The Graphic Design - Report Example

Author’s name Instructors’ name Course Date Abstract The following paper assesses the impacts of digital revolution in the graphic design. The objective is to have an in-depth analysis of how technology has impacted on designing in various ways. The assessment wishes to answer questions of whether digital revolution has been beneficial or not to both designs and the entire industry. In this relation, a brief overview of digital revolution has been outlined. The paper has concentrated on textual explanation. The benefits of these revolution especially graphic designers have been outlined before a concluding paragraph to summarize the entire paper. Introduction According to Thomas et al (1998), digital media refers to any type of media which is encoded in a format which is machine readable. Computers are used to distribute, create, modify, and view as well as preserving digital media. There are different computer software and programs used in digital media such as digital imagery, websites and web pages, digital video and digital audio among others. Some of the questions that are intended to be answered in this assessment include: The role of digital media/ technology in graphic design The impacts technology has in the industry The benefits of digital media in graphic design In this respect, digital revolution has brought a lot of changes in the graphic design and has influenced this artistic work tremendously. According to Bers (2012), communication has also been widely included by digital media. This includes the way people impart, receive as well as process information, more so in graphic design. Therefore, technology has brought new opportunities for both designers and their clients and has acted as a tool of exploring new information, spatial and experiential possibilities for graphic designers. An overview of the digital revolution Since the inception of first computer, the computing storage and power has grown at a fast rate. The ability of accessing, modifying, storing and sharing information has been made easier to millions of people through the use of Smartphone and personal computers. A lot of many digital devices now have ability of transmitting, creating and viewing digital media. These include digital cameras as well as drones Thomas, W. J., & Crittenden; B. D. (1998).Digital media has transformed the entire society of the 21st century in a massive way, only comparable to social, economic and cultural transformation of the printing press. The impact can be felt especially on the economic front where it has changed from being an industrial economy into being an information based economy. This has been termed as the digital revolution or the information age. Many scholars have tried to come up with suitable definitions of this transition. The transition has its pros ad cons in equal measures but more weight is vested on the positive impact of digital media in communication. This aspect cannot be compromised. The revolution has brought about new ways of creating and reinventing new contents in designing. It has allowed designers to be more creative in their presentations and generally revolutionizing the whole industry. Impact of Technology on to Graphic Design Technology has been integrated in almost every part of the human life. It has revolutionized many aspects in daily operations Arntson, A. E. (2012). Designing has widely been elevated by the advanced technology in the world. Digital age has increased opportunities and ability for designers in their work. Despite having a number of negative impacts on different industries, technology has taken designing into another level that makes it easier for designers to carry out their drafting in a more conducive environment. However, it s advisable to look at both of these sides and make a convincing conclusion on the impact of technology in designing. According to Thomas et al (1998), it is evident that the world is now in the middle of technological revolution. It has changed the way people do communicate, how items are bought and the whole aspect of socialization. These changes have been observed in the last decade in different aspects. It is again true that if there was no amalgamation of programs such as Quark Express, Autodesk Maya as well as Adobe Photoshop are some of the complexities of digital pieces that would never be experienced. In addition, technology has not only affected the way work is designed or created but it has changed completely the way design work is presented. Many current designers have one or more online platforms with which they use to present their artistic work. Some of these include facebook, blogs or even twitter. In these platforms, designers are able to showcase their talents or share thoughts, Arntson, A. E. (2012). This could also be just a portfolio site where they use as source of publicity. Digital technology has been appealing to many designers due to the fact that they can share their work with no limitations of the quantity or quality of their presentation. This has also been attributed by the way designers play around with technology such as use of animation, interactive multimedia pieces and so on. Bertol (2004) suggests that portfolio sites have played a great role in acting as safe platforms where designers can get critique of their work, something that assists them to advance and improve. However, designers have been blamed in different quarters for using portfolio sites to exercise plagiarism. There have been these claims in the internet community. This calls for better understanding and respect of copyright rules. The end result is the backlash of some sites due to imitation and copying of design works done by others. In addition, technology has been predominantly used in creation and designing of work in the graphic design areas. A good example of technological influence in graphics design is the creation of motion graphics nowadays. This has been observed in the last decade after the inception of digital revolution. There have been introduction of various programs which have enhanced graphic design in a number of ways. For instance the incorporation of programs such as ‘Adobe After Effects’ have ensured that there is an increase in productivity especially in the motion industry. Bertol (2004) observes that this is because it helps designers in creating animations within a short period of time, as