graphic design

visual communication by a skillful combination of text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, books, etc.

Graphic design is the applied art of arranging and text to communicate a message, or facilitate understanding. It may be applied in any media, such as print, digital media, motion pictures, animation, Industrial designproduct design, packaging, and Information signs. Graphic design as a practice can be traced back to the origin of the written word, but only in the late 19th century did it become identified as a separate entity. Graphic Design is a porous discipline, and overlaps significantly with other disciplines, including Human-computer interaction, user interface design, information design and interaction design. Designers may produce Ethnographyethnographies as part of the qualitative research for defining needs or features for a product, service or communication object. A relatively recent development is the closely related practice of experience design.The fundamental principles of design are justification (typesetting)alignment, balance, color, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, proportion, proximity, repetition, rhythm, texture, unity, and white space.

Elements of Design -

point

line

form (shape)

texture

color

typography

reproduction

Principles of Design -

balance

rhythm

proportion

dominance

unity

system

content support

function support and function adds

user friendly

Early history - 's poster for the film, The Man with the Golden Arm - a highly regarded work of graphic design.]]The compelling—if somewhat obscure— paintings in the caves of Lascaux around 14,000 BC and the birth of written language in the third or fourth millennium BC, are both significant milestones in the history of graphic design and other fields which hold roots to graphic design.The Book of Kells is a very beautiful and very early example of graphic design in a form that would be acceptable even today. The Book is a lavishly illustrated hand-written copy of the Christian Bible created by IrelandIrish monks in the ninth century AD. Johann Gutenberg's introduction of movable type in Europe made books widely available. The earliest books produced by Gutenberg's press and others of the era (the Incunabula) became the benchmark by which the design of future books, even as late as the 20th century, would be judged. Graphic design of this era is called either ''Old Style'' (especially the typefaces which these early typographytypographers used), or ''Humanist'', after the predominant philosophical school of the time. Graphic design after Gutenberg saw a gradual evolution rather than any significant change, until the late 19th century when, especially in Britain, an effort was made to create a firm division between the fine artsfine and the applied arts. Piet Mondrian, born in 1872, is often called the father of graphic design. Although he was a fine artist (not a graphic designer) his use of grids inspired the basic structure of the modern advertising layout known also as the grid system, used commonly today by graphic designers.From 1891 to 1896 William Morris' Kelmscott Press published some of the most significant of the graphic design products of the Arts and Crafts movement, and made a very lucrative business of creating books of great stylistic refinement and selling them to the wealthy for a premium. Morris proved that a market existed for works of graphic design and helped pioneer the separation of design from production and from fine art. The work of the Kelmscott Press is characterized by its decadence and by its obsession with historical styles. This historicism was, however, historically important as it amounted to the first significant reaction to the stale state of nineteenth-century graphic design. Morris' work, along with the rest of the Private Press movement, directly influenced Art Nouveau and is indirectly responsible for developments in early twentieth century graphic design in general.

