Introduction to Graphic Design

• Graphic design is the art of visual communication
• Enina Bicaku wrote the article on November 22, 2023.

Graphic Design in Simple Terms

• It is creating visual content using typography, images, colors, and shapes
• Graphic design communicates an idea/message
• It makes information easy to digest

Fundamentals

• The principles and elements of Graphic design appeal to the eye
• Graphic Design became a profession during the Industrial Revolution due to printing technology advancements
• Digital technology in the 20th century transformed graphic design
• Consistent learning and practice is enough to learn graphic design independently
• Elliot Ulm states that it just a matter of learning the technical elements

Principles of Design

• Contrast emphasizes the differences between elements like color, size or type, enhancing visual hierarchy
• Repetition involves consistently using design elements, establishing recognizable patterns, and reinforcing a uniform visual message
• Alignment is the orderly arrangement of elements to create a clean, sharp design

Elements of Design Principles

• Balance distributes visual weight to create stability and equilibrium, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical
• Space is the area of negative space around and within the design elements, used to define importance, create separation, and achieve lightness and clarity

Design Elements

• Line: Fundamental element to define space, create forms and guide the viewer's eye
• Shape: A geometric or organic element that adds depth to a design used in visually pleasing layouts/patterns
• Color: Powerful design element evoking emotion, setting the mood and conveying symbolic associations
• Texture: Perceived surface quality of a design, adding depth and enhancing sensory experience
• Typography: Selecting + arranging fonts to enhance readability and influence the viewer's perception of the message

Main Types of graphic design

• Brand Identity graphic design involves designing a logo, typography, color schemes, and visual elements to reflect a brand's personality
• The goal is to create a coherent/appealing brand identity that resonates with the target audience
• Brand designers should understand non-visual aspects like brand personality, voice and tone

Marketing and advertising graphic design

• This type of design is used to create various promotional materials like brochures, flyers, posters, banners, social media ads, and more.
• The marketing design goal is to attract, engage and persuade the target audience, staying true to the brand guidelines and visual identity

Web and UI graphic design

• This design creates user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other digital platforms
• Web and UI designers should understand the technical elements of UX + web design, and the limitations/opportunities of each project, working closely with web developers and UX designers

Print and publication graphic design

• Involves designing the layout and visual design aesthetics of print materials like books, newspapers, magazines, and catalogs
• The main goal is to enhance readability, engagement, and make an impression

Packaging graphic design

• Involves creating attractive and informative packaging design for products, to convey the brand personality and distinguish the brand packaging from other products

Motion graphics design

• This includes animation, audio, typography, imagery, video and other effects used in multimedia projects, and is often used in TV, film, video games, and online content

Illustration graphic design

• Illustration is the artsy and creative side of graphics design
• It involves creating original, bespoke artwork for various mediums
• The illustrations can range from book covers and product labels to t-shirt design ideas and social media ads
• Graphic artists use illustration to convey messages or to add aesthetic appeal, and graphic design trends add personalized/artistic brand images for a handmade and human appeal

Environmental or experiential graphic design

• This practice merges graphic, architectural, interior, landscape and industrial design
• Designers create visual experiences relating to an existing environment
• The goal is to connect people to places and make their experience memorable, engaging, and informative
• Businesses recognize the value of creating immersive brand experiences, surging interest in the design field

Graphic Design Process

• Briefing and understanding the client's needs are discussed in client meetings to determine goals/requirements while creating a project brief
• Research and Analysis is to conduct market research to investigate industry, competitors and target audience
• Conceptualization and ideation involves brainstorming ideas and creating mood boards to explore directions/themes
• The Design development and refinement cycle uses prototyping and mockups to solidify ideas with design software, and allows for revisions based on client feedback
• Final production & delivery where complete final revisions are prepared, conducts quality control, delivers final design files to client, then provides feedback session for improvement

Tools and Frameworks

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Trello, or Asana for project management
• Feedback Tools: InVision, Miro, or Zeplin for designs and collecting feedback
• File Management: Dropbox or Google Drive for storing files
• Typography Resources: Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts
• Stock Imagery and Icons: Shutterstock, Unsplash, Pexels, Flaticon

Graphic Design and AI

• In 2024 industries and processes are altered with Al
• Al-powered tools automate mundane tasks
• Tools can be used to create design briefs or research industry standards and competitors

Careers in Graphic Design

• Considering a career in graphic design requires education, qualifications, tools, and skills
• Potential employers/clients want solid portfolios demonstrating skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities from design projects
• Experience wise, internships, freelance work, or any practical design experience is highly beneficial

Tools and graphic design skills

• Proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is fundamental with design tool averaging $60/month
• Essential skills include communication, collaboration, research and problem-solving, and to understand client needs, presenting ideas effectively

Design Resources/Influencers

• Chris Do of The Futur is for business-oriented design education
• Debbie Millman provides deep dives into design and brand strategy
• Youtube Channels like The Futur with Chris Do,Envato Tuts, and Satori Graphics offers tutorials and helps creatives success
• Robin Williams wrote the ''The Non-Designer's Design Book''