Graphic, Graphics, Grafix

The 1984 release of Apple’s Macintosh computer and the 1987 release of Quark Xpress (the first computer-based page layout program) dually eliminated the jobs of tens of thousands of professional pasters, waxers, typositors, xacto knifers, etc. In other words, anyone with a computer, a few fonts, and Quark (or Photoshop or Illustrator) could call themselves graphic designers. And they did. And they do.

Rusty wrote an article about Graphic Design vs Grafix Dezign. How many times do we come across trashy designs by people who call themselves “designers” or deziners? Countless. Dropshadow, Emboss and stroke effects used all at once on the same word (set in comic sans); all to familiar.

I love the 20 differences between a graphic designer and grafix dezigner.. So true, so true. Written with a tinge of designer snobbery but I’m sure we’re all laughing behind our screens. But at the same time, I’ve come across people who produce awesome work but with litte or no formal design education at all.

And someone should highlight point 20 to The Straits Times and Sylvester Sim.