20th century - poster by Adolphe Muron Cassandre.]]Modern Design of the early 20th century, much like the fine art of the same period, was a reaction against the decadence of typography and design of the late 19th century. The hallmark of early modern typography is the sans-serif typeface. Early Modern (not to be confused with the other modern era of the 18th century18th and 19th centuries) typographers such as Edward Johnston and Eric Gill after him were inspired by vernacular and industrial typography of the latter nineteenth century. The signage in the London Underground is a classic of this era and used a font designed by Edward Johnston in 1916. Jan Tschichold codified the principles of modern typography in his 1928 book, ''New Typography''. He later repudiated the philosophy he espoused in this book as being fascistic, but it remained very influential. Tschichold, Bauhaus typographers such as Herbert Bayer and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, and El Lissitzky are the fathers of graphic design as we know it today. They pioneered production techniques and stylistic devices used throughout the twentieth century. Today, although the computer has altered production forever, the experimental approach to design they pioneered is more relevant than ever. The dynamism, the experimentation, and even very specific things like typeface choice (Helvetica has seen a recent revival, it was an early design based indirectly on 19th century industrial typography) and strict, orthogonal composition.The following years saw graphic design in the modern style gain widespread acceptance and application. A booming post-World War II American economy established a greater need for graphic design, mainly advertising and packaging. The emigration of the German Bauhaus school of design to Chicago in 1937 brought a "mass-produced" minimalism to America; sparking a wild fire of postmodern architecture and design. Notable names in mid-century modern design are Adrian Frutiger, designer of the typefaces Univers and Frutiger; and Josef Müller-Brockmann, who designed posters in a severe yet accessible manner typical of the 1950s and 1960s. The reaction to the increasing severity of graphic design was slow but inexorable. The origins of post-modern typography can be traced back as far as the humanist movement of the 1950s. Notable among this group is Hermann Zapf who designed two typefaces that remain ubiquitous—Palatino (1948) and Optima (1952). By blurring the line between serif and sans-serif typefaces and re-introducing organic lines into typography these designs did more to ratify modernism than they did to rebel. An important point was reached in graphic design with the publishing of the First things first 1964 Manifesto which was a call to a more radical form of graphic design and criticized the ideas of value-free design. This was massively influential on a generation of new graphic designers and contributed to the founding of publications such as Emigre magazine. campaign by Milton Glaser.]]Another notable designer of the latter 20th century is Milton Glaser who designed the unmistakable ''I Love NY'' ad campaign (1973), and a famous Bob Dylan poster (1968). Glaser took stylistic hints from popular culture from the 1960s and 1970s70s. Advances in the early 20th century were largely inspired by technological advances in printing and also in photography. In the last decade of the same century, technology played a similar role, but this time it was the computer, and at first it was largely a step backwards. Zuzana Licko worked very early using computers for layout, in the days when computer memory was measured in kilobytes and typefaces were created using dots rather than lines. Together with her husband Rudy VanderLans they founded the pioneering Emigre magazine and the type foundryEmigre type foundry. They played with the extraordinary limitations of computers as something which, in itself, could provide creative freedom. Emigre magazine became the bible for digital design as the technology rapidly advanced to the point where the advantages outweighed the disadvantages.David Carson (graphic designer)David Carson is, in a sense, the culmination of the movement against the restrictiveness of modern design—some of his designs for Raygun magazine are intentionally illegible, featuring typography designed to be visual rather than literary experiences.

Soviet Constructivism - Mainly in the 1920's, in Soviet Russia, Soviet Constructivism applied 'intelectual production' in different spheres of production. The movement saw individualistic art as useless in revolutionary Russia and thus moved towards creating objects for utilitary purposes. They designed buildings, theater sets, posters, fabrics, clothing, furniture, etc.

Computer programs - Although they were very limiting at first, as computing power increased and software such as Adobe SystemsAdobe Adobe PhotoshopPhotoshop emerged, it was evident exactly what kind of creative freedom and power that computers could provide. Image manipulation and 3D image creation using a computer demonstrated possibilities that had previously been unachievable. Another enormous development that computers provided to designers was the ability for them to set their own type, instantly seeing how it affected their design or layout, which allowed for new and more radical use of typography. Computers are now considered to be an indispensible tool used in the graphic design industry. However, a select few continue using manual and traditional tools for their creative endeavors: Jean Benoit-Levy, Studio Cyan and Milton Glaser, among others.Modern graphic design has evolved into a profession that is done almost entirely on computers. Common tools include Apple ComputerApple Apple MacintoshMac computers, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Macromedia Freehand and Macromedia_FireworksFireworks, Paint Shop Pro, Corel Graphics Suite, Flash and many Graphics_programother software programs.

See also -

Graphics

List of graphic designers

Corporate Identity

Desktop publishing

Logo design

Magazines

Marketing

Newspapers

Posters

Style guide

Web design

Knowledge visualization

National Institute of Design

Wikibook -

''Wikibooks:Graphic designGraphic Design''

External links -

aiga.org - AIGA American Institute of Graphic Arts

rgdontario.com - The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario)

graphicdesign.meetup.com - Graphic Design Meetup Groups

dsvc.org - Dallas Society of Visual Communications

snd.org - Society for News Design

desktoppub.about.com - Learning Graphic Design

euro.typo.cz - Typo.cz information on Central European typography and graphic design

designtalkboard.com - Graphic design job descriptions

platinum-first.com - Elements of graphic design

platea.pntic.mec.es - A complete online manual of Graphic DesignCategory:Graphic design!*de:Grafikdesignfr:Graphismees :Diseño? gráficohe:עיצוב !גרפיja:グラフィック� ��ザインpt:Design? gráficosr:Графички дизајнvi:Đồ họazh:平面设计

Web Solution Group
Website development and design by professionals
http://www.web-solution-group.com/

Tria Design Studio
Website of Israeli web design and CMS development firm Tria design studio
http://www.tria-design.com/

Creative Coss-Media Consulting and Development
Earthbound Media Group is a fresh and innovative nationally recognized media development and consulting firm based in Orange County, CA. We offer our higher education clients a diversity of services such as media research & analysis, print, web, interactive, advanced-technology software, and video production. We are also a leader in imagining and developing comprehensive 1:1 marketing strategies; combining integrated media campaigns with advanced variable-data and web to print publications.
http://www.earthboundmedia.com/