opposed to the use of traditional analogue in designing. At the same time, other digital programs have also changed the way workflow is increased for designers. Design mocks are conducted within a short time unlike many hours which were being spent in arraigning pencils compositions. Technology has also changed the way designers publicize their work. In the past years, designers mostly relied on word of mouth to make their work known and ensuring they became popular. However, in today’s situation, designers can use different websites to advertise their work to be seen by millions of people worldwide Boden, R. H. (2009). This has changed the time taken for a designer’s work to be embraced by the entire community or simply to be appreciated. Through websites, designers are therefore able to make more commissions. At the same time, most of these website have sections where the viewers can rate the services provided, thus enhancing the level of and standard of designers since the higher the website is rated the more the work contained is appreciated by the public. According to Bertol (2004), despite the advance level with which digital media has placed design work, some designers have been creative enough to integrate both traditional as well as digital mediums in their work. Bers (2012) observes that April Greiman happened to be the first designer to fully make use of computer in her work his of design layout. Some of the techniques in designing seen today are credited to her due to the efforts and exploration she applied in the use of computer programs. The designer used technique which is viewed to bring some chaos on a screen (Cresswell, L. 2004).The images are portrayed deliberately as containing mistakes to bring out energy in her work-a technique that was not being used by that time. It is from such efforts that designers are able to unpack and analyze a piece of work as well as more information on layering, provided by computers. However, it is evident, according to Bertol (2004) that there is an uprising against art work which has been over digitalized. The popularity of print based media of traditional in nature is growing since designers are striving in relation to the type of imperfections which was a common place before the revolution of digital media. This aspect can be observed when one looks at creative works where in some cases there are enough overlays and textures in creating implied use of traditional media. The problem is that creative directors ask themselves is why can designer simply create traditionally. In such cases a viewer is left to believe that an image has been screen printed due to the use of overlaying texture. As mentioned above digital revolution has played a great role in developing the way people communicate in the current world. This has also helped a lot in design work. Most of design work is nowadays received through electronic means such as the use of emails, portfolio among others. In last years, designers relied on the response of client’s through telephones and if such conversation failed, the designers were made to lose commissions. However, the use of emails has helped, in that an email will be read by company representatives, though this may not by instantaneous Cresswell, L. (2004). This feature has the ‘Out of Office Auto Replies’ that assures a designer or client that an email has been noted and could be replied later. However, many feel that email is not considered a personal way of delivering information. It brings some issues especially in terms of quality aspects of design work. Sometimes a client is not able to express these issues through emails, thus bringing confusion on both parties. Further, typography has been reinvented due to technological developments, such as the use of motions in graphic design. This can be witnessed on daily basis such as in the static images of texts which are thrown on TV screens from one point to another especially in advertisements or information broadcasts. This aspect has been used by designers to connect a viewer with the message being portrayed. According to Xavier (2003), digital technologies have also reinvented the 3D effect in design work. In the past decades, before the digital revolution designer used their hand to sculpt 3D models while puppets were used in films to bring out visual effect. However, Computer Aide Design is now in place of all these methods. Designer are nowadays able to use software such as ‘Maya or 3D Max’ in creating artwork that is never possible if hands were used to bring out intended visual effect. Characters can as well be manipulated as designers want, by the use of 3D software. Another aspect of change in designing is the interactivity. Through digital revolution, designers are able to come up with pieces that enhance interaction between people and things they see on screens. In this way, designers have been able to involve the viewer in a more price manner. A good example is the video games where designers are able to involve a viewer and make his work interesting. At the same time, in the online platform, a viewer can easily click on what he wishes to see and get involved Cresswell, L. (2004). Therefore, ease of interactivity has made it easier to communicate and socialize in the world. An indication of how interactivity has become popular among many people in the society is the high sales of some software such as the ‘Adobe Flash’ as well as growth in advertisements and applications. That means that interactivity has undoubtedly become an important part of the graphic design. There are many areas of graphic design which have changed but this is not the case with illustration! Compared to other aspects, illustration has not been completely changed by the digital revolution. In some cases, traditional medium is evident and design work is still rendered using pencils and inks. Wagner et al (2010) observe that digital illustration can also be seen but it only covers a smaller percentage compared to integration of traditional styles of illustration. A good example is the concept art where drawings are mostly created loose and also freely using hands. This is because it is easier for some designers to bring out their own ideas using hand drawn images than drawing, scanning and then sending their work electronically. This technique is also applied in animations where images are hand drawn to perfections before being