Graphic design is a field closely related to visual communication. The task of the designer is not just to “draw nice things”, but to design thoughtful visual messages that effectively reach the recipient. The graphic designer analyzes the needs of the user, selects the appropriate means of expression (typography, colors, graphic forms) and creates a project that pursues certain goals - marketing, educational, informational.
Good graphic design leaves no room for chance - from the typeface to the layout of the elements, everything matters. It is a creative process that is based on knowledge in the field of design, psychology of perception, principles of composition and graphic programs.
The name comes from the Greek word graphikós, which means an attempt to reproduce reality on paper or another plane, which has the function of preserving the presentation of a given situation or transmitting information. So, when we say we need graphics, we mean creating an image that informs the user about something.
Graphics are divided into artistic graphics and design (utility) graphics. Art graphics serve rather to express an emotion, idea or individual vision of the artist - it does not have to fulfill a utilitarian function or adapt to the requirements of the recipient. It is created for aesthetics alone, often includes traditional printing techniques such as linocut, etching, lithography, or digital techniques. On the other hand, design graphics are created mainly for practical purposes, in order to communicate specific content or fulfill specific tasks - it must be readable, functional and adapted to the appropriate audience in terms of aesthetics by analyzing the needs of the client or user.
Graphic design has the task of conveying visual content in such a way that the recipient, even without knowing that he is dealing with a design, easily knows what the message is about and what it is aimed at. The designer should create graphics that not only “are”, but also contain elements important to the audience - it must be well thought out so that the whole thing is coherent and understandable.
By definition - design is “to lay out a plan, think something, develop.” So what assumptions should be taken into account during graphic design? It is necessary to think about what elements are needed by the recipients: what is the meaning of a given color scheme for them, why they should identify with the chosen forms (geometric, circles, drawing, illustration, etc.), how the chosen typography is relevant for a given group of recipients. For the designer, an important element will not only be the functionality, but also the aesthetics of the execution - because only the combination of these two elements directs the recipient to the content and meaning of the project.
Graphic design is a very extensive field and concerns many of the visual elements that surround us on a daily basis. Actually, it would be hard not to surround yourself with these elementals right now, because they apply to everything we use or look at. Below are some examples:
Visual identification - refers not only to the design of trademarks (logos), but also to the color scheme, typography and other elements that create a coherent visual identity for the marketing materials of the company, organization or product;
Printed and electronic publications - tangible projects such as book cover designs and their means, CD or vinyl covers with a disc sticker and booklet added to the disc, all kinds of lifestyle guides, brochures, e-books, magazines, posters and ephemeral printing;
Websites - this applies not only to the aesthetic issue, but also to the user experience (UX) and the design of interfaces (UI) friendly to the audience, that is, easy to use and easy to read;
Illustrations - can be made in traditional or digital form, often needed to complement (for a website, for social media posts) or as the main form of communication e.g. on posters or in graphic novels.
In a world full of visual stimuli, graphic design plays an important role in how we perceive information, products and brands. Thanks to the well-thought-out graphics, we can quickly understand the message, trust the company or simply marvel at the aesthetics. Whether it's product packaging, wayfinding, website, event poster or corporate identity — every well-designed graphic element matters.
Good graphic design is the result of conscious decisions, knowledge of the recipient and the ability to translate ideas into visual form.