GARFINKEL DESIGN
Garfinkel Design is a full service graphic design firm that specializes in corporate marketing communications and brand development for print and web media. We are located near Atlanta, Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
http://www.garfinkeldesign.com/

Nine Planets Website Design and Hosting
A website is valuable only if it enhances your ability to do business or advertise, spreads your message or otherwise helps you achieve the goals you've set. Does your current website measure up?
http://www.nineplanetsdesign.com

Image Control Plus - Photography and Design north Georgia
Photography, graphic design, marketing, photographer, weddings, north Georgia. Atlanta area
http://www.imagecontrolplus.com

Bigskytrust
A charity working in music and mission across Europe, particularly through the work of Keith Ayling / Kato.
http://www.bigskytrust.org/

Inside-Out
The portfolio website of a tokyo based freelance graphic/web designer Masayuki Miyoshi.
http://www.inside-out.jp/

Welcome to Dreamweavers!
Truly a 1-stop shop for all your wedding and party details (everything but the dress). Making events YOU-nique since 1996.
http://www.dreamweaverswedding.com/

GIA Graphic & Web Design
Realizzazione siti web e materiale pubblicitario di ogni genere. Consulenze marketing
http://www.giovanniavila.com/

IDPURE magazine
IDPURE is a bilingual magazine (English and French) dedicated to professionals working in the graphic arts, images and design, as well as to those working in the areas of creation and visual communication. It is also addressed to people who are sensitive to and interested in their visual environments. idpure offers a comprehensive picture of the world of creation in Switzerland and abroad. It also provides a meeting place between professionels and customers in the domain.
http://www.idpure.com

A-Sky-Design Studio: Web Design, Graphic Design, Printing services, Web hosting
ASkyDesign Creative studio offers web design, graphic design and printing services, web hosting and domain name registration
http://www.askydesign.com/

HS Designs - Web Design & Graphic Design solutions from web sites, banners, internet marketing, print and search engine optimization
HS Designs is a full service web and graphic design agency offering a multitude of services including: - Web Site Design & Development - Print Design - Flash Animation - E-Marketing Design & Development - Search Engine Optimization - Web Banners - Copywriting and much more...
http://www.hilaschurr.com/

Logo Design by Pear
Pear logo design company provides you with high quality and professional logo design services.
http://www.pear-logo-design.com/

Liberate Your Brand
Artemis PR & Design is an award-winning creative agency that brings together an outstanding design team with top-notch PR practitioners. We specialize on helping organizations liberate their brands from the mundane and move to the next level of success.
http://www.artemispr.com/

A graphic & web design communication firm
Communication in ink, pixels and electrons™ Wilker Design was based upon the premise of providing excellent quality, creative service and fair price. By adhering to these principles and remaining strongly committed to our clients, we continue to grow as a cost-effective design resource for businesses around the country.
http://www.wilkerdesign.com

Web for Artists. com
The aim of Web for Artists.com is to be another tool for artists to get their work seen in an environment that is tailored to their vision.
http://www.webforartists.com/

dugost.com
The Official Site of Ryan Hutchinson. As if anyone cares.
http://www.dugost.com/

Seattke Web Development & Consulting
Your Full Service Web Design and Development Firm offering custom web design and development including B2B e-commerce, B2C e-commerce, and database driven web applications for small businesses and non-profit organizations
http://www.seawebdev.com/

Origine Creation
Web Designer
http://www.originecreation.com/

Guide Productions
From first concept to media production and deployment, Guide Productions is here to help you develop and implement effective communications strategies. We provide the complete media know-how and tested brand expertise essential to meet your objectives.
http://www.guideproductions.com/

Affordable web site design, web hosting, and graphic design services
KaTasidy provides affordable website design and web hosting along with creative graphic design services. We offer great customer service and are very responsive to client requests.
http://www.katasidy.com/

Third Line Studios
A graphic design, photography, and marketing studio located in West Virginia.
http://www.thirdlinestudios.com/

Monroe Publishing LLC
Graphic design and publishing services
http://www.monroepubl.com/

SIlent 7 Studio
Graphic Design, New Media for the entertainment industry.
http://www.silent7.com/

Photography, graphic design and web design studio
Croatia based design studio dealing primariliy with graphic, web design and photography.
http://www.dgdesign.hr/

lukaluka itu nyata adanya......
It's a wounded web of a silentman named Luka lived in the island of duality sun as a mind whore.
http://www.akuluka.net/

