What is graphic design?
If asked what graphic design is, could you answer in one sentence?
Here’s one possible definition:
“Graphic design is the use of visual communication to solve a problem.”
However, do you think it’s right to assume for every design project there’s a problem in the first place? Are some graphic design projects born simply from the human need for change? I see re-branding projects where the end result appears no better than before, such as the recent Xerox re-brand by Interbrand.
What is graphic design to the general public?
In this light-hearted video by Dogma Productions and AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association) we’re given a brief taster of what some average Australian citizens think graphic design really is.
If you can’t see the video above, here’s a link to it on YouTube.
The misunderstanding of graphic design can be summed up in this insightful comment taken from the YouTube video above.
“Graphic design’s a wank.”
There’s a quote I like from graphic designer, Saul Bass:
“Design is thinking made visual.”
According to Wikipedia:
Graphic design is the process of communicating visually using text and images to present information.
AIGA, the professional association for design, gives this definition:
Graphic design is the combination of shapes, colors, typefaces, images and words that cause you to react or feel something.
What is graphic design to you?
I’m just as interested to hear from non-designers as I am from designers, and if you want to read what other people have said recently, visit Veerle’s blog and see what answers her readers gave.
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31 spot-on reader comments to “What is graphic design?”
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It’s just one of those questions that can drive humanity crazy and never be answered…not to mention if design is an art!
By the way, I got the 8th prize on Veerle’s contest :D
The Ad Mad’s last blog post..Adobe CS3: Creative License
Design is ngised spelled backwards.
Design is using the swatches layer in Photoshop.
Design is stealing from others without getting caught.
Stolen from some awesome desktop wallpapers.
Justin Lilly’s last blog post..Twitter: Explained
I love that video. One guy gets real angry too!
Juggling Jason’s last blog post..5 dirt cheap things you can do to jolt your creativity
Graphic Design to me is “The creative process, development and application of a message presented in a visually appealing way.”
I just made that up right now after a litle bit of thought…. :) does it make sense?!
Brian Yerkes’s last blog post..Logo Design Case Study | Victory Marketing Agency
Graphic design is *explosion*.
Graphic design is a masturbation crime.
I really think the first guy said everything that needs to be said.
Thanks for the video!
Robot Cartoons’s last blog post..Death and Supreme Knowledge
Graphic design… mmm.. is giving an alternative view to everything around us …
Yeah, I thought it was an interesting competition to run. It’s tough I suppose.
Maybe graphic design is making mistakes until you get it just right!
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For those whom laughed at the word “wank” because they knew how well put that word was in the context of that guys description, let me inform you why…
WANK was the first worm that pretty much brought a NASA mission down on it’s knees. It was Australian based and was one of the first major worm attacks (harmless i would say) that brought people to think about computer security.
So what did it do?
Back in the days when UNIX ruled, it brought up a big sign saying “WANK” and in most versions faked to the user that the computer was being erased… it had a bit more complicated things happening, but i don’t really have the space to explain….
Why was it made?
No-one really knows, but the major speculation was that it was made in protest against the effects of rockets on the earth. It was basically a retaliation of what the world thought.
So why did i laugh? This guy knew what he was talking about and was hinting about the “Big Brother” theory…. and it’s a laugh for those whom know about the history of australian hacking…. hehe
Want more info? Feel free to contact me….
Graphic Design is Problem Solving!
Design is something that everyone thinks and wishes they can do….
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Graphic Design is when you don’t want to use 100 words to describe something. It is about using few words and aided graphic to convey your message precise and accurately.
Even designer can design anything they would like, but still to get the message across is crucial.
Graphic design is the language to get the message across nowadays. It is a language they sometimes even designer don’t understand. (am I the one?)
What say you?
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There’s certainly an art to it, but it’s not art (or “arty” as one girl in the video said).
Justin,
What does ‘ngised’ mean? Do you have a resource for those wallpapers?
Jason,
It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Glad you enjoyed watching.
Brian,
Not a bad effort at all, but does that mean that if it’s not visually appealing, it’s not graphic design? Maybe it’s not good / effective graphic design?