subjected to 3D development. Ken Garland Advice on Young Aspiring Designers As a British renowned designer an s well as a photographer and a writer, Ken Garland also educates aspiring designers on how they should approach the industry. According to Ken Garland (2012), He has vast knowledge in designing dating back from mid twentieth century. In his interview with designboom, in December 2013, he gave advice to young potential designers by saying that they should first acquire necessary skills which should foster their career. Gaining necessary skills in designing is the most important aspect for any forward looking designer. He sates that designers should also try to have sympathetic clients who understand what it takes for their needs to be meet. Reliable associates are also helpful in boosting designer’s dreams. Good working conditions for designers go a long way in motivating young artists Ken Garland (2012),However, he emphasizes on the need to follow one’s passion with proper training in producing artwork that is appealing to clients. The Benefits of Using Computer Aided Design For many years, designers, including engineers as well as draftsmen had been struggling to finish their design work in time. The submission of manual drafting had always been late due to long time and effort in completing and compiling the end result. However, the introduction and advancement of technology have made this become a thing of the past. Cresswell (2004) asserts that today, editing or drawing new materials or updating is done at a very short period of time (Ken Garland, 2012), Coming up with correct shape, line, scaling or measurement was a headache to designers. Therefore, there are many advantages associated with the use of computer aided design as opposed to manual drafting. These advantages have been outlined below. Drawing to Scale This is one of the major benefits brought about by computer technology in designing. In this connection, designers are able to come up with accurate designs within a very short period of time. Further, drawings can be created in both 2D and 3D and also be rotated. At the same time, the programs used in computers can be linked to design software. This is not the case when one is using manuals drafting in his work since one need to determine the scale of his view before he starts to draw. According to Wagner et al (2010), this scale must compare both the actual object and the model which already drawn on the sheet of paper. If a designer is using Computer Aided Design, then one only need to consider the units that are applicable before choosing the ratio which is normally 1:1. Organizing Drawing Information The use of CAD is also helpful in organization of information when designing. If a designer is using manual drafting, he separates the information onto an individual transparent overlay. For instance when designing a building plan, it may have separate overlays for its plumbing, electrical as well as structural components. However, Iuppa (1998) contends that contrary to this, when one is using CAD, layers are always equivalent to transparent overlays. A designer can edit display or print layers either in combination or separately. A designer can go ahead to name layers which is helpful in tracking content. At the same time, in order to avoid altering layers, he can lock them. Xavier (2003) observes that a designer is required to comply with the industry’s standards. Further, by doing do, he only needs to assign settings of linetype, lineweight as well as color in his design. A designer can easily organize his drawing objects for plotting purposes through the use of layers. This means that all drawings or objects in his work are plotted in the same manner. Laying Out the Drawings The process of laying out drawings is made easy when one is using Computer Aided Design. However Balsamo (2011) states that if one is using manual drafting, he needs to select a sheet which has already been preprinted with borders and blocked tittles. The next step includes locating the views’ plans sections, elevations, as well as other details. This is the moment that a designer starts to draw. Wagner et al (2010), contend that the use of CAD, involves first drawing a design or model in a computer working model known as model space. The next step involves creating the layout from that model through the use of paper space. The drawing is therefore represented in the layout which usually has the dimensions, title blocks. Establishing Standards of Drafting CAD usage makes it easy for a designer to conform to the standards and styles as per the company or the industry. At the same time, he can be able to apply these styles consistently in his future design work. One can easily create linetypes, lineweights, dimensions or texts by establishing common characteristics of each feature. This could include height, width, or slant of texts among others. According to Ken Garland (2012), a designer is able to save such styles, layouts, title blocks or layers and using them as template in his work. It means that he can easily be able to used drawings that conform to certain standards through these templates. In the use of manual drafting, a lot of accuracy is needed in coming up with lintypes, lineweights and other features. Again, a designer should bring out designing as required and then be applied consistently through out his work. This is a tedious work in whichever way one looks at it. It takes a designer a lot of time and efforts. Efficient and Accurate Drawing Xavier (2003) explains that if a designer is drawing manually, then he is forced to use tools such as pencils, compasses, parallel rules, scales, erasers among others. A lot of editing and repetitive tasks are done manually. However, CAD, a designer can easily among the tools which have been given to create or draw lines, curves and so on. Copying, rotating, offsetting or moving an object is made easy. This ensures that efficiency in design work is maintained as opposed to manual drafting. In addition, in order to ensure that accuracy is maintained , in manual drafting, a designer is suppose to be more careful in sizing and aligning his work. For those objects which are drawn to scale, they must be verified manually to compare with the actual objects. However, accuracy is maintained and assured in the use of CAD, where a designer can apply several methods in order to obtain correct dimensions. The