Graphic Design, Referenced

A Visual Guide to the Language, Applications, and History of Graphic Design

Armin Vit, Bryony Gomez Palacio

• Publisher: Rockport Publishers
• Year: 2009
• ISBN:
  9781616736118
• Topic: Design
• Subtopic: Graphic Design

Graphic Design, Referenced is a visual and informational guide to the most commonly referenced terms, historical moments, landmark projects, and influential practitioners in the field of graphic design. With more than 2, 000 design projects illustrating more than 400 entries, it provides an intense overview of the varied elements that make up the graphic design profession through a unique set of chapters: "principles" defines the very basic foundation of what constitutes graphic design to establish the language, terms, and concepts that govern what we do and how we do it, covering layout, typography, and printing terms; "knowledge" explores the most influential sources through which we learn about graphic design from the educational institutions we attend to the magazines and books we read; "representatives" gathers the designers who over the years have proven the most prominent or have steered the course of graphic design in one way or another; and "practice" highlights some of the most iconic work produced that not only serve as examples of best practices, but also illustrate its potential lasting legacy. Graphic Design, Referenced serves as a comprehensive source of information and inspiration by documenting and chronicling the scope of contemporary graphic design, stemming from the middle of the twentieth century to today.

Of Design

Of Letterforms

Of Writing

Of Groups

As graphic design has evolved over the course of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century from a craft focusing on the finer aspects of printing and typesetting into a multifaceted profession thriving on the communication of messages through a variety of means and mediums, there have been numerous individuals, and groups of individuals, that have helped not only define each milestone but propel the next one forward through outstanding and innovative work upon which future generations can build upon. These individuals are representative of a specific time in the history of graphic design, but at the same time transcend any given period or style by being exemplary models for how graphic design can be practiced and of the kind of work that can be produced within any cultural, political, economical and technological context.

REPRESENTATIVES
Of Design

1920s–1960s

1960s–1980s

1980s–2000s

It’s difficult to establish hard-edged boundaries around the years in which designers make an impact, in part because many of the individuals and groups noted in this section stretch across numerous decades. However, certain developments help establish broad timelines where they thrived or made their biggest impact.

Spurred by the graphic innovations and new visual languages developed through Constructivism in Russia, de Stijl in the Netherlands, and Bauhaus in Germany, it’s possible to see the genesis of graphic design, as is known today, with imagery and typography coming together more clearly and with more defined purposes, whether for matters of commerce or protest. In the 1950s, the rise of the International Typographic Style made Switzerland the center of attention; this remains one of the most influential epochs. Meanwhile, in the United States, the influx of European and Russian immigrants and a growing group of Americans gave shape to the publishing and advertising industries from the 1930s onward. What these designers shared, more than geographic location or stylistic approach, was a pioneering spirit that established the potential of graphic design.

During the late 1950s and 1960s there was a precipitous rise in the discipline of corporate identity, as many of the world’s largest corporations began a vigorous growth period fueled by highly industrialized processes and more viable communication and transportation methods. In these early years, indivi...