Graphic Design (session 3)

What is Graphic Design?

It is a form of Art which was invented or started in the late 1920's or at least the form was named that around that time. 

It is a way of communicating an idea through imagery, text, colour, layout and shapes. Generally it is aimed at an audience where as a lot of Art forms do not necessarily require that factor. In present day, Graphic designers are heavily involved in advertisement which is the most mainstream point of view over the subject. Many people do not like that factor because aiming something at an audience can take the true originality away from a piece of Art. 

It is also the process of bringing a magazine or book together for sale or for publishing. This could be laying out the text and images that a journalist has put together all the way through to creating a visually interesting and eye catch book cover. 

Logo's and brand images is also a very popular sector of Graphic Design. 

Photography could be classed as a form too.

The simplest way of expressing the meaning - Graphic Design is a way of visually communicating a message to an audience. ( http://www.aiga.org/guide-whatisgraphicdesign/ )

Below are a handful of examples

This is an example of a poster (or series of) to advertise something. It includes Typography, colour arrangement, shapes, photography, layout and illustration.

Here is an example of typography at its best, book cover design, layout, shapes and colour.

The above 12 logo's are for some of the biggest and most recognisable brands in the world. A designer or group of designers would have drawn up many versions of these before finally deciding on one for publishing. They are all extremely successful and are very unique/original in their own way.

This form of design is a favourite of mine at the moment. It is creative, different every time and i believe has a great sense of achievement once finished. 

History

As mentioned above, the term Graphic Design derived around the 1920's but the art form and its many sub-styles can date back as far as ancient times. From the Illuminated manuscripts to cave paintings, it could be seen in its many forms way before its title.

Symbols

A brilliant example of Graphic Design would be the use of symbols from all over the world. As a human race, we recognise shapes and objects together where as words/typography/text, we may not. 

The Male and Female symbols which are mostly displayed on public toilets is a perfect example of the world wide readable design. Instead of the words MEN or WOMEN written on the entrance to a toilet or changing room, these symbols make it easy, cheap and more easy on the eye for everyone.