most commonly and easiest method is by snapping an interval in a grid which is rectangular in shape. He can as well specify correct coordinates by locating x and y points along both axes. Any point can be located by snapping including the use of angles in specifying distances. These methods ensure that accuracy is affected in drawing. Viewing Drawings The resolution and size of a designer‘s work or drawings can easily be changed with CAD. However, if one is using manual drafting, both resolution as well as size of his drawing is fixed. At the same time, if a designer wishes to do detailed work with the CAD, then he can zoom in and increase the display size, or out to show more of his drawings. Further, one can move his drawings by panning without adjusting the magnification Cresswell, L. (2004).These features ensure that a designer can comfortably have an enjoyable working environment. This process is invaluable if a designer is working on a large designing project such as a health spa plan for a company. Creating Texts and Dimensions Designing using the CAD helps designers in creating associated texts and dimensions of a layout on the paper space. In this case, these dimensions are tied to the underlying model. At the same time, changes in the model can be automatically updated depending on the dimensional values. Some of the standard types of dimensions include radial, ordinate, baseline, linear and more. Further, one can easily review the content, size, font rotation as well as spacing of the text in notes and dimension Balsamo, A. M. (2011), However, this is not the case in the use of manual drafting where if one was to change some part of the drawing, then this must be erased followed by redrawing of dimensions. The changing of text could include re-lettering of the entire drawing. It is thus clear that the use of CAD helps in easing the process of creating dimensions as well as texts in designing. Modifying Drawings In drawing, revisions and changes are part of any project. This applies to any method used including CAD or manual drafting. If one is doing his drawing on paper, then he is forced to erase and then redraw in order to make some changes in his work. If a designer is using CAD, he can easily make use of available tools to edit his work. Therefore, according to Bertol (2004), the tedious work of manual editing is eliminated if one is using CAD. If a designer wants to copy one or all parts of his work, he can do so without necessarily redrawing. At the same time, if there is any error made, one only need to redo to change such error. The modification process of the existing objects can be enhanced by rotation, stretching, scaling mirroring and more. A designer can as well change the linetype, color, layer or lineweight at any given time. Conclusion The above benefits, changes and developments as well as criticism of digital revolution influence in graphic design, simply indicate the magnitude with which this is felt by many designers. However, it is arguably correct to point out that digital revolution has had an immense impact on graphic design and continues to do so as technology changes day by day. There is need to be more creative in coming up with innovative ways of presenting their work as well as taking advantage of technological developments. Bibliography Arntson, A. E. (2012). Graphic desi6n [sic] basics. Boston, MA, Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Adrian Shaughnessy, (2012). Ken garland: structure and substance. London, Unit Editions. Balsamo, A. M. (2011). Designing culture: the technological imagination at work. Durham [NC], Duke University Press. Bertol, D., & Foell, D. (2004). Designing digital space: an architect's guide to virtual reality. New York, Wiley. Boden, R. H. (2009). A comparative analysis of computer technology in graphic design education and graphic design employer expectations. Thesis (M. S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Technology Education and Construction Management. Cresswell, L. (2004). Product Design: Graphics with Materials Technology. Oxford, Heinemann Educational Publishers. Bers, M. U. (2012). Designing digital experiences for positive youth development. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Georg Flachbart, Peter Weibe Disappearing Architecture: From Real to Virtual to Quantum. tuttgart Frankfurt/M Berlin. ZKM publications Springer. Thomas, W. J., & Crittenden, B. D. (1998). Adsorption technology and design. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. Xavier, C. (2003). Web technology & design. New Delhi, New Age International. Iuppa, N. V. (1998). Designing interactive digital media. Boston, Focal Press. Wagner, I., Stuedahl, D., & Bratteteig, T. (2010). Exploring digital design: multi-disciplinary design practices. London, Springer. References Arntson, A. E. (2012). Graphic desi6n [sic] basics. Boston, MA, Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Adrian Shaughnessy, (2012). Ken garland: structure and substance. London, Unit Editions. Balsamo, A. M. (2011). Designing culture: the technological imagination at work. Durham [NC], Duke University Press. Bertol, D., & Foell, D. (2004). Designing digital space: an architect's guide to virtual reality. New York, Wiley. Boden, R. H. (2009). A comparative analysis of computer technology in graphic design education and graphic design employer expectations. Thesis (M. S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Technology Education and Construction Management. Cresswell, L. (2004). Product Design: Graphics with Materials Technology. Oxford, Heinemann Educational Publishers. Bers, M. U. (2012). Designing digital experiences for positive youth development. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Georg Flachbart, Peter Weibe Disappearing Architecture: From Real to Virtual to Quantum. tuttgart Frankfurt/M Berlin. ZKM publications Springer. Thomas, W. J., & Crittenden, B. D. (1998). Adsorption technology and design. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. Xavier, C. (2003). Web technology & design. New Delhi, New Age International. Iuppa, N. V. (1998). Designing interactive digital media. Boston, Focal Press. Wagner, I., Stuedahl, D., & Bratteteig, T. (2010). Exploring digital design: multi-disciplinary design practices. London, Springer. Ken Garland (2012), "Last Things Last", Eye magazine (82), retrieved 10 February 2014 Read More

