Why Graphic Design Is Web Design
Graphic design basically is visual problem solving using text or graphical elements. Your aim is to create something that is catchy to the eye, and gets the attention of the viewer. But things can’t just look great. They have to work as well.
Web-based applications have brought graphic designers closer to software development projects than ever before. Because the buttons, menus, and other screen elements of a web page are not standardized, there is vast opportunity for a graphic designer to influence how a site will look. This is often tied in to the branding efforts of a web site. As such, the graphic designer is tasked with deciding how best to portray the values of a company through the use of color and layout.
Today, Graphic design is practiced in various fields of media, distributing its effective message through logos, graphics, signs, brochures, posters, and other type of visual elements. Main industries include this creative work of art in media are websites, print, advertisement, publication, digital media, motion pictures, animation, product design, packaging, information signs, etc.
In 1980 the advent of desktop publishing and of design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Fireworks put the power and flexibility of the computer at graphic designer’s fingertips. Designers for the first time were easily able to control images and create 3D images using the computer. Computers are now considered to be an essential tool in the graphic design industry.
The use of graphics has become suitable and feasible since 90’s, as the internet speed increased noticeably and internet browsers being capable of viewing large images. Graphics used by websites are logos, banners, advertisements, navigation buttons, etc. in gif format and in addition modern browsers today supports jpeg, and swf formats as well. This makes websites much more attractive and outstanding, rather then plain text content.
The basic requirements to become a computer graphic designer include good creative abilities, good computers skills, and good communication skills. Computer graphic design helps graphic designers complete their tasks faster and easier. They can smoothly translate ideas into visual imagery, save it onto their computers and edit it whenever changes are needed.
Graphic design is in high demand these days because it can be applied anywhere like print, films, animations, and computers. To be a graphic designer, one needs to get particular training. The key to a graphic design is that it communicates the message well while being aesthetically appreciated. A good graphic design can attract viewers and do wonders.
8 Comments, Comment or Ping
A u d e e
I agree with you Ryan.
Graphic design speaks visually and being universal accross the globe.
Great writings!
Apr 4th, 2008
liz
Nice article on some of the basics about Graphic Design, but I don’t see much support for your statement that “Graphic Design is Web Design”. While the two fields sometimes do overlap (especially in today’s world where companies love the idea of getting a two-for-one special in an employee who has experience with print and the web), there is still a distinct difference.
A Graphic Designer *could* have web experience, but the title really applies just as much to someone who works with print only - folks who design book covers, packaging, magazine/news layouts, t-shirts, posters and other pieces of visual communication.
Just because a designer knows how to effectively communicate information doesn’t make them a “Web Designer”. The constraints (both visual and technological) for the web are a far cry from print. Even if charged with visuals only, a Web Designer still needs base knowledge of how webpages are put together, just so they don’t make the developers crazy with impossible ideas.
Anyways, great article - you should just rethink that title!
Apr 4th, 2008
Ryan
liz- very true but the point I was making is that web design has come so far its like creating print now. Just look at the css gallery sites its so much more than simple html.
Apr 4th, 2008
virtual assistant 08
This post surely contains about the basics of graphic designing. This justifies why does graphic designing emerged as a profession especially within the IT industry. And that’s it! Can’t find anything more.
Apr 10th, 2008
link builder 08
This post affirmed the idea that the world can’t go on without graphic designing. Imagine how boring will it be? It’s horrible….. nope, not the post, the world without designers!!!
anyway, speaking of the post, you’ve got a nice one here….
no matter what others had said….
Apr 10th, 2008
Justin (pusha)
I see the titles “graphic designer” and “web designer” interchanged so much in my area and it seems that with every year that goes by these two jobs become even more closely related together. Might I add though that I’m talking about people who aren’t particularly familiar with the intricacies of our industry. The truth is though that the industry is mostly driven by the clientèle. I can see the use for these to jobs to be completely separate in the highest levels of design agencies, but in the medium and regional commercial levels of design I think that the only thing seperating one discipline from the other is a little bit of technical knowledge and computer skills. Although I do live in Miami and am still trying to explain to clients that there IS a difference between a “Web Designer” and a “Web Developer” and that almost no one is both. This city is so far behind!
Apr 14th, 2008
graphic designer
I agree with link builder 08. Graphic designer are indeed a big part in putting things to life with their exceptional views on art they can make simple things looks good.
Apr 25th, 2008
Reply to “Why Graphic Design Is Web Design”