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Foundations of Graphic Design
Foundations of Graphic Design
INTRODUCTION TO
GRAPHIC DESIGN
When we look around we find that we are surrounded by a
number of pictures, photos and images. These visuals are
various forms of graphic design. Graphic design is part of our
daily life from simple things such as postal stamps to huge
hoardings and advertisements on clothes, etc. Graphic design
makes it easier to interact and communicate, stimulate mind,
attract attention and provide information to the user in an
aesthetically elegant manner. Graphic design is a major
component of visual communication and it comprises a variety
of communication medium and strategies in order to convey a
visual message to the target audience. These visuals are
representations of thoughts, emotions, ideas and reality.
You have breakfast and you see a ‘logo’ on the milk pack (once
again graphic design!)
You drive a bike and see the ‘traffic signs’ on the road! (Graphic
design)
Figure 1.1 A peacock having
beautiful patterned You open your computer and click on the ‘icon’ (graphic design
design on its feather
again)
The Indian National Flag is the symbol of the land and people of
India. Our National Flag is a tricolour panel made up of three
rectangular panels or sub-panels of equal widths. The colour of
the top panel is India saffron (Kesaria) and that of the bottom is
India green. The middle panel is white, bearing at its centre the
design of the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue colour with 24
equally spaced spokes. The Ashoka Chakra is visible on both
sides of the Flag in the centre of the white panel. The Flag is
rectangular in shape with the ratio of the length to the height
(width) being 3: 2.
Dr S. Radhakrishnan explained about the National Flag
in the Constituent Assembly which adopted it, ‘‘Bhagwa or the
saffron colour denotes renunciation or disinterestedness. The
white in the centre is light, the path of truth to guide our
Figure 1.8 National Flag of conduct. The green shows our relation to the soil, our relation
India
to the plant life here on which all other life depends. The
Ashoka Wheel is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or
satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principles
of those who work under this flag. Again, the wheel denotes
motion. There is life in movement. India must move and go
forward.’’
Figure 1.9 Logos of different industry. When you go to market, you have various choices
international available for buying a product but there will be a few which
organisations will attract your attention, because of its attractive design
and packaging. Packaging design is a part of graphic design
which also has an important role in identification.
Figure 1.12 Textual material The primary requirement for graphic designing is a
with graphics creative mind. Observation, critical thinking and analytical
thinking enhance graphic design capabilities. Traditional tools
such as pencil, pen and brush are absolutely important. Apart
from that, contemporary graphic design requires
understanding of digital tools and technology. Selection of
appropriate tools to address communication solution at hand
is also a key skill in graphic design, and surely a defining factor
for aesthetically appealing design.