Armen,
You can never make enough mistakes. It’s all about the lateral thinking. ;)
Chris,
Great insight! I thought there might be something more to it, but I wasn’t sure. Much appreciated.
Scott,
Is it just me who doesn’t like using the word ‘problem’? I prefer ‘issue’, as it’s less negative, but I do find myself saying ‘no problem’ quite a lot.
Jermayn,
Everyone can design. Just some better than others.
Rafie,
Like you, I’m all for keeping it simple, but wonder what your take is on brochure design. Lots of words are used, and it’s a part of graphic design. There are lots of aspects that I don’t yet understand, in fact, I don’t think I’ll ever get it all. Constant change and a mass of information will see to that. Still, I’ve a good few years ahead of me, fingers crossed.
Graphic design, for me is all about ‘Interesting’
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David, I actually did a review of this video last November on Just Creative Design…
http://justcreativedesign.com/2007/11/28/what-is-graphic-design/
is the link.
Graphic design is communicating an intended message via text and image :)
Jacob Cass’s last blog post..Graphic Design Articles and Winners!
I was on a beach in India when you published that, so I’m sure you can forgive me for missing it. ;)
I really dislike the saying that graphic design solves a “problem”. Problem is not a good word to use in business at all.
Just like the psychological aspects of customer service and saying “No problem” when a customer asks for help or says thank you. You should never even hint that there is a possibliity of a “problem”. It’s just a negative word.
Brian Yerkes’s last blog post..13 Signs Your Business is Failing
In my response to Scott (above), I say something similar:
Saul Bass’s quote, “Design is thinking made visual,” was the quote I chose for the homepage of my website. I whole-heartedly agree with it.
I agree that graphic designers can solve problems, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there is always a problem being solved.
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Hi David, Yeah I saw your comment. Mine was in response to yours
I find myself saying “no problem” also quite a bit, but I have learned from top sales people that it really isn’t a good thing to say.
Brian Yerkes’s last blog post..13 Signs Your Business is Failing
David and Brian,
Thanks for the insight on the problem solving statement.
I totally agree with you both.
It really could be taken negatively.
I do say no problem as well. I haven’t ever thought of that seeming negative.
Thanks again.
Hi David,
Huh… I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this post on “What is graphic design.” There seems to be quite a few designers asking this very question recently… do we really need clarification on this subject?
I invite you to read my post from March 4 entitled “Defining Graphic Design.” Here’s the link: http://artlook.typepad.com/a_look_at_art_design/2008/03/defining-graphi.html
All the best and keep posting!
Lisa’s last blog post..Keeping My Artistic Clients Happy - Part of the Art Management Job
Ahah excellent video! :)
In phase two of my portfolio evolution, I also used that Saul Bass quote. Great minds eh?
Scott,
Glad the comments were of interest. It’s those little details that can make all the difference.
Lisa,
It’s certainly not that I need clarification on what graphic design is, but I think it’s important to remember who reads my blog. I knew that a lot of my regular readers would skim over this post, though from time-to-time I believe it’s important to publish an article that caters for beginners, or potential clients who aren’t quite sure.
To me graphic design is the overall impression when you first see a site, and immediately gives the reader a positive or negative impression…
Flint
Graphic Design is subjective - one persons art is another persons garbage.
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I very much agree with the quote from Saul Bass too. And to define graphic design reminds me of some of the words that Oliviero Toscani said in a conference in Mexico, quite a few years ago about graphic design, that it’s all around us, from an image on a coffee mug to the signs on the streets, from the corporate logo to the big advertising campaign. Thanks a lot for the article, is good /bad to see how many people can’t define graphic design, and how even your friends or family still think a graphic designer is someone who can draw or make things look pretty… thanks again!
Good of you all to drop by and leave your thoughts. Thanks very much.
Graphic design is cave painting modernised
Graphic design is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas.
It’s astonishing to see how many people don’t know anything about it ..some time you think its common senses but lot of us don’t have common senses : ) ?? . May be sometimes even if you know certain things it is difficult to put into words ..anyway its a interesting post.
Cheers
Julian
Graphic design is the art and science of conveying feeling through pictures
maybe that’s a bit too meta physical.