Why Graphic Design Is An Universal Art – Nandita Sampat
In this post, guest writer Nandita Sampat from Nandita Sampat Creations talks about how graphic design is a cross cultural and universal art. Make sure you give this blog a read as Nandita makes some really good graphic designs and branding content.
Modern graphic design is one of the most rapidly growing industries in
this millennium. From the Kawai art of Japan to the Bold Block Typography of Belgium, the graphic design landscape is constantly changing. This is because graphic design is a cross cultural and a universally accepted visual language in art.
Just like art and music, graphic design is beautiful and enigmatic. It may vary from culture to culture but a common thread runs through it. The thread of visually crafting a design experience that the audience loves. Graphic design is practised by international artists. However, design trends may vary in different countries. A paisley design created for the Indian market might not resonate with an audience in the United Kingdom, who are more prone to like plaid patterns. However, this design will still be appreciated for its style and visual appeal aesthetic across the world.
Being a cross cultural art that it is, let’s explore how graphic design varies in different countries.
GRAPHIC DESIGN: ONE VISUAL LANGUAGE WITH MANY
SYLLABLES
“Every great design begins with an even better story.”- Lorinda
Mamo, Designer
Stories of graphic design origins are deep rooted in every country’s culture. From countless centuries artists and designers have drawn inspiration from the culture, folktales, religion and ideology of the country they belong to. If you are a designer who aims at designing for clients on an international level, understanding the application of colour, pattern and design for a specific country is necessary.
Let’s discover some of the major cultures that largely influence graphic
design trends and contribute to making it a global visual language in art.
GRAPHIC DESIGN TRIVIA STRAIGHT FROM INDIA
India is one of the richest and most diverse cultures in the world. It is home to a majority of ancient civilisations like Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. These factors have a direct effect on the design trends developed in India. Brilliant coloured patterns and ornamental floral motifs are a major contribution of India to the graphic design industry growth. Native font styles like the Devanagari and Brahmi script are prominent factors that influence Indian design trends. In terms of colour, gold is often used to depict the richness of the country’s culture. The ‘Jharokhas’ of Rajasthan and the ‘Minars’ of Agra tend to largely inspire graphic designers in India. Duotone effects, lower colour saturation and sepia tones are some of the greatest inheritances from the Indian graphic design pop culture.
SPAN GRAPHIC DESIGN IN JAPAN
Japanese graphic design is a big inspiration for designers all around the world. They are known for their organised, clean lines and perfect colour coordination. One thing I have noticed when I have delved on graphic design in Japan is that their designs are teeming with colour and life. Usually Japanese design uses a full spectrum of bright colour palettes. But red, black and gold is one of the widely used colour combinations out there. The vibrant and colourful streets of Komachi-dori and the retro styled lanes of Nagahori are some striking destinations from where designers derive their hues and tints, translating them into a stunning graphic design portfolio.
Japan is also well known for smartly bending the graphic design rules and creating their own style.The art of gradient meshes and colour palettes with more than 5 colours are some amazing techniques from this Asian land.
A GLANCE AT GRAPHIC DESIGN FROM FRANCE
France has led the way throughout the world when it comes to art,
fashion and graphic design. French graphic design is unconventional but
at the same time modern in its technique and finesse. France has
contributed originality, sophistication and artistry which challenges the
audience visually and intellectually.
Some of the most renowned artists of the world come from France and the country strongly focuses on drawing and handwork. Their graphic design style incorporates beautiful illustration work in pen, pencil, watercolor and charcoal. Their design work is incredibly detailed and exquisite utilizing Art Deco and Art
Nouveau patterns. Importance on imagery rather than typography is the
key principle they follow. French graphic design has also achieved
mastery in visual storytelling techniques.
GRAPHIC DESIGN HARMONY IN GERMANY
German graphic designers are the pioneers of graphic design and have
introduced the world to experience a new channel of visual
communication design. The introduction of graphic design in Germany
goes back to the industrial revolution time. Minimalist logo design with a
strong grid system for propaganda is a big contribution made by the
Germans to the graphic design industry. If you have always dreamed of
becoming a logo design ninja yourself, it’s time to make your dream
come true!
Check out my post on how you can own your next logo design! Apart from logos, the Germans experimented with playful and satirical design styles that established a completely unique technique in the graphic design area. Graphic design propaganda posters and use of good design in advertising can be traced back to the time of the Nazi doctrine. Subliminal pictorial posters and revolutionary propaganda art was responsible to set the tone for a contemporary era in German advertising.
GRAND GRAPHIC DESIGN EMERGING FROM SWITZERLAND
In Switzerland, a progressive and radical movement in graphic design
became popular in the 1920’s. It was called ‘The Swiss Style’ or ‘The
International Style’. This style not only emerged in Switzerland but was
also found in parts of Russia and Germany. Inventive lettering and bold
typography with importance on high quality printing laid the foundation of
this new movement soon making it a popular international style. This
style involved the usage of abstract geometric patterns and large uniform
shapes to convey a strong message in a remarkable way through
graphic design. The technique of whitespace where ‘less is more’ is the
basis of the Swiss style. This international style made use of uncommon
color palettes and a rigid grid system that have become the pillars of
modern day graphic design.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Today, graphic design has evolved to become sophisticated and cosmopolitan due to the contributions made by these countries. Apart from the common design principles and theories that are taught in design school, learning about different design cultures, patterns and trends can help in creating a design which will largely impact your audience in a positive way.
So, it is important to understand that this absolutely amazing visual language called graphic design has its foundations rooted globally and understanding its aspects makes it easier to communicate with an international audience.
ABOUT NANDITA SAMPAT
Hello, I am Nandita, the founder of Nandita Sampat Creations. I
have over six years of branding design experience and I absolutely
love building authentic and distinctive brand stories. I have been an
active part of the design and developmental projects for many exceptional companies. From initial logo sketches to detailed branding mock-ups, I love shaping and crafting design experiences. My vision is to be the best at identifying and expressing the single most relevant message for the brands I represent and creating a brand image that is memorable and timeless.
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