The intention of this article is to give a brief introduction to graphic design for all those people with high creative potential. So, read on and you will learn everything you need to know about it.
Graphic design: An element of life.
Introduction to graphic design
La introduction to graphic design which we will enjoy along these lines, will give us the necessary reasons to encourage our creativity. In the same way, when we finish reading this interesting article we will recognize that graphic design is an element of life.
What is graphic design?
Graphic design is a discipline through which we conceive, program, project and communicate a visual message to a certain group of viewers. In this regard, it is important to mention that for this we mainly use industrial means.
What is the function of graphic design?
A fundamental aspect within the introduction to graphic design it is, without a doubt, the knowledge of the function that it fulfills. Thus, our main objective is to convey a message to a specific audience, through the most effective communication channels.
In this regard, the graphic designer plays a fundamental role in achieving this objective, since it is he who combines the aesthetic with the functional of design. Additionally, we must warn that graphic design constitutes a form of persuasion, which acts directly on the psychological field of people.
In the following video we show you 10 things you should know if you want to be a Graphic Designer.
https://youtu.be/3sngQ2A30Iw?t=32
Core items
Graphic design combines a series of aspects that, together, influence people's interest, taste and motivation. In this way, in order for him to fulfill his role, the graphic designer must correctly manipulate the following elements:
Visual language
Visual language uses images and graphic symbols through which we transmit a message, which is directed to a specific audience.
Visual comunication
It is the phenomenon by means of which the understanding of the images that transmit a visual message occurs, and which causes a stimulus reaction in the receiver.
Visual perception
It refers to the way in which the individual perceives what he sees and that, in turn, generates an internal sensation in him.
Ressources
Graphic design resources are those that facilitate the understanding of the message, through the retention of information.
Technology
It refers to the correct use of technological tools during the design process, in order to optimize results.
Media coverage
They are the channels through which the message will be transmitted. In addition, the design process depends, to a large extent, on the availability of them.
Fields of application
Every day there are more areas where graphic design is applied successfully. Among them we can mention the following: advertising, cinema, television, industrial design, web page design, packaging design, among others.
In this regard, the field of application is oriented towards three large areas, such as: publishing, commercial design and corporate design. As for publishing, this refers to the design of reading material, such as books, newspapers and magazines, while commercial design is what we know simply as advertising.
Finally, corporate design is responsible for establishing the identity or corporate image of a company or institution. In addition, it covers the entire signaling system of the same.
Differences between a design and a good graphic design
In principle, a design is the description of an object that can be done either through words or through strokes, spots, colors or drawings. While graphic design refers to the production of visual objects in order to convey a certain message.
Additionally, another characteristic that differentiates graphic design from any other type of design is the visual appeal and aesthetic balance that it offers. In this regard, it is through the combination of both elements that we try to capture the user's full attention, in order to persuade them to purchase a product or perform a specific action.
Graphic design and color theory
As we have mentioned, one of the main objectives of graphic design is to capture the user's attention to a specific message. In this regard, color plays an essential role, since it is capable of provoking emotional responses in people.
In such a way that it is essential that the graphic designer knows the meaning of colors, together with their main characteristics, including: tone, saturation, and brightness. Thus, we can say that the tone is the color itself, while saturation refers to the purity of the color, based on gray.
For its part, brilliance is the luminosity of the color, that is, it corresponds to the ability of color to reflect the sum of all colors. Finally, below we will establish the meaning of some of them.
Blanco
Generally speaking, white is associated with purity, innocence, peace, and the positive. Similarly, it is the color that represents the highest level of brilliance; additionally, it allows the tone of a color to be lowered, changing the psychological effect it produces on people.
Black
Black is a color full of mystery, because while it represents darkness, that is, the total absence of light, it is also a symbol of elegance and, in its maximum brilliance, it is associated with nobility. However, it is also associated with evil and impure.
Grey
In principle, gray is the result of mixing white and black, which is why it is considered a transition color. Additionally, it represents the absence of energy, as well as it is associated with sadness and melancholy, and with luxury and elegance at its point of balance.
Yellow
Basically, yellow is a warm, luminous, jovial and, at the same time, intense color, which represents strength, violence and arrogance. Additionally, it is widely used to symbolize the need for liberation.
RED
Red is a high intensity color that should be used in moderation, as it represents extreme passion, brute force, sexuality and eroticism. Additionally, it is associated with the beginning of life; However, when it is mixed with other colors its meaning changes drastically, until it is related to frivolity and even tyranny.
Orange
It is a warm-toned color that can be perceived in different ways, depending on the dose in which it is administered. In this way, it can cause a stimulating effect in moderate levels, but in large portions it is highly daring; additionally, combined with black it means conspiracy and deception.
BLUE
In general terms, the color blue transmits calm, serenity and rest; furthermore, it is related to intelligence, eternal life, and truth. However, mixed with other colors, it can symbolize both placidity and purity, as well as intolerance and despair.
Violeta
Violet is, par excellence, the color that is associated with emotions, reflection and spirituality. However, when combined with black it becomes the symbol of misery, and combined with white, it represents death and pain.
Verde
Green is the color of balance, hope and nature; in addition, it represents reason and logic. On the other hand, it expresses a marked need for appreciation and respect; additionally, it is a color that is related to love, peace and youth.
Brown
Brown is a masculine color, which is balanced and comfortable. However, it is also often associated with the old, the outdated, the dirty and the ordinary.
Colors and Web Design
Once we have finished the tour of the main effects that colors cause in human perception, it is important to note that they also influence the level of attention that users pay to a Web design. In this way, the best recommendation we can offer is to use a mix of tones that is harmonious and does not exceed the limit of four colors at the same time.
On the other hand, within the design of Web pages it is also important to consider, as we mentioned before, the tone, saturation and brightness of the colors. Well, these are elements that help to achieve a more attractive visual effect and, therefore, make the graphic designer achieve the desired level of attention from users.
Graphic design and technology
Since the emergence of graphic design there have been many advances that have occurred; in such a way that, today, it goes hand in hand with technology. In fact, nowadays, the graphic designer is a professional who must stay at the forefront in the computing area.
In this regard, it is important to clarify that the management of specialized programs is not enough, but it is also necessary to know how to combine them with the fundamental principles of design. That is, apart from correctly handling a series of programs and languages such as: Flash, Front Page and the HTML language, it is essential to have knowledge of the basic elements of design and color theory, among others.
Finally, if you want to dedicate yourself to graphic design, you cannot stop reading the article: Computer for Graphic Design The best of 2020! It will work as an introduction to graphic design.