As a designer, you’re often the link between your client and your audience. Your client is too close to your message, to fully understand the many possible presentation methods and formats. Your audience is too diverse to have an immediate impact on your communication presentation. A graphic designer’s job is to make your message as clear as possible while taking your audience into account. In many cases, a graphic designer will work with your client to understand the content and audience, and may consult other specialists or market researchers for insight.
Shapes and colors are crucial design elements. Shapes are two-dimensional defined areas made up of lines, and they are often abstract and organic. Color is another key design element, and color psychology has been studied extensively to determine how different hues affect our perception. Certain hues are more effective than others when used in combination. These three principles to help designers balance your design. For example, if you want your logo to stand out, use contrasting colors or a combination of them.
Computers and software are also essential to graphic design. Adobe’s suite of tools is widely used, but open-source software like GIMP can also be effective. Regardless of your experience, you will need to learn about basic principles of design. After all, graphic design is the basis of every logo, social media content, and advertisement. In addition to ads, graphic design also underlies book covers, magazine page layouts, and product and apparel designs.
Despite being a rapidly growing profession, graphic design dates back thousands of years. Early versions of the profession are rooted in the ancient world. The caves of Lascaux, ancient Roman capitals, and ancient Egypt’s hieroglyphics are excellent examples. Moreover, the early Egyptians also made use of the art of engraving to make handbills and trade cards. A great artist, William Hogarth, used his engraving skill to promote business trade.
The history of graphic design is rich and varied. The earliest illustrations were created as part of a manuscript. In ancient Egypt, there are numerous examples of illustrated manuscripts that were designed by artists. While the first designers of these manuscripts were not consciously creating graphic designs, they blended text and image to create an effective presentation. In the early days of graphic design, the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead contains texts that assist the dead in the afterlife. In this book, the narratives were illustrated with colorful pictures on papyrus rolls.
A successful career in graphic design is not for the faint-hearted or those who don’t like criticism. The field is fast-growing and requires a certain amount of patience, creativity, and dedication. A great graphic designer portfolio will showcase their talents and impress potential employers. The best way to market yourself as a qualified designer is to display your online portfolio of relevant work. A professional portfolio will help potential clients know what kind of work you can produce and what type of clientele you’d like to work with.
