Call Graphic Design one word, and you will know it means many things.
Also, defining Graphic Design is simple and at the same time complex. You get what I mean? Gone are the days when the term Graphic Design is largely new to a whole of people. Now, even a teenager on TikTok who creates content daily has some idea of what the term is. Although the term Graphic Design is still unfolding the best part of it with the advent of upgraded and innovative design tools, there is a need to talk about it.
Maybe this time around, we need a definition as in “Graphic Design is so so and so…” and a detailed dive into what Graphic Design represents and will still represent.
So, for better context, can we say GRAPHIC DESIGNS: WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT IT IS
Anyways, let’s dive 🏊♂️
Graphic Design is the art of composing visual elements such as typography, images, colour, and shapes to communicate information or convey a message. The layout of a fashion magazine front cover, the poster for a theatre performance, and the beverage packaging (either in a can, plastic, or paper) are all examples of graphic design.
This can also be explained as a craft whereby professionals use principles like hierarchy, page layout, placement or arrangement, typography, pictures etc. to create visual content for specific audiences, needs and platforms.
You should know that Graphic Design is not just about aesthetics. It's emotional. You can say Graphic Design is also emotional design. Or Psychological Design.
Let’s check some types of Graphic Design that there is.
TYPES OF GRAPHIC DESIGNS
Graphic design is a whole lot of package put together as it comes in different tools, executions and purposes. Some types
- Web Design
- UI and Interactive Design
- Advertising and Marketing Design
- Motion graphics and animation
- Packaging design
- game design
- Illustration
- Publication and Typographic
- User Interface Design
- Publication Graphic Design and a lot more.
Looking through the internet or media platforms, one might easily say/think that graphic design is very hard to put together and learn. But graphic design really isn't hard to learn. Believe it or not, there are still going to be a lot of graphic designers in their different niches as time goes on. And there are going to be a lot of possibilities in graphic design. We will look into that later.
Learning this art majorly requires creative thinking and input of ideas, an aptitude towards art and design, plus time and dedication. Graphic design requires learning how to use the necessary tools, as well as understanding the application of its principles, concepts and theories of design. You also need to see what people have designed to know what graphic design looks like.
You’ve got to pick from the good brains you know. It is allowed here.
ELEMENTS OF GRAPHIC DESIGNS
Principles of graphics are one of the important things that make up graphic design. These are elements that a designer must apply as the situation requires. These elements include;
- Line
- Color
- Shape
- Form
- Scale
- Size
- Texture
- Space etc.
Knowing how to apply these elements is the holy grail of graphic design. Maybe, the foundational holy grail. With these, one can create visually appealing and well-structured designs.
There are also sets of guidelines that help a design achieve its purpose. These are the cornerstones of the principles of design. They include;
- Movement
- Proportion
- Rhythm
- Balance
- Contrast
- Emphasis
- Hierarchy
- Patterns
- Repetition
- White space
- Variety
- Unity
There is no good foundation in graphic design without first learning and understanding these elements (principles) and guidelines stated above.
BASIC TOOLS NEEDED IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Most graphic design skills involve computer software - either a desktop, laptop or a smartphone. There are several tools existing in the world of graphic design. One does not have to use or know how to use everything at once. You just have to know what aspect of graphic design you want to specialise in. Also, there is nothing bad in ups-killing and learning more tools.
Some of the tools or software that are used for graphic design are as follows:
- Adobe Illustrator
- CorelDRAW
- GIMP
- Inkscape
- Adobe InDesign
- Sketch
- Figma
- Pixir
- Tablet
- Canvas
- Procreate
- Monitor
- Affinity Designer
- Adobe Express and a lot more.
NB: All the above-mentioned tools/software can either be used on a smartphone or PC. Some can be used on both.
It's no longer news that this skill/art can be marketed and monetized and you don’t have to study arts or fine art for you to venture or learn graphic design. Anybody can learn and be a good graphic designer. So, just start by learning the fundamentals, start to practise with a basic tool and keep learning. The more you learn, the more you should practise.
Let’s look at some more basic things that Graphic Design entails. I call it the Do's and Don'ts of Graphic Design. One true fact is that there will always be trends in graphic design but something will always remain the same.
Use the right font;
The right selection of fonts indeed plays a vital role in graphic design. The success of a design highly depends on the choice of fonts. There are things to consider when choosing the font for your design. You think about the message, audience, platform, client etc. There are times when you have variations in the font you use on a design, but this should be done correctly. Using the right font will also require that you know the types of fonts that there is. Some fonts grab attention. While other fonts are laid-back. Some are razz and some fine-looking. You’ve to know what you want to achieve. I promise to focus on fonts very soon.
Don’t make things too much complicated;
If you have heard someone say - the more complex the design, the better it is - it is a lie. An overly complicated design will end up being cluttered and unrecognizable to the audience. Keeping things simple and avoiding complicated components in a design can make it easy to understand and unique in its own way. This is because nowadays, people find simple graphic designs more interesting and cooler than complex ones. I am not saying you should not be creative - I’m just saying designs should not be complicated. You gerrit 😉?
Do trust your instinct;
A graphic designer must learn to trust his/her instinct to produce a very unique and personalised graphic design. You can get acquainted with innumerable rules for creating unique graphic designs, but you need to make the final decision by trusting your instincts. Don’t be afraid to try new concepts and ideas. Rather, combine your ideas with the basic rules of graphic design. This is the secret of creating unique designs for clients. This is the secret to standing out
So, bring your faith to graphic designs and explore.
Don’t use bright colours;
Yes, it is right that bright colours help grab the attention of the audience more easily and set a brand or company apart from the competitors. But did you know that using bright colours in graphic designs can distract attention from the most important information? Apart from that, a majority of people find it difficult to read texts with bright and vibrant colours behind them. However, using light colours gives a calm display of the information and also increases readability.
Do think something outside the box;
If you have seen the artwork on the walls of Kolkata, you will know thinking outside is not a sin. What it simply means is to think creatively about how can you push the boundaries of graphic designing and come up with something new that meets the demands and expectations of the modern audience.
Do not ignore your customer’s demands/feedback;
In the real sense of it, graphics are designed for people to see. There is a client who wants his/her message to be perceived. So, getting an understanding of what they want is very necessary.
Yes, not all clients know what they want, but listening to them will give you the opportunity to conceptualize what they want. Listening to them also does a lot of good. You don't necessarily have to agree to everything - if they are not professional. But, you’ve got to listen. In the end, your client should be happy with the design and the designer should be proud of the work.
What does Graphic Design mean to you? Tell me in your simplest words.
Expect more interesting topics on Graphic Design or design generally. Share this article with a budding designer.
Feel free to check other articles on the blog.
Brb. 😉