The overall layout, color scheme, and navigation are all part of this.

User experience (UX) design is concerned with making a website or application simple and enjoyable to use. These designers place a premium on value, usability, adaptability, and desirability.

Motion graphics design, also known as animation, is the process of bringing visual elements to life through special effects, TV shows, video games, and movies.

Most popular Graphic Design jobs

It is a booming industry. With technological advancements introducing new types of graphic design, there has also been an emergence of new graphic design jobs. This evolution has changed the entire landscape of careers in this field.

Demand for “traditional” graphic designers who work primarily for print publishers has fallen substantially, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Employment of graphic designers in computer systems design services is projected to grow by 24 percent through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Much of this demand is spurred by increased businesses and organizations’ need for digital graphics and imagery as they aim to increase their digital presence.

So, with that said, what are some common graphic design job titles? We analyzed more than 10,000 job postings calling for a graphic design degree over the past year. The data helped us determine the most common job titles:

  • Graphic designer
  • User experience (UX) designer
  • Web designer
  • Art director
  • Creative director

You may have never heard of the term “graphic design” before, but chances are you’ve used it.

It is an umbrella term for creating visual representations of ideas, such as logos and packaging. It’s a necessary part of marketing, advertising and communications—and it’s a career choice that can open doors to all kinds of opportunities.

If you’re interested in getting into graphic design, there are some things you should know first: what kind of jobs and specializations exist, as well as the tools that help get the job done.

Tools

One of the most basic tools designers use is a sketchbook. Graphic designers will often sketch out ideas or rough drafts on paper before turning to a computer to complete the process. That being said, computers and design software are essential in today’s digital climate, even if you are designing for print. The type of computer you need is based on preference, but when it comes to software, Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are mainstays in the graphic design world. If you are just beginning and don’t want to commit to the high price tag Adobe products often carry, similar free open-source.

Graphic designers are constantly inspired by the world around them, and they gain their ideas from everything from nature to their peers. So, if you’re worried that you aren’t creative enough, go outside and bounce some ideas off your friends or seek inspiration on the web. There are plenty of inspiring graphic design blogs that can help get your creative juices flowing.

Conclusion

What precisely is graphic design? As you’ve just discovered, there isn’t a single definition that applies to everyone. There are endless ways to use graphic design to
inspire creativity or address business issues. What graphic design means to you and your future profession is entirely up to you.
While having a creative eye is a great start, do you also naturally exhibit the other qualities of a graphic designer? 

To become one enroll to our course!

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