Is Graphic Design Part of Information Technology?

Graphic design and information technology are two completely different fields. While graphic designers create the visual aspects of a website, IT professionals work on the technical details that make it run smoothly for visitors. Although these two careers are unrelated, they do have some things in common. In this article, we will explore what those similarities are and how each profession could benefit from understanding them better!

The role of a graphic designer

The role of a graphic designer is to create the visual design of a website, advertisement or other printed material. They use their creativity to make text and images more appealing by adding fonts, colors and shapes. These creatives also follow strict design principles so that viewers can easily scan through pages without getting lost in them.

Graphic designers will often work in conjunction with an IT professional such as a web developer whilst designing a website. They will provide the visual design for a website, and then the web developer will turn their vision into reality.

Here are some skills that graphic designers typically have:

  • Excellent eye for design aesthetics
  • Knowledge of color theory and typography
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently
  • Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign etc.

The role of an IT (Information Technology) professional

An information technology (IT) professional on the other hand is someone who works to keep computers and networks running smoothly. They're the ones who build databases and code for mobile apps, analyze data to make informed decisions, and enforce security protocols. Their work is largely technical in nature, so they often have knowledge of programming languages and computer systems.

IT professionals will collaborate with graphic designers when creating a website's design strategy or designing an interface for the web application. They are responsible for ensuring that things run smoothly behind the scenes, meaning everything needs to be tested and planned before it goes live (visible to the public).

Here are some skills that IT professionals typically have:

  • Knowledge of programming languages like HTML, CSS, Perl, Python etc.
  • Ability to work in a team or independently with little supervision or direction
  • Ability to keep a cool head under pressure when things go wrong!
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign etc.

How graphic designers can work better with IT specialists/web developers

Both IT and graphic design professionals should benefit from a shared understanding of the other's field, which will help them work well together to create an even better product.

Graphic designers should understand the limitations of web development so that they can create a design that is compatible with current technology. For example, graphic designers may not know about certain limitations when it comes to creating or loading images for their website and this could cause problems down the line.

On the other hand, it's important for web developers to have knowledge of graphic design. They should be able to communicate with graphic designers about the requirements of their website as well as design aesthetics. As opposed to a strictly back and forth relationship, this helps each side understand what skills they lack and how it can benefit them in the long-run.

This is one important reason why it's a good idea to hire an IT professional or web developer alongside your graphic designer. The skills of both parties can complement each other, resulting in better work for everyone!

Programs an IT specialist will typically use

An IT specialist will use a variety of programs to complete their work. These include:

  • Web design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver
  • Programming languages such as HTML, CSS, Perl, etc. to build websites or create web applications
  • Security software to make sure everything is secure on their servers. This includes antivirus and virus protection software as well as firewalls that will keep intruders out.

Programs a graphic designer will typically use

A graphic designer will use a variety of programs to complete their work. These include programs that deal:

  • Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere etc.
  • Sketch
  • Figma
  • Email Campaign Builders like MailChimp, Campaign Monitor etc.
  • Content Management Systems (website building programs) like Wordpress, GoDaddy, Squarespace, WIX, Webflow etc.
  • Basic knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS etc. to build websites or create web applications

The origins of graphic design and information technology

Graphic design started out as a profession in the 1890s when typographers and printers needed to create layouts for magazines, books, packaging etc. This is where they developed their skills with layout design and graphic elements like text placement, fonts, colors etc.

Information technology is a broad term that includes nearly every aspect of the digital world. The term's been around for decades and was first used in the 1970s. Originally, information technology was just used to process data but eventually, it expanded into other areas like cybersecurity, e-commerce etc.

The two fields have a long history of working together. In the past, graphic designers would work with paper and pencil to create their designs. When computers were introduced, they helped make the design process more efficient. Today, they're often responsible for creating the images and graphics of a website, which are then used by web developers/IT professionals to create an actual website.

Some FAQs

Is graphic design part of information technology?

No. Graphic design and information technology are two completely different fields that occasionally work together for a website launch for example. A graphic designer creates the visual aspects of a website, while an IT professional works on the technical details that make it run smoothly for visitors.

What does graphic design fall under?

Graphic design falls under the art and design category. They are experts in aesthetic beauty, presentation, usability and user experience.

What kind of technology is used for graphic design?

Graphic designers use a variety of tools and templates to create the perfect look for your business's online presence. Here are some examples: Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign and other applications like Figma, Sketch etc.

Is graphic design under computer science?

No. Graphic design is an art and design field, not a programming one. Computer science is the field that deals with programming, such as HTML and CSS whilst graphic design is the field that deals with design and aesthetics.

Is graphic design a good career?

Graphic design is a good career. It's an industry that has seen growth in recent years and continues to grow as more people purchase or create online content, such as e-commerce sites for their business.

Latest Articles

View All Articles
No items found.