What is Graphic Design? Definition, History, And Trends of 2024

Graphic design has been with us since ancient times. Centuries ago, it looked like cave paintings—now we see it on billboards, social media, and other online and offline areas.

To understand design better, it's important to not only know its definition and purpose, but also its history. Read further to discover how graphic design developed and the latest design trends in 2024, from retro-futurism to AI.

What is graphic design?

Graphic design is a branch of design and fine arts dedicated to the creation of visual content that efficiently communicates various ideas and messages to a target audience. It encompasses a wide range of mediums, including print, digital, and multimedia, and involves the skillful manipulation of typography, imagery, color, and layout. Graphic design plays a crucial role in shaping brand identity, conveying information effectively, and evoking specific emotions or responses in viewers.

FAQ: What does a graphic designer do?

A graphic designer creates visual concepts with the help of software or by hand. The goal of these concepts is to inspire, inform, persuade, or communicate different ideas. The process of working on a design project can include researching, brainstorming ideas, and coming up with a mood board and the right atmosphere for the visuals, e.g., futuristic or retro aesthetics. Only then does the creator move to designing the visual itself.

History of graphic design

Here are the main periods of graphic design history:

First visual language

Thousands of years ago, people created the first visual designs while painting cave walls. The oldest known cave painting is called "Pettakere," and it was created in Sulawesi, Indonesia, about 35,000 years ago. To this day, scientists aren't completely sure why people made these paintings, but the most common assumption is that they were a way to communicate before the invention of writing.

When people invented writing, they were using symbols to represent words. This early way of writing shows that we naturally use visuals to convey complex ideas and is considered one of the foundations of modern graphic design.

Signages

Heraldry is the system used to describe and regulate coats of arms, which are often considered the first logos. These coats of arms were symbols of family homes or lands.

During the Crusades, soldiers displayed their coats of arms on their armor and flags—this helped them distinguish each other and quickly spot allies. The coats of arms usually had a certain meaning and value behind the visual, similar to modern logos.

Industrial design and print advertising

With the invention of the printed press, people started seeing books and newspapers differently. Printed materials also became more accessible, allowing more people to communicate and get information. This, in turn, contributed to the development of logos and advertising.

Before the printing press, logos were just simple marks on company documents. After that, they were used to help distinguish different brands from each other. The ads during that time often introduced people to certain products or services and, therefore, were considered very important.

Modern design era

In 1993, Paul Rand, who is now considered one of the founding fathers of graphic design, talked about the true essence of the discipline. In his opinion, design is not just about putting things together; it's about adding value, meaning, and beauty. Later, in 1947, Paul Rand wrote a book called "Thoughts on Design," which focused on how to make logos both good-looking and deliver a key message.

However, Paul Rand wasn't the only influencer of graphic design during that century. Another of the period's big names is Bauhaus, a German school founded in 1919 that combined crafts and fine arts. Bauhaus followed the "less is more" principle, which inspires many designers even today.

Graphic design these days

Today, we’re witnessing the era of computer graphics design. The release of Adobe Photoshop software in 1990 massively changed the workflow of designers across the globe. Before Photoshop, creators rarely blended different types of visuals, such as photos, illustrations, and CGI elements. Now, however, it seems completely natural.

Modern designers are skilled in using different offline and online tools and technologies. Design these days is more diverse than ever, embracing futuristic aesthetics, retro vibes, and even mixing them. For instance, retro-futurism art is one of the popular design trends that presents the future based on how it was imagined decades ago. Check out an article on retro-futurism on Depositphotos to delve into this graphic design trend.

FAQ: Is it hard to be a graphic designer?

This largely depends on your character and skills. Being a graphic designer can be difficult as you need to be creative, have technical skills required for the job, and keep up with the latest trends and software advancements.

Top 5 design trends: from retro graphic design to maximalism

1.Retro graphic design

Retro and retro-futuristic aesthetics will continue to be popular in 2024 and beyond. According to statistics, even though most of Gen Z were very young (or not even born yet) in the 1990s, 37% of them say they feel nostalgic about this decade.

That's why you can expect to see more bright and colorful designs with bold gradients, vibrant colors, exciting textures, and traditional fonts this year.

2.AI visuals

In 2022, around 20% of organizations reported adopting artificial intelligence (AI), and in 2023, this statistic grew to over 30%. That is why, even though some creators are wary about this technology, graphic design and AI will continue to go hand in hand.

With the help of AI tools, designers can quickly create visuals that would've been really hard to make manually, and these tools keep getting better with time.

3.Abstract 3D

Abstract 3D design is all about making experimental and artistic three-dimensional visuals. This year, designers will use abstract 3D elements to make designs that really stand out—3D models, animations, and virtual reality imagery.

4.Clean layouts

They are the opposite of rough and edgy designs and are focused on keeping things simple and minimal. Such visuals focus heavily on fonts and have plenty of empty space. They are already trending and will be used in the upcoming years to create designs that look neat, classy, and approachable.

5.Maximalism

Maximalism and its branch, cluttercore, appeared in response to the minimalism trend that has been and still remains popular in graphic design. The maximalism trend encourages designers to create visuals that are bold, colorful, and attention-grabbing. They can use thick lines, bright colors, and lots of overlapping graphics to make a statement.

FAQ: What are five examples of graphics?

These can be logos, posters, infographics, illustrations, and packaging designs. These visual elements are used across different platforms and devices to deliver information, capture consumer attention, and improve communication.

To sum up

Although graphic design received recognition and definition as a separate discipline after the 1900s, it has existed for ages. From ancient cave paintings to illuminated manuscripts, from early typography to modern digital design, the principles of graphic communication have always been present in human history. Understanding its roots and evolution is crucial to grasping its significance in shaping human communication and expression.