For a long time I never thought the title “web design” was remotely equivalent to “graphic design.” In fact, the idea of a web designer seemed to me as someone who knew how to program a site and to make it functional online. I was completely wrong. There is so much more to web design that allows the word “design” to grow to it’s full potential.
A Brief History
First we need to look at what graphic design is in our day in age. Easily put, graphic design is the use of balance, contrast, emphasis, proportion, proximity, repetition, color, light, texture and many other elements to create a work of digital art that is pleasing to the eye. From that definition we can see that graphic design is simply using hierarchy to share particular information in a way that the reader can understand and enjoy. As I was looking at the history of graphic design and trying to apply it to web design, I found some interesting information that ties graphic design and web design together.
Grids
Grids are structure imposed on chaos. You must always have a grid structure when working with any form of design. It’s interesting to see that only recently, web developers and designers are using a grid system in their sites. I have seen the web as a very “boxy” medium and I almost feel like you can’t break the grid when working in the web. Steven Snell describes using grids by saying,
“Designers of all types (web, print, etc.) are constantly facing issues involving the structure of their designs. Web designers are increasingly turning to grids to control the structure of web pages, and grids have long been used extensively in other design mediums. For many designers, grid-based design is still somewhat of a mystery.”
I think that this makes graphic design along with web design very exciting. We are still learning how to communicate and it allows us to continue to grow.
Solving Problems
Now that I’ve discussed the need for a grid, we need to understand that graphic design is not just organized information into a grid, but it’s much more than that. Through several years of experience as a graphic design student at Brigham Young University–Idaho, I have found that the graphic design industry has a plethora of jobs and skill sets. In fact, I’ve had a difficult time choosing the thing that I must enjoy in graphic design.
Graphic design can be easily describes and “making something look pretty.” I can agree with that statement. But it is also communicating something beyond just looking nice. There can be so many hidden jewels in a work that requires someone to look beyond what they see, but to intellectualize the ideas that are being portrayed. Everything in a graphic design work should come together in perfect harmony within the piece. An article by Greg Quinton states,
“Graphic design is about solving problems using design to communicate the solution. The solution can be subjective and there is always more than one option, but selecting the right one can make a real and positive difference. If a picture can say a thousand words, imagine how many words a well-designed poster could communicate. It could convey a message that will stay in the mind for years.”
What makes a Graphic Designer
When going into the work place, there are several things that need to be addressed. I would first like to discuss the idea that a graphic designer needs to communicate not only in print and web, but also in person. When getting a job or meeting with a client, people skills are essential. How is it possible to sell your work of art without selling yourself in the process? Your work should describe you and you should describe your work. This can be done through trust and respect.
In today’s world graphic design is perceived by many as being a fun, artsy, stress-free job where you sit and draw pretty pictures all day. The truth of the matter is, graphic design isn’t always so glamorous, and it certainly isn’t a ride in the park. Like any job, the days can be long and the workload piled up to the ceiling. You must put yourself in this situation as someone who can handle himself or herself well. You must be flexible and will to work with others. Anyone can use Photoshop, or Illustrator, but you need to show your boss or your client that you can use it well.
Combine the Elements
Throughout the research of this paper I found a quote that helps me to see how a real graphic designer is born. It says, “A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.” This was written by Louis Nizer. Reading into that quote a little more I found that a designer, whether it be in web or print must put more than just the organization on the page, but must use his ideas to coordinate with his feelings to create a masterpiece. And what is a masterpiece?
It gives the person who sees the work an experience that communicates exactly what you wanted them to see. The last few months I have seen in a new light since I began designing for the web. It’s a different medium, and I think is a different industry all together. But I can also say that the same principles of graphic design and visual communication are being used in the web, and it takes a real graphic designer to use them correctly and allow the reader to accurately understand what is being taught.
In Conclusion
The industry is changing and we need to be on board. The web is become an even greater resourse for good graphic design. This will allow us to build our portfolios and jump on the train to new ideas and media.
