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A category offine art,graphic art covers a broad range ofvisual artistic expression, typically two-dimensionalgraphics, i.e. produced on a flat surface,[1] today normally paper or a screen on various electronic devices. The term usually refers to the arts that rely more on line, color or tone, especially drawing and the various forms ofengraving;[2] it is sometimes understood to refer specifically todrawing and the variousprintmaking processes,[2] such asline engraving,aquatint,drypoint,etching,mezzotint,monotype,lithography, andscreen printing (silk-screen, serigraphy).[3] Graphic art mostly includescalligraphy, photography, painting,typography,computer graphics, andbindery. It also encompasses drawn plans and layouts forinterior andarchitectural designs.[1]
In museum parlance "works on paper" is a common term, covering the various types of traditionalfine art graphic art. There is now a large sector ofgraphic designers working mostly onweb design.
Throughout history, technological inventions have shaped the development of graphic art. In 2500 BC, the Egyptians used graphic symbols to communicate their thoughts in a written form known ashieroglyphics. The Egyptians wrote and illustrated narratives on rolls of papyrus to share the stories and art with others.[4]
During the Middle Ages, scribesmanually copied each individual page of manuscripts to maintain their sacred teachings. The scribes would leave marked sections of the page available for artists toinsert drawings and decorations. Using art alongside the carefully lettered text enhanced the religious reading experience.[5]
In 1450, Johannes Gutenberg created the first upgraded moving type of mechanical equipment called as theprinting press. His printing press aided the mass creation of text and visual art, eventually obviating the need for hand transcriptions.
Again during the Renaissance years, graphic art in the form of printing played a major role in the spread of classical learning in Europe. Within these manuscripts, book designers focused heavily on thetypeface.
Due to the development of larger fonts during theIndustrial Revolution,posters became a popular form of graphic art used to communicate the latest information as well as to advertise the latest products and services.
The invention and popularity of film and television changed graphic art through the additional aspect of motion as advertising agencies attempted to use kinetics to their advantage.
The next major change in graphic arts came when the personal computer was invented in the twentieth century. Powerful computer software enables artists to manipulate images in a much faster and simpler way than the skills of board artists prior to the 1990s. With quick calculations, computers easily recolor, scale, rotate, and rearrange images if the programs are known.[4]
The design of street signs has been impacted by scientific examinations into readability. New York City is in the midst of replacing all of its street signs that have all capital characters with ones that only have upper and lower case letters. They anticipate that greater readability will improve wayfinding and greatly reduce collisions and injuries.[citation needed]
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