Technological advances have changed the landscape of many art-related fields. From photography to architecture, new tools and methods have allowed artists to explore their creativity in ways once thought impossible. Graphic design is one field that has been profoundly affected by the internet.
Though this art can be traced back to cave paintings, graphic design has become a staple in modern advertising and branding. Technology made graphic design a field limited to those with access to expensive tools and software. However, the internet has leveled the playing field. Anyone with a computer and an internet connection can explore the art form.
But aside from that, here are other ways the internet has changed graphic design:
1. Instant sharing of work
One of the most significant advantages of the internet is the ability to share information and work instantly. In the past, designers had to physically send their work to clients or print it out and present it in person. Now, with a simple click of a button, you can share your work with anyone worldwide.
This instant sharing has also allowed for a more global community of designers. Seeing other work from around the world can help to inspire and motivate you. It also allows collaboration with other designers, no matter where they are. Without the internet, it would not have been possible to have such a global community.
Sharing someone’s creative process has also become more common. Many designers share their work-in-progress on social media or their websites. This allows for other designers’ feedback and helps create a bond between the creator and the audience.
2. More accessible tools and resources
Before, if you wanted to be a graphic designer, you needed to have access to expensive tools and software. However, with the internet, there are now many free or low-cost tools that anyone can use. This has created a more level playing field and allowed many people who would not have been able to pursue graphic design.
Companies like Adobe have allowed newbies to learn online through tutorials. Most software companies use compelling SaaS onboarding videos from reputable video production companies to introduce new products. This way, users can learn the ropes without spending much money attending physical classes.
There are also many resources available online that can help designers improve their skills. From tutorials to blog posts, graphic designers can access endless information for free. This was not the case decades ago when designers had to rely on expensive books or classes to learn new techniques.
3. Easier collaborations with other professionals
Before, if you wanted to work with another professional on a project, you had to be in the same room or at least in the same city. With the internet, this is no longer the case. You can now work with anyone worldwide as long as you have a good internet connection.
This has made it easier for designers to find the right team for their projects. You no longer have to work with the first person you find in your area. You can now collaborate with anyone worldwide, giving you a much wider pool of talent to choose from.
It has also made it easier to keep in touch with clients. Before, you would have to schedule phone calls or meet in person to deliver updates on a project. Now, you can send an email or video chat when needed. This makes the whole process much more efficient and less time-consuming. This brings us to the next point.
4. Client satisfaction
With the internet, clients are now more involved in the design process than ever. Years ago, designers would present their work to clients and hope for the best. Now, with the ability to share work instantly and get feedback quickly, designers can make changes as needed to ensure client satisfaction.
This instant feedback has also allowed for a more iterative design process. Most consumers emphasize having a positive experience with a brand, which subsequently affects their loyalty to said company. Graphic designers nowadays have a lot of options to reach out to their clients and get their opinion to create the best user experience and eventually increase customer satisfaction.
5. Increased opportunities
The internet has created many new opportunities for graphic designers. Previously, most designers were limited to working with local businesses. Now, with the internet, they can work with companies from all over the world.
There are also many new types of projects that didn’t exist before. Social media campaigns, website designs, and email newsletters are just a few examples. With the internet, the sky is the limit for what type of project you can work on.
The internet has also made promoting your work and finding new clients easier. In the past, designers had to rely on word-of-mouth or expensive advertising to get their name out there. Social media and other online platforms make it easy to reach a broad audience with little to no cost.
The internet has truly revolutionized the field of graphic design. From making it more accessible to everyone to facilitating easier collaborations, the internet has dramatically impacted how graphic designers work. With instant sharing of work, designers can now get feedback and critique from a wider audience, which can only lead to better and more innovative designs.
