In this week’s episode of the Weekly Gaucho Podcast, Amanda Hughes walks us through a brief history lesson on graphic design.

Graphic design has an incredibly rich history that goes as far back as the prehistoric age! Since then, this art medium has slowly evolved into the industry we know of today. With technological advancements making mass production of written language cheaper and the demand for communication and knowledge growing, graphic design has evolved and went through many updates over the millennia. From cave paintings, to the printing press; from coat of arms to photo manipulation. To this day, the industry is forever changing and growing.

Graphic design is the “practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content (American Institute of Graphic Arts).” Cave paintings are the first example of graphic design. A pair of inscribed stones from Mesopotamia called the Blau Monument are believed to be the first examples of words and images being used together. In the Medieval era, hand drawn calligraphy became popular. Followed by coat of arms and other insignias representing the first logos.

Then, the Gutenberg Printing Press completely changed communication, recording and mass production. This invention made mass production and distribution of information cost effective for printing companies. Once colored printing was invented, the game changed again, increasing the capabilities of production companies and the designs they printed.

The 1900’s brought graphic design as we know it. From the first graphic design agency to insane technological advancements that skyrocketed the abilities of the artists in the industry. Some of these innovations include the invention of the computer, and later the internet and design software. The graphic design industry continues to evolve as the software, the artists and the demands continue to change.

Sources:

Music from Bensound

Information Sources:

https://www.vectornator.io/blog/history-of-graphic-design/

https://designbro.com/blog/inspiration/a-short-history-of-graphic-design/