What is Graphic Design

 I endeavor to undertake an in depth  look at ‘Graphic Design’ as a discipline, and as a tool. I will consider questions such as the following: How has this subject evolved over thepast two centuries? And have the transformations been desirable or have they inadvertently acted as a means of weakening the prestige and standing of this renowned field?

Although the original disciplines of text and pictures – typography , illustration and photography, are key and fundamental to Graphic Design as a subject, the recent incorporation of other methods and types of design and information technology have added to the pool of possible materials a graphic designer has recourse to.  This should be seen as a positive addition to this field of study, in my opinion, since it prevents Graphic Design from becoming out-dated and therefore less reputable. 

I consider that the changes made in the study of Graphic Design, however radical and all-encompasing they may seem and be, are merely byproducts and reflections of the radically and swiftly changing world in which we live in. In order to survive in an environment where development is consistently shaping the way we live our lives, all fields of study will undoubtedly be affected in greater or lesser degrees. Since Graphic Design can be classed as a form of ‘art’, it is naturally more susceptible to change in order to best accommodate the needs of its clients. As competition between companies and organisations intensifies, we see a need for graphic designers to be increasingly more creative, talented and skilled; the more so, the better.

Some may argue that with its pan discipline approach, graphic design may have over-extended itself and become a ‘jack of all trades with no real mastery of anything in particular’. Although this may seem to be the case when one takes an overview  of the methods and techniques used, on a closer investigation, this may not be a negative criticism at all. Maybe we have to start thinking outside the box. Maybe a graphic designer with command of numerous procedures and methods such as 3D design and virtual imaging is not someone who has ‘no real mastery of anything in particular’ rather, is someone with mastery of many tricks of the trade. And in a world where innovation and creativity have become key to success, this is surely an advantage to an aspiring graphic designer, rather than an unwanted shadow looming over the profession.

My notion of graphic design encompases a constantly adjusting discipline which embraces innovations and advances in design, technology and art that take place as a result of human development and progress. The viusal communication and presentation of a graphic designer’s work is the aim and purpose of any venture, and of course, they may chose to employ whatever means necessary and appropriate to achieve it. Do I believe it is an immaculate and finished product? I think that would be too much to ask of any given discipline, and I do not believe that any field of study, beit artistic or scientific in nature, is completely polished and perfect. For instance, law, which governs people’s relations and actions, money and livelihoods is far from complete and so we cannot conceivably expect perfection from other disciplines. Graphic Design has undergone many modifications, and I feel that this has been for the best because it means that graphic designers are better equipped with dealing with the creative challenges they will face in industry.