Graphic design utilizes
images, text, form, line, and space - both positive and negative – to visualize
and communicate ideas. I believe good graphic design is functional,
aesthetically interesting and effectively communicates to the viewer. A good
designer must be skilled in problem solving, visualizing ideas, and educated in
the techniques, rules, and history of graphic design.
The first printing press
marks a time in history when graphic design started to gain form and momentum
into becoming what it is today. However, by using my own definition above I
believe that there are much earlier pieces of art that could be considered the
beginning inclinations of graphic design, such as the hieroglyphs of Egypt or
the illuminated manuscripts of the Early Roman Empire.
As I stated above, it is
important for a graphic designer to know the history of design. I would go
beyond this and say that it is important for a graphic designer to have
education on all of art history. Many Graphic Design styles are reminiscent of
other art forms from history, and following the printing press; art movements
often influenced the graphic design of the time. Having a good knowledge of art
and graphic design history also fuels the fire of aspiring and professional
designers; if you have a good knowledge of the past you have the information
and ability to build upon what others have done before you and to further the
practice and history of graphic design. The other benefit of knowing your
history is that you will not repeat the mistakes of others; instead you can
learn from their mistakes and refine your own technique and ideas. As Philip B.
Meggs stated:
“If we understand the past, we will be better able to
continue
a culture legacy of beautiful form and effective communication.
If
we ignore this legacy, we run the risk of becoming buried in a
mindless morass
of a commercialism whose mole-like vision
ignores human values and needs as it
burrows forward into darkness.”
Studying and understanding
the designs of others, both past and present, will give me exposure to new and
different ideas that I would not have had on my own. Using the past as a
reference I will be able to strengthen my designs and to hopefully create more
effective work.
