Graphic Design: Overview of the Field

Name: Graphic Design: Overview of the Field
Author: Joe Tury

Learn how images and text are used in combination with tools, software, and technology

Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 3 lessons.

Course: On-Demand

Hello. In this lesson we will take a closer look at what the term graphic design means. Graphic design in its purest definition is a form of visual communication. Its purpose is to convey a message and can be done with a variety of resources and techniques. Those who are proficient with graphic design commonly use photographic images, graphics, illustrations, texts, colors and shapes, and possibly a combination of any or all of these in both print and digital formats in order to create visually compelling messages. Strong graphic design can be serious, playful, business-like, or casual. It could be very loud and bold or very laid back and subtle. Whatever method is chosen good design is always done with a purpose and never randomly. Graphic design can be thought of as a form of art and every good artist knows how to capture the attention of their intended audience. It's mainly used for marketing purposes, but can also be used to draw attention to an idea. Most people tend to think of graphic design in terms of images and graphics. However, graphic design heavily relies on correct color combination and Strong's typography skills. Colors play a large role in conveying emotions and correct font choices and type layout can mean the difference in a message being delivered or discarded. Now that you have a slightly better idea of what graphic design is, let's take a look at how it is utilized at a common convenience store. Some of the first things that will grab your attention are the sign out front with a convenience store logo on it, the business name on the building, ads in the window for items in the store, the color scheme of the building, fuel pumps, and perhaps the ice machine and a banner with sale items on it. On the inside, every item on the shelf has packaging or labels. In the refrigerated area, you will see many beverages that are labeled and packaged as well. You will see branding for fountain drinks and various snack signs for where the cash registers are, and of course, you will notice where the restrooms are and those can be seen either by words or just graphic images and all of these things were purposely created by a graphic designer. In this first exercise, think about a grocery store, a department store or maybe a pet supply or office supply store. First, write down all the graphic messages that you see on the outside, including words, colors, and shapes. What are some of the graphic messages that you see in the parking lot? What do you see when you first enter inside? What type of signs and messaging do you see around the store that are not specifically for sale items? What about the containers or carts used to carry the items? Are there any messages or graphics on these items? Are there any digital formats of messaging around the store? Once you understand what graphic design is, you will notice how often it is used in our everyday lives. In the next lesson, we will discuss how images and text are used for messaging.

Beginner Provider : Joe Tury 3 Lessons · 10m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

Graphic design is a term that many people have heard of, but that few fully understand. It is like any other technical skill in that it requires training and practice in order to fully appreciate the complexity involved. There are many avenues in marketing that require graphic designers and a wide variety of tools that can help designers to conveying their message.

In these lessons, you will get a clearer understanding of the term “graphic design” and what it actually refers to. You’ll be given examples of how design is used in visual communication, and you will learn about the most basic tools used in design, along with some commonly used software and other helpful tools favored by designers.

What You'll Learn

Understand the full scope of what "graphic design" means and what the term actually refers to
Recognize how graphic design is used in everyday circumstances and visual communication
Explain what graphic designers use to create and convey messages
Identify the most basic tools used in design, along with commonly used software and other helpful tools favored by designers
Examine how graphic design communicates messages through examples

Key Takeaways

Graphic design is a technical skill that requires training and practice to fully appreciate the complexity involved.
Many avenues in marketing require graphic designers, supported by a wide variety of tools that help convey their message.
Graphic design is used in visual communication, and the course provides examples of how design serves this purpose.
Designers rely on basic design tools as well as commonly used software and other helpful aids to create messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this course cover?

It gives a clearer understanding of what "graphic design" means, examples of how design is used in visual communication, and an introduction to the most basic tools used in design along with commonly used software and other helpful tools favored by designers.

What will I learn to do by the end of the course?

You will understand the full scope of what "graphic design" means, recognize how graphic design is used in everyday circumstances, and explain what graphic designers use to create messages.

What lessons are included?

The course includes three lessons: What Graphic Design Means; How Graphic Design Communicates Messages; and Graphic Design Tools.

What skills does this course relate to?

It relates to Communication Design, Graphic Communication, Graphic Arts, Graphic Design, Presentation Graphics, and Visual Design.

Is this course suitable for someone new to graphic design?

Yes. It is designed to give a clearer understanding of the term "graphic design" and introduces the most basic tools used in design, making it suitable for those wanting to fully appreciate what graphic design refers to.