What exactly is Graphic Design? I believe a Designer's main purpose is to communicate to society through the means of visual perception. However, this visual perception has been manipulated by commercialism and other means of persuasive advertising to show the consumer what graphic design should be. While it is necessary for professional designers to meet certain priorities in the business world, it is also important to keep a healthy balance between the demands of business and pushing creative boundaries. Graphic Designers never become dedicated entirely to commercial purposes. They distinguish between their personal work and their client-based work in thefield of design.

Concerns have been raised reguarding values in Graphic Design. Some feel that they are able to sacrifice their values by producing questionable work required by the client. Therefore the client takes priority- - at the personal risk and convictions of the Designer. I feel that my work should be based on personal standards I have set for myself. Concepts reflecting anything different from those standards should be avoided.

Graphic Design has the ability to create a positive impact around the world by providing a strong tool for communication. In positive advertising, the Designer is able to depict social morality, culture, and the spirit of thetimes. The client is then able to identify with the message given and respond accordingly. Public endorsements and testimonials use social status to help raise money for charities and raise awareness of social issues in order to call people into action. Supporting non-profit agencies by inforcing the need to recycle or donate money to help find the cure for cancer or AIDS shows our community that design can be used to benefit them.

Designers not only have to posses skills but we also have to research and expand upon them. Designers are meant to push forward in their education and advance in their creativity. A constant knowledge in visual communication,aesthetic awareness, and technological comprehension is essential. A designer must also be able to work in a team-oriented environment and constructively create on their own. A knowledge in giving and receiving information is an important priority. A designer must form ideas and stimulate requirements in preparing a visual representation of the message intended.

The most important element of Graphic Design is the abilty to maintain problem-solving skills. A designer must have both creativity and the knowledge of design elements in order to visually communicate. The idea should always focus on quality of the presentation. The overall intent of the message should be clearly understood and well communicated. A good design will show unity of design elements, typography, and form into a solid work that gives a creative vision for the intended message. The design itself gives purpose, which will be shown through the message to it’s viewers. It is that purpose that inspires me to be an effective Graphic Designer.