What Was Graphic Design Considered 30 Years Ago?

30 years ago, the concept of graphic design was in its infancy. A few pioneering designers were experimenting with the creative use of type, color, and illustration to make effective visual communications. But it was not until the late 1980s and early 1990s that graphic design began to emerge as a distinct profession.

In the past, graphic design was seen as a subset of commercial art, which primarily focused on selling products or services through visuals (e.g., advertisements, logos). However, as technology advanced, so did the range of possibilities for graphic designers.

They could now create more complex and sophisticated designs that had a greater emotional impact on viewers. This led to a greater recognition of the importance and power of design in general.

At this point in time, graphic design was still considered more craft than art. It was seen as a service-based industry where designers were hired to execute specific tasks such as logo creation or brochure layout.

The goal of these projects was usually to communicate an idea or message quickly and effectively without much thought given to aesthetics or creativity. This approach is still widely used today, but it has evolved over time to become more creative and expressive.

The emergence of desktop publishing software in the late 1980s changed how people viewed graphic design; it allowed for greater experimentation with typefaces and layouts while making digital designs easier to produce and distribute. As computers became more powerful and accessible, digital technology opened up even more possibilities for designers—both professionally and personally—to explore their creativity in ways that weren’t possible before.

Today, graphic design is widely accepted as an art form that requires both technical skill and creative vision. It is no longer seen as merely a tool for marketing; instead, it has become an integral part of modern culture that influences everything from architecture to fashion.

Moreover, with the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, it has become easier than ever for designers to showcase their work on a global scale—something that would have been unimaginable 30 years ago.

Conclusion
30 years ago, graphic design was considered part of commercial art rather than an art form itself; its primary purpose was to sell products or services through visuals rather than evoke emotion from viewers. Since then however, desktop publishing software has enabled designers to be more creative with their designs while also making them easier to distribute digitally; over time this has changed how people perceive graphic design from being merely a tool for marketing into an integral part of modern culture.