Graphic Design is...
TNTOM70
"Graphic design" is the name or term used by most accredited universities that
offer an extensive program in the visual arts. Most graphic designers in the
professional world earn a BFA-Bachelor of Fine Arts and some further their
education with an MFA-Master of Fine Arts. The program of study is the visual
arts known as "graphic design" in the professional world. Most students of
design take the basic fine art courses--drawing, color theory, 3D design,
painting, advanced drawing- (anatomy) and art histories--and elective courses
like lithography, intaglio, printmaking, photography, oil painting, watercolor,
sculpture, ceramics and book arts. Most major coursework for design students
involves--typography or lettering, layout, mechanical drawing, illustration
techniques, concepts in design, advanced courses in typography and layout,
computer courses, history of design, design in society, self-promotional
courses and finally the PORTFOLIO course or senior exit.
The portfolio class usually is an extensive class where the student chooses a
realistic design project-the professor of the class acts as the art director of
the project. The purpose is to create your best work to show in your "book" or
portfolio. We were allowed to only take "portfolio" during the quarter--because
of the work load. At my particular college, midterm grades were determined by
all of the professors critiqueing your work together in an open session which
is open to the student body. New ideas surface on the table and different
directions can be explored. Overall, each professor grades you on quantity,
quality and creativity--it was stressing to have to give reasons for choices on
type, color and layouts. But it made us stronger designers--to give reason for
our designs rather than just saying it looked good.
The project is usually for a hypothetical company or event. Some portfolio
projects could be to: design a logo and apply to letterhead, business cards,
brochure, advertisements and an annual report; design a typeface and apply it
to various projects; an illustrated poster series for a festival; music cd
covers and promotional material like t-shirts and hats.
My senior portfolio project was a signage system for an Australian zoo. I
designed/illustrated some animal symbols, logo, booklet, boomerang, stickers,
tee-shirt, calendar of events and a brochure. The project was fun, educational
and well-received at interviews during my job search.
There are magazine publications one can read to learn more about the "Design"
world. Graphic design publications that are notable in the industry include:
Print Magazine, HOW Magazine, CA-Communication Arts, Graphis and Step-By-Step.
Illustrators, photographers, copy editors and graphic designers all collaborate
to produce work for print, multi-media, environmental, and web-based projects.
You will see these titles listed as credits in many of the publications.
Graphic Design can be subdivided into other "specialized" professions such as
Environmental Graphic Design--signage systems used in the environment--highway
signs, museum and zoo signage, theme park and restaurant signage; Package
Design--cd covers, packaging in general--food labels, wine labels, clothing
bags, can drinks, boxed products; Product Design--exterior design of three
dimensional devices--computer hardware, toothbrush, furniture, cd player, etc;
Web-design--designing "graphics" for the web--a new coined term in the
professional field is "Web Architects" (web design really is an organization
build of information, graphics, and photography. The navigation design is
important for a pleasant experience) I am involved in print and web design as a
graphic designer/illustrator.
Graphic design was an unknown term to me until my sophomore year in
college--little did I know that I was surrounded by it everyday. I liked to
draw ever since I was a little kid. I was on yearbook staff in high school and
did various art-related projects for the school such as t-shirts and
illustrations. Now I am a designer and I love my job. So if you even have the
slightest interest check into this field and learn more about design--there are
many specializations. I hope this was enlightening to whoever had questions
about the field of graphic design. As a famous designer once told me I will
pass on, "Keep the passion" and have fun.
I am thinking of writing a brief handbook on graphic design based on my
personal experience and knowledge of the field. Directed toward recent
graduates of design and anyone interested in graphic design as a subject
matter. If it inspires only one person somewhere out there, it will be well
worth the effort. At my senior presentation in college a graphic design student
approached me and told me my work was the reason she was in the design
program--that was an awesome feeling! This will stay with me the rest of my
life. I am trying to achieve this same feeling via this handbook.
Let me know if you think this is a worthwhile cause. E-mail your comments.
Pursue your dreams and good luck. Sincerely,
tntom70