Impact of Technology on to Graphic Design Technology has been integrated in almost every part of the human life. It has revolutionized many aspects in daily operations Arntson, A. E. (2012). Designing has widely been elevated by the advanced technology in the world. Digital age has increased opportunities and ability for designers in their work. Despite having a number of negative impacts on different industries, technology has taken designing into another level that makes it easier for designers to carry out their drafting in a more conducive environment.

However, it s advisable to look at both of these sides and make a convincing conclusion on the impact of technology in designing. According to Thomas et al (1998), it is evident that the world is now in the middle of technological revolution. It has changed the way people do communicate, how items are bought and the whole aspect of socialization. These changes have been observed in the last decade in different aspects. It is again true that if there was no amalgamation of programs such as Quark Express, Autodesk Maya as well as Adobe Photoshop are some of the complexities of digital pieces that would never be experienced.

In addition, technology has not only affected the way work is designed or created but it has changed completely the way design work is presented. Many current designers have one or more online platforms with which they use to present their artistic work. Some of these include facebook, blogs or even twitter. In these platforms, designers are able to showcase their talents or share thoughts, Arntson, A. E. (2012). This could also be just a portfolio site where they use as source of publicity.

Digital technology has been appealing to many designers due to the fact that they can share their work with no limitations of the quantity or quality of their presentation. This has also been attributed by the way designers play around with technology such as use of animation, interactive multimedia pieces and so on. Bertol (2004) suggests that portfolio sites have played a great role in acting as safe platforms where designers can get critique of their work, something that assists them to advance and improve.

However, designers have been blamed in different quarters for using portfolio sites to exercise plagiarism. There have been these claims in the internet community. This calls for better understanding and respect of copyright rules. The end result is the backlash of some sites due to imitation and copying of design works done by others. In addition, technology has been predominantly used in creation and designing of work in the graphic design areas. A good example of technological influence in graphics design is the creation of motion graphics nowadays.

This has been observed in the last decade after the inception of digital revolution. There have been introduction of various programs which have enhanced graphic design in a number of ways. For instance the incorporation of programs such as ‘Adobe After Effects’ have ensured that there is an increase in productivity especially in the motion industry. Bertol (2004) observes that this is because it helps designers in creating animations within a short period of time, as opposed to the use of traditional analogue in designing.

At the same time, other digital programs have also changed the way workflow is increased for designers. Design mocks are conducted within a short time unlike many hours which were being spent in arraigning pencils compositions. Technology has also changed the way designers publicize their work. In the past years, designers mostly relied on word of mouth to make their work known and ensuring they became popular. However, in today’s situation, designers can use different websites to advertise their work to be seen by millions of people worldwide Boden, R. H. (2009).

This has changed the time taken for a designer’s work to be embraced by the entire community or simply to be appreciated.

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