Defining graphic design isn’t exactly the easiest. Though, I would have to say that the core of graphic design is finding a way to communicate a message to the viewer. Be it a logo, environmental piece, advertisement, or any other format, communication is key. Graphic design goes beyond illustrations, imagery and typography. It’s also the process and the research that allows one to successfully communicate the message. I’ve always believed that designers think differently. Sure there are those that know how to operate the Adobe Creative Suite, but that doesn’t a graphic designer make. It’s the ability to think beyond that. It’s the ability to think beyond just mere sketches. It’s the ability to concept and to execute. It’s the ability successfully communicate the message at hand that defines graphic design and the designer. For as a designer one should be able to design anything; even when the client tries everything to destroy the design. It’s solving problems. I was just explaining this to a client a couple of days ago. We were discussing logos and how some logos were simply text. As I explained to them, just because a logo is simple text doesn’t mean that someone just typed the name of the company in and said, “voilà, it’s done.” No, there is the selection of the typeface, and wether or not it matches the personality of the company. It’s the careful kerning of the text and the balance and weight of the typeface. There’s actually a lot more that just typing out the text on a page. These are the kind of small elements that make up the art of graphic design. It’s these elements that when put together will help communicate the message and successfully represent the company. These are the things that define graphic design.