Web design and development from ScnWeb.
Fresh and creative solutions in the following areas: graphic design, professional web site design, custom programming, e-commerce web-development, and consulting services.
http://www.scnweb.com

Ignite Design
Ignite Design is a small design company that specialise in web and graphic design. We offer quality experienced designs at affordable prices.
http://www.ignitedesign.tk

Mazle Communications -- Graphic Design , Desktop Publishing , Commercial Printing
A graphic design business entity that also offers desktop publishing and commercial printing services.
http://www.mazle.com/

CyberMoose Web and Graphic Design
Speciallizing in branding your business on and offline from Web design to business cards. Midland, Ontario
http://www.mooseweb.ca/

Gayle Hurmuses
Media Artist specializing in Documentary Photography and Film, Graphic Design and Event Production. This portfolio site showcases the work of Media Artist Gayle Hurmuses.
http://www.hurmuses.com/

Active Intellect Design
Glamour & Fine Art photography by J C Homola
http://www.theactiveintellect.com

dynamic-e-motion
dynamic-e-motion (d-e-m) provides a unique attractive and elegant Flash design and graphic design in Bangkok (Thailand). d-e-m creates visual impact in advertisement with sensibility, creativity and professionalism.
http://www.dynamic-e-motion.com/

mine graphique, creation et execution graphique
Création et exécution graphique. Sous-traitance sociétés et travail freelance en agence. Réalisation brochures, dépliants, rapports, plaquettes, annonces, affiches... Portefolio sur www.mine.lu
http://www.mine.lu/

Laurel Black Graphic Design, Inc.
Laurel Black Graphic Design, Port Angeles, Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, for award-winning logos, business cards, web design and creative services.
http://www.laurelblack.com/

Computer Design Studio, Inc
Full service graphic design firm specializing in design for printed materials and web sites (including Flash).
http://www.computerdesignstudio.com/

Oliver Gerke
Original artworks and illustrations created by Oliver Gerke.
http://www.olivergerke.com/

Pike Design - Web Coding For Technically Challenged Visionaries (tm)
Web consultant specializing in integrated web and corporate branding. In Northern New Jersey.
http://www.pikedesign.com

Fat Cat Design
Fat Cat Design provides affordable and professional web design at an affordable price.
http://www.fat-cat-design.com

Boyce
Portfolio of the London based graphic designer Mark Boyce.
http://www.markboyce.com/

A1Graphics.net - Custom Graphic Design Services
Custom Graphic Design Services - Illustrations, Cartoons, Logos, Caricatures, Book Covers, Catalogue, Brochures
http://www.A1Graphics.net

ISNM International School of New Media at the University of Lübeck
The ISNM offers a unique interdisciplinary Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Digital Media program, which combines information technology and computer science with natural sciences, economics, arts, humanities, social and applied sciences. The internationally accredited program is entirely conducted in English. It focuses on the latest trends of digital media technology and their sustainable use in a global context.
http://www.isnm.de

NIMASoft Solutions
Official Website of NIMASoft Solutions
http://www.nimasoft.com/

Skyblue Creations
On the web, in front of your customers, at a conference, in the media - you need to be sure your company's image and message are broadcast consistently, professionally and memorably. Skyblue will develop, design and manage your image across all media and channels - on the web, at events, in print, through marketing and advertising. To ensure return on investment in design, we support all our services with dedication, professionalism & originality.
http://www.skybluecreations.com/

Raboo Design: visual communication
We can offer you a fully integrated package from logo design, stationary, web sites and business templates, to multimedia presentations for your business. All these services are offered separately as well.
http://www.raboo.com/

Levant Technologies
Innovative website design and BUsiness solutions
http://www.levantech.com/

www.eon-media.com
Corporate communication productions. Training, marketing, internal communications, Health and Safety films. DVD, web, duplication services
http://www.eon-media.com/

Springbrett
Graphic Design Company based in London and Bergen, Norway.
http://www.springbrett.no/

°°vanhesse°° visual designer
Vanhesse's Personal Portfolio. Vanessa Tundo is Web Designer, Web Developer, Graphic and Print Designer, IT Specialist, Flash Specialist
http://www.vanhesse.it/

Ignite Design
Ignite Design is a small design company that specialise in web and graphic design. We offer quality experienced designs at affordable prices.
http://www.ignitedesign.biz

