2019: The Year in Graphic Design

Even before alphabets and words were created for communication, sounds and symbols were used for the same purpose. Visual learning and representation have always been emphasized as the best way to deliver a message. Designing gives a visual form to the words which creates a much stronger impact than words alone.

Graphic Design- Then and Now

The term graphic design might be relatively new – coined in 1922 by William Addison Dwiggins– but its origin dates back to the cave era. All the information that human wanted to transfer and spread across was put on a stone in the form of shapes, pictures, symbols and more. The invention of papyrus, the oldest form of modern paper gave a new way to express the information. In the later era, more elaborate manuscripts were created which formed the basis of the current language system prevalent across the globe.

The invention of printing machines gave a wide reach to books and other media of spreading information like posters. This then led to the development of the advertising industry which merged graphic design and art to create visually rich and impactful print material.

Twentieth Century onwards, graphic designing evolved to become an industry in itself. It found application in not only print media but also digital. Today, Graphic designing is treated as a process of visual communication and problem-solving encompassing the usage of typography, photography, and illustration. It finds its application in branding, corporate logo designing, designing books, magazines and papers, advertising, web design, and more. communication design, product packaging, and signage.

The Digital Twist

The computer, with its army of software, entered the Graphic Designing industry to change it forever. Using computer-aided technology, Computer graphic designers could now manipulate and combine words, images, colours, various typography and sound to portray exactly what they want and the way they want. Modern graphic design covers all spheres of human life which are related to visual communication, starting from books and posters to sophisticated mobile applications or 3D animation. Moreover, Graphic Designing today focuses on people’s digital experiences given the fact that technology plays a major role in everyday life. From smartphones to an array of electronic that respond to voice, gesture, and other sensors, the graphic design addresses the nature and visual form of people’s interaction with digital information and devices. User experience (UX) and User Interaction (UI) form the core of how technology will be used by people effectively.

What makes a great Design

Line – A line might seem like a simple thing, but it defines how the elements of a design will be presented. Lines are effectively used in connecting content, creating space between elements or providing a central focus.

Colour – Colors represent the various moods, emotions, personalities and create different effect on those who are viewing a design.

Texture – Texture adds depth to graphic design. It can be used to accentuate particular areas in a given design and give a unique visual appeal to it.

Shape – There are three basic shape types – Geometric (Circles, Squares, Triangles etc.), Natural (leaves, trees, people etc.) and abstract (icons, stylisations and graphic representations). Most of the shapes in graphic design are a resultant of how these types are mixed and matched.

Size – Varied sizes are used to highlight the importance of various elements in graphic design. Sizes of elements are chosen to portray balance, proportion and contrast.

Space – The way the elements are arranged in a design, the spaces between them define the complete design. It gives a flow or rhythm to the design.

Value – Value decides the brightness or darkness of an area in a design ranging from the darkest of blacks to the brightest of whites. Te correct usage creates depth, contrast and emphasis.

Trends that defined 2019

3D Typography Design – With the growing demand for VR, realistic style effects are gaining popularity and 3D Typography rules the list. 3D typography adds extra depth making the design seem like they are ready to pop and one can’t help but reach out to them. These effects can be applied to a wide range of fonts and almost all available editing software. While some feel that readability can be an issue at places, but almost all agree that they still look great.

Asymmetrical Layouts – The layout technique is a tough one to master, but when done right, it creates designs that are worth the efforts. Asymmetry talks about the lack of equality between two halves of a design which can be subtly balanced to crease-out the same. These layouts are different from the rigid and predictable symmetry grid, generating curiosity among viewers who love to guess where the design flow takes them next.

Open Composition – This trend translates freedom in true sense for designers. No boundaries, no frames, no limits. Just pure imagination. The elements in a design are loosely bound to each other giving a feeling that they might be drifting away or coming closer. The design gives a feeling of being a part of a bigger picture igniting curiosity.

Metallic Colors – Colors add life to whatever they touch. Same goes with designs too. Colours complete a design. Changing trends give rise to new colours and shades that are born out of not just an experiment, but a keen understanding of what people want. Metallic colours and effects trended this year. Gold, Silver, Copper and their various shades added a new dimension to the designs that spoke of richness and exclusiveness. These lustrous colours put up a mesmerizing show depending on the way the light falls on them.

Fluid Effect – Soft water currents have a soothing effect and that is what fluid effect brings to a design. The trend gives a lot of freedom to designers who experiment with the viscosity combined with open-composition giving each design a distinct appeal.

As we enter into a new year and a new decade, the design will continue to evolve and incite us. The trends will change again, some making a comeback and some entirely new. Whatever be the case, graphic designers will continue to transform trends into real pieces of design.

On that note, here’s what our in-house designers have to say about the love of their ‘professional’ life: Graphic Designing!

“Designers have the creative power to understand individual minds and create interesting conversation by shaping their crazy imagination with Design Elements.” – Amol Kamble, Manager Designing Team

“Graphic Design is Visually expressing the collective idea of a designer and the client. Nothing beats the thrill to be able to express ideas in the best way i.e. Visually”- Mayur Koli, Senior Graphic Designer

“Graphic design is art, it is all about imagination that is visualization. it involves a combination of images and text used to communicate information and messages to an audience. It is a creative and systematic way to represent the things and information” – Priyanka Rajage

“Graphic design is art with a purpose. It involves a creative and systematic plan to solve a problem or achieve certain objectives, with the use of images, symbols or even words.”
– Deepanjali Jena

“A graphic designer creates visual concepts either by hand or by using computer software to communicate ideas to consumers. A graphic designer is responsible for creating the layout and production design for applications like reports, advertisements, magazines, brochures, etc.”-Asha Bange