1. UNDERSTANDING GRAPHIC DESIGN

Graphic design is the strategic use of visual elements to communicate a message to a specific audience with a specific goal.

It is not decoration.
It is visual problem-solving.

A design must answer:
– Who is this for?
– What message are we communicating?
– What action should the viewer take?

Example:
A church poster and a nightclub poster cannot look the same.
Why?
Because the audience, tone, and objective are different.

Graphic Design Exists Everywhere:
– Logos
– Billboards
– Instagram posts
– Product packaging
– Websites
– Event flyers
– App interfaces

Modern Graphic Design Areas:
– Branding and identity design
– Social media design
– UI/UX design
– Motion graphics
– Packaging design
– Advertising design

Key Insight:
If it does not communicate clearly, it is not good design.