What Is Graphic Design?

When you think about graphic design, do you think about artistic advertisements? Eye-catching graphics on websites? Strikingly arranged spreads in magazines?

While these examples indeed fit under the graphic design definition, the term includes a lot: posters, infographics, book covers, product labels, logos, business cards, signs, website layouts, mobile apps, software interfaces — the list goes on.

So, to help you along the way we’ve put together this comprehensive article to help you discover more about graphic design as well as how it’s changed into what it is today.

What Are The Principles of Graphic Design And Elements?

The principles of graphic design and elements include line, colour, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis as well as balance. Together, they work in order to create visually appealing work that communicates a message.

Line

Lines are there in nearly every single design, whether they are straight, curved, thin, thick, dashed, long, or short. Lines are responsible for connecting any two points. They are quite useful for dividing space in addition to directing the viewer’s attention in a particular direction.

Colour

Colour is perhaps the most important and obvious element of a design. It can create impact straightaway. This is noticed by everyone, even those who don’t have a design background. Colours can be utilised in backgrounds or within other elements such as lines, shapes, or typography. Colours create emotions and moods. For instance, red can demonstrate passion and green can represent nature.

Shape

Shape, which is also known as form, is the mixture of lines. Shapes could be circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, or any other abstract forms. Most designs consist of at least one shape. Similar to colour, shapes have very different associations. A circle may be utilised to represent unity, while a square may represent structure. The colour, style, background, and texture of a shape can all have an impact on the viewer’s perception.

Space

White or negative space is very important in design as it enhances readability for the human eye. Good designs will utilise space to give other elements sufficient room to breathe.

Texture

Textures are becoming far more commonly used, replacing single-colour backgrounds. Textures may include paper, stone, concrete, brick, and fabric. They could be subtle or obvious and be utilised sparingly or liberally. Textures can be useful in order to create a three-dimensional appearance.

Typography

When working with text, graphic designers have to consider the relationship between how text appears and what it says. Typography is the art of organising text in legible and engaging ways. Different moods or emotions may be expressed through various type choices. Good typography should establish a strong visual hierarchy, provide balance and set the correct tone.

Scale

The scale and size of objects, shapes – together with other elements – can make particular parts of a design far more dynamic. Scale can be utilised in order to create a visual hierarchy. Utilising scale, graphic designers can create focal points and highlight significant areas.

Dominance And Emphasis

Dominance and emphasis establish a focal point in a design. It assists with the design flow. These can lead the viewer to other aspects of the design.

Balance

Graphic designers have to consider how design elements are dispersed. Balanced designs offer stability, while designs that aren’t balanced can be dynamic. Balance is attained through shapes, colours, textures, lines as well as other elements.

Harmony

Harmony is one of the main aims of graphic design. In a good design, every element has to work together and harmonise with each other. However, if all is the same, a design can become monotonous. Designs need to strike a very fine balance between harmony and contrast.

What Does A Graphic Designer Do On A Daily Basis?

A graphic designer’s main job is to create visual concepts which communicate solutions and ideas that inspire, inform and engage consumers. In order to do this, graphic designers mix art and technology to produce end results that resound to their target audience.

While goals may depend on the type of graphic design, graphic designers are mainly focused on making whatever organisation they are designing for recognisable. They’re there to assist with building a brand identity, boost that company’s brand as well as communicate their messages via visually pleasing content.

Graphic design is becoming more and more significant in the marketing and sales of both companies as well as their products. This being said, graphic designers tend to work quite closely with public relations and marketing professionals in order to better understand how they are able to communicate the messages that they need to.

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