Graphic design is an ever-evolving field. In the past 100 years, we’ve seen drastic changes in the way that graphic designers work and the tools that they use. We’ve also seen a shift in the way that people consume graphic design. 

In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the history of graphic design and how it has changed over the years. We’ll also explore some of the current trends in the field and where we think it’s headed in the future.

Graphic design in the ancient world.

Graphic design is a relatively new profession, but the roots of its practice can be traced back to the ancient world. Early examples of graphic design can be found in cave paintings, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Greek pottery. These early examples show that even in the ancient world, people were using images to communicate messages and ideas.

As civilization progressed, so too did the practice of graphic design. In the Middle Ages, we see the first recorded use of graphic design in the form of illuminated manuscripts. These beautiful works of art were created by hand and often featured intricate designs and illustrations.

During the Renaissance, graphic design became more focused on typography and printing. This was a time of great invention and discovery, and advances in printing technology allowed for the mass production of printed materials. 

The Renaissance and the birth of modern graphic design.

During the Renaissance, a new age of creativity and learning emerged in Europe. Among the many advancements during this time was the development of perspective in painting, which gave artists a new way to create the illusion of depth and space on a two-dimensional surface. This advancement had a ripple effect on other aspects of art and culture, eventually leading to the birth of modern graphic design.

Graphic design as we know it began to take shape during the early 20th century. With the invention of new printing and reproducible drawing techniques, graphic designers started to experiment with visual communication in new and exciting ways. The field of graphic design has since evolved and expanded, and today it plays an important role in our everyday lives.

The Industrial Revolution and the emergence of commercial art.

Between the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, a period of unprecedented economic, social, and technological change transformed the lives of people in the Western world. This change was ushered in by the Industrial Revolution, a period of rapid industrialization that saw the rise of new technologies and the emergence of commercial art.

During the Industrial Revolution, artists began to produce work that was aimed at a wider audience, rather than just the wealthy elite. This change in focus coincided with the rise of the middle class, who were able to afford to purchase artworks for their homes. Commercial art also began to be produced on a larger scale, as new printing technologies made it possible to mass-produce prints and other artworks.

The 20th century and the golden age of graphic design.

The 20th century was a golden age for graphic design. With the advent of new printing technologies and the rise of the advertising industry, graphic designers were able to create increasingly complex and visually striking designs. This era saw the birth of many iconic design styles, from Art Nouveau to Art Deco to Bauhaus.

 Graphic design in the 20th century was a truly global phenomenon, with designers drawing inspiration from all corners of the world. This century was also a time of great experimentation, as designers pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new technologies.

Looking back, the 20th century was a hugely influential period in the history of graphic design. From the birth of the modernist movement to the rise of commercial advertising, this century shaped the way we perceive and interact with visual info today.

The 21st century and the rise of digital design.

As we move into the 21st century, we are seeing a rise in digital design. This is thanks to the advancements in technology that have made it possible to create more complex and realistic designs. We are also seeing a rise in the popularity of design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

With the rise of digital design, we are seeing new possibilities for how we can create and communicate ideas. We are no longer limited to traditional mediums such as pen and paper. Instead, we can now create designs that are interactive and that can be shared with people all over the world.

Digital design is changing the way we think about design and communication. It is opening up new possibilities for how we can interact with the world around us.