Graphic design or visual communications is the use of typography, graphics and layout to enhance the readability and effectiveness of a message in a visually pleasing way.
History
Graphic design was developed along side written language. The early use of "graphics" in cave art, hieroglyphs and early writing was the beginning of graphic design. Advancements in civilization like the invention of paper by the Chinese, the printing press by Gutenberg and the development of the computer all affected the development of the art of graphic design.
Further Definition
Graphic design differs from fine art in its purpose and product although often the lines are blurred between the two disciplines. There is communication of an idea in art; however graphic design is more purposeful in its use of the elements of design to communicate a message. Both are capable of being enjoyed for their aesthetic value alone.
Products
Whatever is man-made has to be created. Whatever humans create has to be designed. If in the product there is visual communication, then the graphic design process has been employed. Printed materials like newspapers, magazines, books, advertisements, greeting cards, stationery, business cards, packaging and a multitude of other products are considered graphic design.
New Media
With the development of the computer and an assortment of graphic software, there are relatively new areas of graphic design. Web design, multimedia presentations, PowerPoint, computer animation and all kinds of interfaces between man and machine, such as the graphics on touch pads for bank machines, are produced by graphic designers.
Employment
Graphic design jobs are both technical and creative and can fall anywhere in between. A production artist gets files ready for print, while a high end graphic designer does corporate identity and logo design. Some graphic designers are employed to design websites that require both technical expertise and creativity.
