What is Graphic Design?
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic Design refers to a specialized area of the
Visual Arts. Generally, Graphic Design is considered to be for
commercial, advertising or educational purposes. It involves the
enhancing of a product, service or information by designing a
pleasing visual or set of visuals.
Traditionally, Graphic Design has included both the
creative preparation and execution of materials in the areas of:
Logo Design, Corporate Identity, Brochure Design, Photo
Retouching, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, and other printed materials.
Graphic Design can also include the preparation of 35mm Slide
Presentations, Television Advertisements, Multi-Media
Presentations, and other Visual Aids.
Today, the term Graphic Design also includes the rapidly
expanded Web Design market. While a Graphic Designer may
certainly specialize in one area, it is common to find designers
with applicable knowledge is more than one discipline. A Graphic
Designer may be expected to design entire websites, edit photos
for both print and web use, and design printed materials which
also have web applications.
Most of us are surrounded by Graphic Design work daily
without even realizing it. Many of the web sites you visit
involve the efforts of a Graphic Designer. Advertising Agencies
employ many Graphic Designers to prepare the ads you see on
television. And here are some more signs of Graphic Designers on
the scene: the signage you see in front of businesses; the menu
at last night's restaurant; the morning newspaper; the brochures
at the doctor's office; all those greeting cards at the store;
and yes (unfortunately!) -- all that junk mail you receive.
In the past, a Graphic Designer could rely on
predominately right-brain tendencies of being a "Creative" type.
These days, a Graphic Designer needs to have a "balanced brain"
in order to be successful. In the last two decades, knowledge of
computers and increasingly powerful graphic software programs
has become a requirement to accomplish the work of a Graphic
Designer. One must not only be "Creative," but also possess the
"Logic" skills to pilot numerous software programs, trouble
shoot computing issues, etc.
Graphic Design is a highly rewarding career. Not only
does it challenge an individual mentally, it also offers the
opportunity to network with a wide variety of professionals in
numerous fields. Graphic Design is also a great Work At Home
opportunity. Once one is established (education, contacts,
etc.), a Home Office can be the perfect option. Incomes vary and
are dependant on a number of factors, including: area(s) of
expertise, years of experience, business contacts, etc.