Wikipedia:WikiProject Graphic design/article candidate

(Some of the following headings may or may not be left in the final document, but can be helpful at this stage for clarity in the structuring of this "skeleton" layout.)

Opening Paragraph
Graphic design is a form of communication in which visual information is used to convey a message. Unlike fine art, it is normally used for commercial purposes, to convey a specific and persuasive message to a large audience. Graphic design often incorporates typography and page layout, photography, illustration, dimension|3D design, animation, and branding, but it is not limited to these elements.

Like many forms of communication, graphic design often refers to both the process by which the communication is created, and the final form that it takes.

In its final form, examples of graphic design are everywhere:
 * Print Design – magazine & newspaper layout, posters, corporate logos and identity systems (like letterhead and business card design), book & album cover design, package & label design.
 * Interactive/Motion Design – Web page layout, Web animation, the design of film/video title sequences, software interface design.

As a process, graphic design is complex and multi-faceted.

Overview
''Detail of how graphic design links to other topics such as those described in the opening para, and including clear links to other major topics and important relevant articles in Wikipedia. This may supercede the need for "See also, internal links to other Wiki articles" at the end of this article, which may be closer to the Wiki style (that the dialogue in short paragraphs is sprinkled with links to other articles, rather than point form throughout).''

This high level overview may describe how Graphic Design plays a part as a sub-topic within other higher level articles such as Graphic Arts, Communication, Advertising, etc.

Introduction
Introduction to the detail following, such as laid out in the headings, Elements, Process, Theory, Business, History (and whatever else as it shakes out).

Elements of Graphic Design
Graphic design incorporates forms and techniques from a wide variety of visual skills and media. These include:
 * Typography - The different types of fonts used in graphic design can express different things.
 * Illustration - Illustration is the creative aspect of graphic design.
 * Animation - The use of imagination and animation helps bring the creativity aspect to life.

The Process of Graphic Design

 * Planning - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design
 * Problem Solving - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design
 * Research - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design
 * Conceptualizion - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design
 * Mockup - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design
 * Layout & Revision - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design
 * Production - how this works and the function this serves in the process of design

Principles & Theories of Design
In society, Graphic design is a creative way to to express feelings and emotions.

The Business of Graphic design
This section should explain how the business of graphic design has evolved, the designer/client relationship, maybe some wage data, the life of a professional designer, how design works within the overal marketing strategy of a company, what kinds of skills a good designer should have, etc.

Prehistory
(Explain what type of information this heading should contain)

Printing and Design before the Industrial Revolution

 * The development of printing and design leading up to 1800

The Industrial Revolution
(Explain what type of information this heading should contain)

20th century
(Explain what type of information this heading should contain)

Education
(This section should explain the various ways a designer learns their trade.)

Professional accreditation
(A definition of accreditation. A mention of notable accrediting bodies and currently available designations.)

Accreditation vs. Certification
(The difference between accreditation and certification)

Criticisms
(The opinions of the graphic design community on accreditation, with citations please.)

Notable Designers
We better not snub anyone! This list should link to a seperate page for each designer, but there could maybe be a brief description of their work. A short list to start:


 * Otl Aicher
 * Saul Bass
 * David Carson
 * Milton Glaser
 * Tibor Kalman
 * Barbara Kruger
 * Paul Rand
 * Paula Scher


 * Internal links to other category pages in Wikipedia where lists of designers are being grown.

References (citations)

 * to come...

Categories
List of categories (actual categorization to be performed later):
 * to come...