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Updated 11/4/07

Computer Graphic Design

With the widespread use of desktop computers for graphic design in the 1980s, designers no longer had to perform design tasks manually. Computer graphic design also allowed them to take more control over tasks that before needed to be done by others. They were able to accomplish tasks in hours/days instead of days/weeks and with added precision. The 1990s brought a lot of time-saving conveniences and better tools. The common practice of communicating and receiving text files via email meant less meeting time with clients and less typing. Designers were able to download stock photos instantly. USB plug-and-play made computer use much friendlier. More powerful computers and software improved design capabilities. Costly mistakes were avoided with the use of utilities such as pre-flight software. And there were more typeface selections than you could ever use, although some people go overboard by trying to use as many as they can.

Many designers increasingly are using computer graphic design tools to create and better visualize the final product. Graphic designers prepare sketches -- by hand or with the aid of a computer -- to illustrate the vision for the design. After consulting with the client, an art or design director, or a development team, designers create detailed designs using drawings, a structural model, computer simulations, or a full-scale prototype. Computer models allow greater ease and flexibility in exploring a greater number of design alternatives, thus reducing design costs and cutting the time it takes to deliver a product to market. - Bureau of Labor Statistics**

Graphic designers use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create designs that meet clients' commercial needs. Using computer software, they develop the overall layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also may produce promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive company logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems -- called environmental graphics -- for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers develop material to appear on Internet home pages. Graphic designers also produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies. - Bureau of Labor Statistics**

It's important to mention that there is a downside of all this great technology. A person who may not be trained in all aspects of the process now has more control of it. Clients might provide designers with inferior photographs and images, unedited text, and self-produced graphs/charts. But more often than not, they should have used the services of professional photographers, editors/copywriters, and artists. Clients may set unrealistic deadlines, because they believe the computer work is the main function, not understanding that much of the work is conceptualizing, brainstorming, researching, etc. Many people don't even seek the help of a professional designer, thinking that the software does most of the job. Designers can spend too much time on tasks because they get wrapped up in the technology. They might "over-create" a design that ends up being too difficult to print, or at least makes the pressmen's job a nightmare. Because designers can generate concepts faster, they might provide more concepts than are necessary, instead of refining a few key concepts. Both clients and designers can falsely rely too much on the technology -- performing spell-check in lieu of proofreading, expecting that what they see on the computer screen or inkjet proof is exactly how the final printed piece will look, etc.

Even with it's challenges, computer graphic design is a wonderful advancement in the graphics industry. And, fortunately, most designers and clients continue to value skills over technology.

> The Meaning of Graphic Design
> Some Terms Used in Graphic Design
> What is Computer Graphic Design?
> What Do Graphic Designers Do?