From Eric Miller,
Your Guide to Graphic Design.
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Dictionary.com defines graphic design as “the art or profession of visual communication that combines images, words, and ideas to convey information to an audience.” A graphic designer is responsible for arranging and using elements on different types of media (such as a poster, a package or a website), most likely with the use of a graphics software program such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign. These elements include:

• Photos
• Illustrations
• Type
• Shapes
• Color
• Texture

Where is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is all around us. It is in our morning paper, on our commute to work, and on the cover of our favorite books. The most common forms include:

• Logos
• Websites
• Business Cards
• Advertisements
• Brochures
• Billboards
• Product Packaging
• Posters
• Book Design
• Magazine Layout
• Newspaper Layout
• Greeting Cards

This list barely cracks the surface…ticket stubs, skateboards, matchbooks, train schedules, credit cards and countless other products and everyday items all utilize graphic design.

Sources:

"graphic design." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 18 Sep. 2007. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/graphic design>.