LibGuides: Graphic Design and Typography: Background Information

Background Information

According to the Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, graphic design is defined as,

The art and profession of selecting and arranging visual elements—such as typography, images, symbols, and colours—to convey a message to an audience. Sometimes graphic design is called “visual communications.” It is a collaborative discipline: writers produce words and photographers and illustrators create images that the designer incorporates into a complete visual message. Although graphic design has been practiced in various forms throughout history, it emerged as a specific profession during the job-specialization process that occurred in the late 19th century. Its evolution has been closely bound to developments in image making, typography, and reproduction processes. Prominent graphic designers include Jules Chéret, Piet Zwart, Paul Rand, Alexey Brodovitch, Milton Glaser, and David Carson. (Source: Credo)

Reference: Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

The Visual Dictionary of Graphic Design by Gavin Ambrose; Paul Harris The Visual Dictionary of Graphic Design by Gavin Ambrose and Paul Harris is a straight talking guide to the numerous terms used within graphic design and associated disciplines. Over 250 terms are explained and contextualised, with concise definitions accompanied by illustrations and examples taken from historical and contemporary graphic design. The dictionary covers traditional practice and process terms as well as modern terminology. It also defines a wide variety of practical terms, such as Perfect binding, Deboss and Strikethrough, as well as movements and styles including Surrealism, Psychadelia and Postmodernism.
Call Number: NC997 .A685 2006
ISBN: 9782940373437
Publication Date: 2007-01-04
Typography, Referenced by Allan Haley; Richard Poulin; Tony Seddon; Gerry Leonidas; Ina Saltz; Kathryn Henderson; Tyler Alterman; Jason Tselentis Typography, Referenced was named to the 2013 Outstanding Reference Sources List, an annual handpicked list from the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA, a division of the American Library Association) of the most noteworthy reference titles published in 2012. Typography, Referenced is the single most comprehensive volume covering every aspect of typography that any design student, professional designer, or design aficionado needs to know today. In these pages, you'll find: --Thousands of illustrated examples of contemporary usage in design --Historical developments from Greek lapidary letters to the movie Helvetica --Landmark designs turning single letters into typefaces --Definitions of essential type-specific language, terms, ideas, principles, and processes --Ways technology has influenced and advanced type --The future of type on the web, mobile devices, tablets, and beyond In short, Typography, Referenced is the ultimate source of typographic information and inspiration, documenting and chronicling the full scope of essential typographic knowledge and design from the beginnings of moveable type to the present "golden age" of typography.
Call Number: E-Book
ISBN: 9781592537020
Publication Date: 2012-02-01