What is design?
Design is a plan for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system. It is a pattern, such as an element of a work of art or architecture. It is the composition of a work of art. As a profession, it is the creative process that focuses more on the intention or purpose of a piece than the design or art for art sake. The shape or appearance given to an object is secondary to its function. Design is usually considered in the context of applied arts, engineering, architecture, and other creative endeavors that consider function over form. Nonetheless, good design is paramount to the interaction and usability of an object to its user or audience.
What do designers do?
“Designers solve problems, both visually and practically. What drives their work is the concept, the big idea that elevates a project into something unexpected. Finding new and better ways to communicate is the designer’s goal.” (AIGA website, the premiere graphic designers professional organization in the United States)
Graphic designers work with drawn, painted, photographed, or computer-generated images (pictures), but they also design the letterforms that make up various typefaces found in movie credits and TV ads; in books, magazines, and menus; and even on computer screens. Designers create, choose, and organize these elements—typography, images, and the so-called “white space” around them—to communicate a message. Graphic design is a part of your daily life. From humble things like gum wrappers to huge things like billboards to the T-shirt you’re wearing, graphic design informs, persuades, organizes, stimulates, locates, identifies, attracts attention and provides pleasure.
Graphic design is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas. The designer works with a variety of communication tools in order to convey a message from a client to a particular audience. The main tools are image and typography. Designers work in a variety of fields including: graphic, interior, fashion, floral, advertising, residential and industrial.