What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design in our culture lacks clear boundaries that give it a simple definition. I can see it will be up to me to provide an answer. I tell them, graphic design is the most ubiquitous of all the art forms since it can be found every where and anywhere in our homes, in the restaurants we frequent, on the streets we walk, on the highways we drive, in the movies and theaters we attend, and in every shop we enter.”
It takes only a few seconds for them to visualize this information, and then their Expressions register understanding. I am now at the black board; chalk in hand, ready to make a list. “Let’s list the most obvious examples of graphic design that come to mind.” It does not take long before someone calls out, “Advertising.” Everyone nods in approval. “Is there a difference between advertising and graphic design, and if so, what is it?”In the old days,”
I begin, “when I attended art school, the definition of graphic design was the promotion of goods and services and the definition of advertising was the selling of goods and services.” Ah, it was so simple then, but this is no longer the case. The boundaries between promoting and selling have totally blurred with the arrival of global branding (the promotion of lifestyle through the selling of a particular product or service). Promotion and selling have simply joined forces. A more contemporary definition of graphic design might include the “art” of communication to inform, educate, influence, persuade, and provide a visual experience one that combines art and technology to communicate messages vital to our daily lives. It is simply a cultural force.
