Nick Worth

So I had to write a paper for my design class, and I thought that maybe some other self taught designers out there would appreciate reading my paper on the definition of Graphic Design. So if you’re interested, this should hopefully be a good read, enjoy!

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Defining graphic design

The question is; what is graphic design? The answer is very interesting because the definition is different depending on your prospective. This article will attempt to give a clear definition to the term design in reference to graphic design. Exploring the idea of design from the prospective of a designer and a consumer will help to clarify the full meaning of the phrase.

Design is a noun

To the observer of a design piece, design is a noun; it is something they appreciate, like art and brand names. The everyday consumer sees design and can either appreciate it or dismiss it, because in some form or another they are a designer since they have an opinion of what appears attractive as well. They don’t practice design, but they do critique it. The ordinary individual observes the result of design and does not understand the full concept or the work it takes to make the product. This dilemma makes the job of a designer even more difficult because he cannot portray all the handiwork of his subtle markups to the end-user. Often people can view a logo like the Nike swoosh and think it is so simple, but they neglect to see the concepts, originality, and work that went into creating such a marketable brand name and look.

Design is a verb

On the other side of the fence is the designer who works countless hours to earn the appreciation of the recipients of his hard work. Design to a designer is about designing. He must consider his product, demographic, and any other obstacle along the way. The mind of a designer must be consumed with influences of original and thought provoking creations because it is said that “the only way to know the future [of design] is to create it” (anonymous). Design is about communication and the verb, to design means to communicate imagery and a message to the public or a target audience.

Designing a strong design

To summarize, now that you understand the opening statement to the editorial a little more I think you can clearly see how different perspectives can bring about diverse descriptions for design, and or what it means to design. Stating the differences so vividly may raise the question as to why there is not a different term referred to in order to better state these discrepancies but it is my personal belief that design is a beautiful thing and like beauty, its elegance is in the eye of the beholder.