History of Graphic Design - Essay Example

In fact, in a way the artists in the 20th century happened to be way less burdened by utilitarian expectations (Lupton 1). Therefore, the graphic designers in the 20th century were as prone to tempering their creativity with an inclination for providing universal solutions, as the artists before them. The way they differed from them was in the sense that they happened to live in an age and time, that surpassed any other age in terms of a rapid and mass proliferation of new ideas, influences and ways of doing things.

The graphic designers in 20th century happened to be denizens of a world that was rapidly changing. Artists, as individuals affiliated to other vocations had to contend with and make sense of an array of social, cultural, political and economic influences (Heller & Chwast 169). An array of social events and trends like an enhanced participation of women in the Western social and economic life, a rising working class, rapid industrialization and advent of technologies of mass production, and extensive urbanization impacted artists with an accentuated sense of novelty.

The proliferation of a scientific mindset and way of life did make the 20th century graphic designers grasp and appreciate the linearity imminent in mathematical forms. The 20th century graphic designers lived in an era where a sense of disillusionment engendered by the Wars was giving way to rapid progress made possible by science and technology. In fact, the versatility, variety and variation marking the 20th century is amply illustrated by the host of art movements it initiated and encouraged like, Arts & Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Futurism, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Dada, etc (Heller & Chwast 12).

The 20th century graphic designers owed allegiance to a salubrious mix of artistic, corporate and political motivations. One big factor that encouraged them to do so was that for the first time in the history of art, the artists did have access to the means,