Graphic design has become a potential career these days. Creative people opt for graphic design and related fields on priority. Here you will read and learn about the top factors shaping modern graphic design. We will also take a look at some insights from the history.
When different elements such as text imagery and colors are combined together to communicate a message visually it is referred to as graphic design. We come across graphic designing in different formats such as posters, advertisements, packaging, etc.
Design plays a crucial role in determining how we perceive different products, ideas, and people. It’s really an art and that is why people learn graphic design these days. Generally graphic designing is perceived to be a new trend but its roots go back a long time.
Origins of Graphic Design
We will divide study of origins of graphic design in various steps. Right from cave painting to ancient writing systems and first printing press to invention of printing technologies are point to discuss.
Cave Painting
Graphic designing goes back to ancient human history in the form of cave painting in prehistoric era 30,000 BCE. These were one of the first methods to convey stories, messages and beliefs. These designs might not be similar to the designs of current times but laid down a foundation for visual expression.
Ancient Writing Systems
Writing systems like hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt (circa 3000 BCE) and cuneiform in Mesopotamia (circa 3100 BCE) were also invented. These systems were used to combine symbols and visuals for communication.
First Printing Press
Johannes Gutenberg was the founder of the printing press. The printing press was founded in the 15th century. With the help of this printed material such as books, pamphlets, and newspapers could be printed in large quantities. With the help of these ideas started to spread at a rapid rate. Due to this the need for professional designers arose.
Illuminated Manuscripts in Medieval Period
In the medieval period monks and saints used to convey their messages in elaborated and hand written manuscripts. These were the combination of text with illustrations full of intricated designs.
Invention of Printing Technologies in Industrial Revolution
Industrial revolution spanned for 80 years from 1760-1840 and it brought many advancements in graphic design. The invention and use of lithography in 1796 and chromolithography have enabled the mass production of graphic art.
Beginning of Modern Graphic Art
Modern period is considered from late 19th to early 20th century. William Addison Dwiggins coined the term “Graphic Design” in 1922 first time. But the beginning of modern graphic art started way before in late 1800s. Arts and Crafts, Bauhaus School, and Art Nouveau were a few movement which contributed a lot to modern graphic design.
The art of arranging text is referred to as typography. After the introduction of the printing press typography became a crucial part. These different typefaces had their own personality which helped in expressing the ideas more effectively. This gave birth to letterpress printing. In this, designers were able to arrange movable types of a page. This led to creating clear layouts.
Key factors for Modern Graphic Design – Industrial and digital revolution
Industrial revolution and digital revolution are very important to discuss in more detail which played a vital role in bringing modern graphics and visuals in its shape.
Let’s dive deeper on these factors here.
The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Advertising
After the Industrial revolution the demands for society changed drastically. The demand for mass produced goods and marketing materials were at a rise. The business wanted to target a larger segment of the market and thus the needs for advertising grew tremendously. The introduction of posters, labels, packaging started to shape the field of graphic designing. This increasing need gave rise to graphic designing agencies. These agencies started to emerge in the 19th century. Some of the companies which effectively used visual symbols were Cassandre and Lucian Bernhard.
The rise of graphic designing was not solely dependent on commerce but also various art movements of the time. Styles such as Art Nouveau and Art deco introduced ornate typography, geometric shapes and floral designs. These styles soon became an integral part of the advertising and design industry.
20th Century and Modernism
Graphic designing underwent major change in the 20th century. It was influenced by movements such as Modernism and Minimalism. Modernist movement focused on simplicity, functionalism and clarity. In this the designers appreciated the use of geometric shapes, clean lines and sans serif fonts. These designs were functional. They were also easy to understand. Bauhaus, a German design school, played a major role in this movement.
The tools available to graphic designers got more advanced as technology developed. Real life images could be used in designs. Also, offset printing was introduced. This allowed for better quality of color. Also, large number of prints could be done in a shorter span.
computer technology transformed the design world in the 1960’s and 70’s. Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop were developed. Designers could create more detailed designs using these tools.
Digital Revolution and the Rise of Graphic Design
Graphic designing fully entered the digital age in the early 21st century. With the introduction of the internet in the 1990’s graphic designing experienced a major change. New techniques such as digital advertisements took place instead of traditional media. User experience became essential as the website needed to be functional for the users. Being aesthetic was not enough.
The development of smartphones caused designers to pay more attention to understanding and learning user experience. Thus, making interaction design an important part of graphic designing. Different design software became a standard for designers. Also, development of web-based tools such as Figma and Canva allowed non-professionals to create designs.
The Future of Graphic Design
Graphic design is not a new career. It is providing careers to creative people from over 3 decades. People those love to create designs have plenty of options.
Please check the list:
- Graphic design
- UI design
- UX Design
- Animation
- Video editing
- Multimedia
- Textile design
- Fashion design
- Architecture design
- Interior design
- and many more…
Factors changing the future of graphic design
Role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern graphic design
Artificial intelligence and automation are beginning to play a crucial role in design. These tools can automate basic tasks. They can also help in generating designs when given instructions. Tools such as Designhill and Adobe Sensei are helping designers by enhancing workflow and creativity.
AI is not only enhancing creativity but also efficiency and precision in graphic design. It has transformed modern graphic design completely. The need for basic level design force has gone down because of AI. So, design professionals are responsible to create what AI can’t. Isn’t it interesting. It is improving the level of designing. AI is motivating or I can say pushing designers to create beyond the basic and designers are understanding this push.
Yet, check out the key roles of AI in graphic design:
- Automation of Repetitive Tasks
- Generative Design
- Personalization
- Data-Driven Insights
- Accessibility
- Creative Collaboration
Popular AI tools for graphic design
We are giving a list of a few popular AI based tools used by designers, video editors, and artists.
- Canva
- Adobe Sensei
- Figma AI Plugins
- Microsoft Designer
- DALL-E
- Designs.ai
- DeepArt.io
- Remove.bg
- Let’s Enhance
- AutoDraw
- Adobe Firefly
- Khroma
- Uizard
- Sketch2Code
- Fotor
- Clipfly
Focus on sustainable and environment friendly designs
The society’s increasing focus on sustainability is influencing the way designers are approaching their work. Various eco-friendly techniques are becoming important. Some of the practices are choosing sustainable materials for printed designs, product packaging, etc.
Designers are focused on creating digital designs that strongly advocate environmental causes. As the consumers are becoming more aware, a designer needs to make the necessary work in their designs.
Concretely, today’s society is promoting digital over physical designs.
Personalization is the key
Personalization plays a crucial role in the digital age. Users want a personalized experience when they visit websites or mobile app. A graphic designer must cater to their needs and make significant changes in the UI.
Artificial intelligence helps a lot in providing personalization in the design to its readers or viewers or users. AI can create customized designs such as personalized ads or user interfaces too.
Conclusion
The evolution of graphic designing is in direct relationship with the changes in technology over the centuries. The cave paintings were the initial form of graphic designing which has developed to digital design in the current world. Graphic designing has adapted itself according to the needs of the time. New technologies are emerging every day.
As a result of it graphic designing is also undergoing a rapid change. New possibilities are making their way to the digital age. Understanding the history of traffic design helps us to understand the worth of the art. Also, we are able to learn the endless potential that the field holds.