Komodo Recording Studio
We are a leading recording studio in N. Ireland dealing with location and studio recording. Running Pro-Tools 7 HD for recording and Samplitude for mastering, we deliver a very high quality product. Equipment inlcudes PT HD7, Focusrite ISA 428, CLM dynamics, LA Audio preamps & Audient preamps, Soundfield stereo mic, AKG 414s BULS + TLII, 4000b, D112 and many others. Amps include 4*12 cab, Ampeg SVTII pro all valve bass head + 8*10 cab, organs etc. etc. Please phone to book a free visit.
http://www.komodorecordings.com/

Custom E-Advisor Pages
Custom E-Advisor Pages developes innovative websites and and Internet solutions for financial planners, advisors, wealth management firms and other small - medium size businesses.
http://www.cepadvantage.com/

Website & Graphic Design & Multimedia Studio
Located in Montreal, RED DREAM STUDIOS is a website and graphic design, advertising, and multimedia production company based in Montreal. Other services offered include audio and video post-production, DVD authoring, copywriting, corporate identity packages, and internet hosting. This broad range of services ensures that your multimedia and promotional needs are managed and catered to all under one roof at extremely competitive prices.
http://www.reddreamstudios.com/

Anime Art by Genevieve G. Tan
A web site displaying work by Genevieve G. Tan who specializes in anime and manga style illustrations as well as graphic and web designing. Offers an online shop providing quality products for original gift ideas and for any occasion from anime style prints and t-shirts to cute designs.
http://www.pandapad.com/

VDP Services
Nevada website designs and graphic design: Specializing in small business website design, web design, graphic design, and photo services, we offer fast, personal and quality service to meet your design needs at an affordable price!
http://www.vdpservices.com/

Diablo Passes & Creative
Producer of Backstage Passes, Credentials and supplies
http://www.diablopasses.com/

Fluid Designs
Custom and Contract Screen Printing & Embroidery Comapny. Fully automated with state of the art equipment. Everything is produced in House. Your One stop shop
http://www.fluiddsn.com/

pleasantly progressive design
Independent web and graphic design, desktop publishing, etc.
http://www.pleasantlyprogressivedesign.com/

Riccicedricdesign.com
Welcome to my art gallery, riccicedricdesign.com version 4 full of graphic design, art gallery and illustration.
http://www.riccicedricdesign.com/

Claytowne Graphic and Web Design
Branding and identity services for agressive start ups and extablished companies on the move. Product Packaging, Logo Design, Web Design, Storyboard, Illustration, Copywriting, Tag Lines, Procuct Naming
http://www.claytowne.com/

Paul Kiesche Design
A Design, Illustration & Fine Art Company with a creative edge that delivers effective solutions. A Print, Interactive and Identity Design Firm devoted to keeping design an art form. Fresh and imaginative Illustrations that breathe life into any story or design.
http://www.paulkiesche.com/

www.ibsoftech.com:IBsoftech Provides WebDesign Services,SEO Services, & Application Software
ibsoftech provides webdesign, webdesign services, application software, search engine optimization services E-commerce websites
http://www.ibsoftech.com/

D Graphic Studio
We have extensive experience in providing professional Graphic Design and Web Design as well as other services to various clients. D Graphic Studio, can design and print all kinds of marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, flyers, and posters for you or your business. We can also design and maintain professional websites that can make a huge difference in your business.
http://www.dgraphicstudio.com/

Stormfront Productions - Professional Web Design
Our affordable web design is custom built and created specific for your project's needs. We ensure your customer's experience will be a reflection of your business's mission. Please contact us and let us know how we can help you with your next project.
http://www.stormfrontproductions.net/

Resonant Fish
The artwork of Collin David
http://www.resonantfish.com/

Art 4 Hire
One stop shopping for all of you custom creative needs, Portraits, Murals, Graphic Design, Illustration, Packaging, Fine Art.
http://www.art4hire.com/

T-Bird Entertainment Printing and Graphics
Producer of Backstage Passes, Credentials and supplies.
http://www.tbrd.com/

Orangeglue
Fine art and designs for print, packaging, multimedia graphics, and the world.
http://www.orangeglue.com

ibadge.com
Supplier of backstage pass and credential supplies.
http://www.ibadge.com/

The Parking Lot
Grafic design and branding
http://www.theparkinglot.com/

The Goodness Company
Full Service Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design and Public Relations Agency
http://www.goodnesscompany.com/

The Design & Publishing Center
Featuring DTG Magazine. Includes listing of services and publishing design tips.
http://www.graphic-design.com/

DesktopPublishing.com
Extensive desktop and electronic publishing resource.
http://desktoppublishing.com/

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Founded 1914, NY, USA. For American design professionals. A place to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research, and advance education and ethical practice.
http://www.aiga.org/