Graphic design work is everywhere you look. It’s on the packaging that you see in grocery stores and other retail spaces. It’s on t-shirts and clothing, business cards, book covers, television and street signs. It’s an ever-present part of our environment that people seldom pay close attention to, even though the history of graphic design is thousands of years old.
Graphic design has an interesting history of its own. Beginning with our early ancestors drawing pictures on cave walls and rocks, it has morphed into the digital dynasty that it is today. The term graphic design was coined in 1922 by William Dwiggins, and since then, the industry has grown to embrace other types of art, including typography. In its infancy, the work performed by graphic designers was all done by hand, either sketched art, or painted art. Today, visual artists have digital tools to work with, though some prefer to work with more traditional tools while creating a visual identity for a business or product.
Right now, the industry is teeming with designers from all skill levels and backgrounds. They are in demand, and the internet has opened up a whole new line of opportunities. Web design is a form of graphic design, and a skill that’s as important as the internet itself. Businesses rely on designers to create their brand image, and are willing to pay a hefty sum to get the right look and feel for their website. This translates to visual artists earning substantially more than they have in the past, and makes for a bright future for anyone interested in this age old industry.
The below, created by our internal whiteboard animation services team, is a fun & educational look into the history of graphic design.
