Graphic design sounds a lot more complicated that it is. If you replaced the word graphic with pictures it suddenly starts to sound a whole lot simpler. There are a number of different definitions available for you to choose from online but basically the definition is very simple. In essence graphic design is all about conveying a message using visual information rather than the using just the written word. The images used could be anything from a few shapes and colors to complicated multi layered images combined with text. Graphic design is visible practically everywhere you look. Anything that has any kind of design printed or embossed upon it has passed over the desk of a graphic designer. Thought will have been put into not only the elements that the design should be made up from, but also the colors, vibrancy, size and placement of the design will also have been considered.
Creating Graphic Design
There are a number of different graphic design software packages that are available to purchase which allow you to play with the various aspects of graphic design from the comfort of your own home, on your own laptop without ever having to have spent an hour on a graphic design course. The serious professionals of course have spent several years studying the different aspects of design and the use of graphics in many different scenarios across dozens of different genres and materials. If you are looking to create your own graphic design you could look at including any or all of the following media items such as photographs, illustrations, typed text, geometrical shapes, colour or different textures.
Where Can You See Examples of Graphic Design?
Graphic design is literally all around you, on the products you use every day to the signs and billboards that you see as you travel around your town. It emblazons the covers of the books that we read and the newspapers on the news stand that we pass every day. Consider all of the logos that you see every day, the design of the different websites that you regularly visit. Then think of all of the advertising flyers and promotional brochures that find their way through your letterbox. All of these things have been designed, with elements of graphic design aimed at promoting and endorsing the main message of the media that is being used.
Look at the use of color, does it make you think of anything in particular? Color is linked to emotion and the colors used on promotional material have been carefully thought out in order to evoke a response from you when you read or look at it. The next time that something promotional lands on your door mat rather than just pick it up and put it in the recycling pile, take a look at is from a designers point of view, and see if you can separate the elements of graphic design that have been put together to make the finished piece of promotional media.
Mark Adamson is an experienced graphic designer – he regularly visits for more design tips and suggestions.