Graphics
Graphics refer to images, diagrams, illustrations, graphs, and diagrams. Mostly the term ‘graphics’ is used to describe digital visuals. It includes creating visuals that can be further used to make layout and templates. They are used in digital devices or for business purposes. They can be in the form of different font styles, colored shapes, vibrant images and curved lines. These are created on graphic design software.
Graphic Designs
The different elements of graphics are then used to create layouts, themes or aesthetics. The complete layout and theme using elements and components of art is referred as graphic designs. For example, posters are created using different shapes, fonts, color patterns, etc. Therefore the creation of posters is created using different elements of art.
Graphic design is a means of communication using graphics. That’s why it is also referred to as visual or communication design. It communicates ideas, plans or information. It is used to create attractive designs for engaging visitors and viewers. They can be used for web development, advertisements, posters, game design, logo design, etc. The individuals who create them using different graphic techniques are ‘graphic designers’.
Graphic Design Types
There are two types of designs: vector and raster. Their applications and uses may vary according to the purpose.
Vector Graphics simply uses vector elements like lines, points, curves or mathematical equations. Vector graphics create graphic designs that remain clear when resized or readjusted. It does not have much variety of colors.
Raster Graphics simply uses pixels to create graphics. The quality of these visuals is bounded by the pixel count. They become blurry when resized. They offer a variety of colors. They are used in the form of JPN, PNG, or GIFs.
Graphic Design Elements
Different elements of Graphics create a single Graphic design. There are some major elements or styles that are used widely. Such as; shapes, color patterns, typography, illustrations, Minimalism and corporate designs.
Color Patterns: Color Patterns: Wisely use of color patterns creates a strong impact on viewers. Combinations of different colors are used to make engaging elements. Graphic designers use a combination of subtle, bright and contrasting colors depending on the purpose.
Typography: Typography refers to writing text in different styles and arrangements. Typography is not only used for aesthetics. It is mainly used for conveying messages in a certain tone or emotion. The arrangement, style, and color of the text determine whether the text is welcoming, playful, action-oriented, or professional.
Illustrations: Illustration uses images, color patterns, and texts to create an impact on the viewer. Images are used to create a story-like pattern to engage viewers. It uses images specifically designed to convey a certain message.
Minimalism: Minimalism promotes the idea of ‘less is more’. It uses elegant and simple visuals with light color patterns to convey a message. It attracts the viewers with its decent artistic styles. Minimalist aesthetics are now trending in the field of Graphic design.
Corporate Design: Corporate designs are used for business purposes. It is used for creating a company. It uses a specific color scheme depending upon the company or business. Corporate designs are friendly to its users. A complex corporate design creates a negative impact on the audience.
Graphic Design Software
This software consists of tools to create and edit images and visuals. These software are used to make attractive and engaging visuals for the viewers. In the era of the digital world, different software is created and used for multiple reasons. Here are some of the most used software:
Canva: It is the most used Software. Canva offers friendly-to-use tools with easy accessibility. Users can use different designs or create their own. It can be used for designing posters, thumbnails, cards, presentations etc.
Adobe Photoshop: It uses a raster graphic design. Adobe Photoshop allows users to edit and create photos using different tools. The layering of images makes it more useful. It also contains retouching, adjusting lighting, blending, brush tools, typography and filters and effects.
Adobe Illustrator: Adobe Illustrator creates vector-type images and components. It has special tools that allow the creation of logos, posters, business cards etc. Designers can use pen or other tools to allow precise drawing. It can also be used to create 3D images with different color patterns and textures.
Pixlr: Raster-type images are made by Pixlr. It allows users to easily upload the image on Pixlr and use its editing tools. It has different editing tools like layering, resizing, color adjustments, filters and effects.
Sketch: Sketch uses vector-based designs. It allows web designers to create interfaces, icons and other visual components for a website and application. Sketch consists of tools that allow users to create more useful and attractive designs for customers, viewers, web users.
For new users, learning of such software may be a little difficult and time-consuming. However, consistent learning may result in well-developed skills. Skilled Graphic designers are not dependent on just one software. Every software is specialized for certain tools.
Best Practices
There are some practices to keep in mind as a graphic designer. These practices will make designs look more engaging and innovative.
Target audience: Visuals should be created with the target audience in mind. Such visuals should be used which makes it attractive and engaging for the target audience.
White space usage to color break: Too loud or too complex colors make visuals cluttered and complex. Such visuals are not engaging. Giving a color break is always a good idea by using white colors.
Color Pattern & Color Balance: Maintain color patterns with consistency. It creates a subtle effect that looks eye-catching to users.
Use of Contrast to highlight: in subtle color patterns, designers can use contrast colors to highlight something important or useful for the viewers. Using contrasts caught the eye of viewers to a certain message or idea
Engaging Typography: Typography is not just a text. It is the arrangement and style of the text that gives rise to certain ideas, emotions or tone. Bold typography highlights key headings for user`s guide. Whereas subtle and plain texts can be used for giving information without any visual clutter.
Conclusion
Graphic refers to the creation of images, diagrams, illustrations, graphs and diagrams. Using graphics to create a design for a specific purpose is referred to as graphic design. It can be used for business, informational and commercial purposes. Designers use different elements to create an engaging visuals. In the digital era, the demand for graphic designs is rising. Typography creates an impact on viewers, making it engaging is important. Strong graphics have the potential to bring customers, viewers, or buyers. Different graphic design software are now developed like; Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop etc. The effective use of these software can result in visually striking designs.