Hi friends!
Today, I’d like to share about the history of graphic design technology. Although graphic design has existed since before the 1900s, the phrase “graphic design” didn’t come around until it was coined by William Dwiggins in 1922 to define “the art of designing with graphics” (Adobe). From the early 1900s to the 1960s, graphic design was done almost entirely by hand. Drawing by hand, typesetting, using drafting tables, etc.
From the 1960s onward, technology started to overcome the hand drawings and drafting tables, and gave more freedom to current designers and those who were up and coming. “In 1984, Apple released MacPaint for Macintosh computers, allowing designers to use computer graphics in an effortless way, such as with a mouse or graphics tablet” (Adobe). This development allowed for novice designers to start designing affordably and easier than ever.
In 1990, the first-ever version of Photoshop came about! Although it was only available to be used on Mac computers, it gave designers the chance to overlay images and typography, change opacity, and add texture to their designs.
In 2000, more tools became readily available as they were now accessible on mobile devices. This prompted designers to think about how their designs were going to be viewed, both in print and on the web.
Now, it is easier than ever to design! Many platforms, such as Canva, Figma, and Adobe Express, offer user-friendly templates and tools so that anyone, beginner or not, can design something visually appealing, balanced, and beautiful.
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