Graphic Designer Definition

A graphic designer is a professional who combines art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects. Graphic designers create the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. With the evolution of digital media, their scope of work has expanded into website design, video game design, and beyond. 

Graphic Designer Definition Summary List

• Creates visual content for communication.

• Utilizes software for design creation.

• Blends art and technology to convey messages.

• Crafts layouts for print and digital media.

• Collaborates with clients or coworkers to meet specific needs.

• Follows design trends and adapts techniques accordingly.

What is a graphic designer in broader terms?

In simple terms, a graphic designer is someone who specializes in "graphic design." Graphic design is an art combining design, text and images to accomplish a goal, which can be a business or personal goal or just to be aesthetically pleasing. It is called an art because there is a wide breadth of creativity a graphic designer must draw upon to create great designs. Just like other forms of art, unfortunately, there is bad graphic design and great graphic design and everything in between. The judgement of graphic design can be subjective, though businesses may choose to rate it differently and according to business objectives.  It's important to keep in mind that graphic designers may work for businesses, which is probably the majority of their work, but they can also work for non-profit organizations and personal projects for individuals. 

The work of a graphic designer can be very complex as it may cross and intersect with other areas, such as marketing, branding and advertising. But even this definition is much too simple, as a graphic designer must have learned or at the very least be familiar with many bodies of knowledge like the mentioned. Aside from that, a graphic designer must know how to use different types of software and tools and be familiar with industry terminology, not just in graphic design, but marketing, branding, business and print. This is especially important in communicating with the various industries, such as professional printers, agencies, marketing departments and personnel and more, or for just doing your best work for a small business who may not be familiar with the mentioned but you want to fill in that gap and make the best graphic designs. A  very experienced and knowledgeable graphic designer is indeed an encyclopedia of graphic design and related disciplines gained through formal education, experience and skill.

The Role of a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers solve problems and communicate through visual content. This can include typography, photography, iconography, and illustration. The field is considered a subset of visual communication and communication design, but the term "graphic design" is often used synonymously.

Graphic designers articulate ideas and information through visuals that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They work to make the organizations that hire them recognizable and prominent by selecting color palettes, fonts, photographs, and layout designs that visually communicate a specific message or identity to be used in advertising and promotions.

History and Evolution

The term "graphic design" first appeared in print in the 1922 essay "New Kind of Printing Calls for New Design" by William Addison Dwiggins, an American book designer in the early 20th century. However, the origins of graphic design can be traced back to manuscripts and ancient civilizations' artifacts, including the Egyptians' use of hieroglyphics, which combined words and pictures.

Throughout history, graphic design has evolved alongside technological advancements and cultural shifts. From the printing press in the 15th century, which made books more widely available, to the rise of the internet in the late 20th century, which has transformed how we consume visual information, graphic design has continually adapted to new media.

Principles Used by a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers may use principles that help them achieve effective compositions.  These principles include balance, alignment, contrast, repetition, proximity, movement, and white space. A thorough understanding of these principles, combined with creativity and innovation, allows graphic designers to produce designs that are aesthetically pleasing and effectively communicate their intended message. 

Although, designers are not bound by these principles, as experienced graphic designers mostly don't even think about principles as they may or may not have become second nature, so to speak. Some graphic designers just know when they're on the right path and it can be instinctual. Without a doubt, they are guided by the knowledge they have learned through formal education and experience. Do not undermine the value of a formal education in art and design. 

As an experienced graphic designer, I can tell you that it is also beneficial to learn about business, marketing and advertising. As most graphic designers are hired for projects or as employed by businesses who want to excel in their branding, marketing and advertising. 

Graphic Designer's Tools of the Trade

Today's graphic designers rely heavily on software and digital tools. Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator is among the most widely used by professionals, but there are so much more. These tools allow for precise control over the elements of design and provide a vast array of possibilities for creativity. However, traditional tools such as sketchpads and drawing instruments still play a vital role in the conceptual stages of design. 

Areas of Specialization in Business

Graphic design encompasses several specializations, each focusing on a specific type of media or industry. These include the below but are in no way limited to the list below. 

• Print Design: This involves creating visuals for printed materials like brochures, posters, and business cards.

• Web Design: Designers in this area focus on creating appealing and user-friendly websites.

• Motion Graphics: This specialization involves creating animations and other visual effects for television, movies, and online.

• Branding and Identity: Designers create a visual identity for companies and products, including logos and branding materials.

• User Interface (UI) Design: Focused on designing user interfaces for software and devices, aiming to maximize usability and user experience.

Keep in mind, that the business industry is not the only industry that hires graphic designers. A graphic designer can work in various industries such as greeting cards, apparel, weddings, movie and film, television, wallpaper, textiles and so much more. 

Freelance Graphic Designer's Process

A graphic designer's process typically involves several stages, from concept to completion. It begins with a brief from the client, followed by research and brainstorming by the designer. Sketching and conceptualization come next, leading to the development of the final design. Feedback and revisions are an integral part of the process, ensuring the final product meets the client's expectations. 

This process mostly applies to freelancers, graphic designers working for agencies usually have much less interaction with the client, in some cases, none at all, as all interactions may have an intermediary, such as a client account manager. Graphic designers that work as employees, may or may not be involved in any of these steps, depending on the structure of the business and whether or not they have a marketing department or personnel, or the involvement of other key decision makers, such as managers, vice presidents, presidents or owners.

Graphic Designer's Career and Industry

Graphic designers have various career paths available to them. Designers can work in advertising agencies, design studios, in-house for companies, as freelancers, or even start their own businesses. The demand for skilled graphic designers is high in many industries, including advertising, publishing, public relations, and media.

The industry continues to evolve with technology, leading to new opportunities and challenges. The rise of social media and the increasing importance of mobile and virtual reality devices have opened new avenues for digital and interactive design, requiring designers to continuously learn and adapt.

Graphic designers specializing in 3D, virtual reality, and/or motion graphics are always in high demand and one of the highest paying professions, and yet there are very few of them. 

Ethical Considerations and Social Impact

Graphic designers often face ethical considerations in their work, including issues of copyright and representation. They have the power to influence public opinion and behavior, which comes with the responsibility to use visual communication in a socially responsible manner.

Furthermore, graphic design plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Designers can influence the production process, materials used, and the lifespan of the products they create, thereby impacting the environment.

Graphic Designers are Always Evolving

Graphic design is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that intersects art, technology, and communication. Graphic designers not only make products and communications more aesthetically appealing but also facilitate the transmission of ideas across a wide range of mediums. As visual communication continues to expand with the advancement of digital media and virtual reality, the role of graphic designers becomes increasingly complex and integral to the fabric of society. Through their creativity and technical skill, graphic designers shape the way.