Editing Graphics

{{short description|Visual presentation on some surface}}
{{redirect|Graphic}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
'''Graphics''' ({{etymology|grc|''[[wikt:γραφικός|γραφικός]]'' (graphikós)|pertaining to drawing, painting, writing, etc.}}) are [[visual perception|visual]] [[Image scanner|images]] or [[design]]s on some surface, such as a wall, [[canvas]], screen, [[paper]], or stone, to inform, [[illustration|illustrate]], or entertain. In contemporary usage, it includes a pictorial representation of data, as in design and manufacture, in typesetting and the graphic arts, and in educational and recreational [[software]]. Images that are generated by a computer are called [[Computer graphics (computer science)|computer graphics]].

Examples are [[photograph]]s, [[drawings]], [[line art]], [[graph of a function|mathematical graphs]], [[line chart|line graphs]], [[chart]]s, [[diagram]]s, [[typography]], [[number]]s, [[symbol]]s, [[geometric]] designs, [[map]]s, [[engineering drawing]]s, or other [[image]]s. Graphics often combine [[character (computer)|text]], [[illustration]], and [[color]]. [[Graphic design]] may consist of the deliberate selection, creation, or arrangement of [[typography]] alone, as in a brochure, flyer, poster, web site, or book without any other element. The objective can be clarity or effective communication, association with other cultural elements, or merely the creation of a distinctive style.

Graphics can be functional or artistic. The latter can be a recorded version, such as a [[photograph]], or an interpretation by a scientist to highlight essential features, or an artist, in which case the distinction with imaginary graphics may become blurred. It can also be used for architecture.

== History ==
{{Main|History of graphic design}}
The earliest graphics known to [[anthropologist]]s studying prehistoric periods are [[cave painting]]s and markings on boulders, bone, ivory, and antlers, which were created during the [[Upper Palaeolithic]] period from 40,000 to 10,000 [[Before Christ|B.C.]] or earlier. Many of these were found to record astronomical, seasonal, and chronological details. Some of the earliest graphics and drawings are known to the [[modern world]], from almost 6,000 years ago, are that of engraved [[stone tablets]] and ceramic [[cylinder seal]]s, marking the beginning of the historical periods and the keeping of records for accounting and inventory purposes. Records from Egypt predate these and [[papyrus]] was used by the [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptians]] as a material on which to plan the building of [[pyramid]]s; they also used slabs of [[limestone]] and [[wood]]. From 600 to 250&nbsp;BC, the Greeks played a major role in [[geometry]]. They used graphics to represent their mathematical theories such as the Circle Theorem and the [[Pythagorean theorem]].

In art, "graphics" is often used to distinguish work in a monotone and made up of lines, as opposed to [[painting]].

=== Drawing ===
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{{Main|Drawing|Technical drawing}}
[[File:Leonardo da Vinci - presumed self-portrait - WGA12798.jpg|thumb|upright|Example of a drawing. [[Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk|This portrait]] was drawn by [[Leonardo da Vinci]] around 1510, and it might depict the artist himself. It is executed in [[Sanguine]] (a kind of red chalk) on paper.]]
[[Drawing]] generally involves making marks on a surface by applying pressure from a tool or moving a tool across a surface. In which a tool is always used as if there were no tools it would be art. Graphical drawing is an instrumental guided drawing.

=== Printmaking ===
{{Main|Printmaking}}
[[Woodblock printing]], including images is first seen in [[China]] after [[paper]] was invented (about A.D. 105).  In the West, the main techniques have been [[woodcut]], [[engraving]] and [[etching]], but there are many others.

==== Etching ====
{{Main|Etching}}
Etching is an [[Intaglio (printmaking)|intaglio]] method of [[printmaking]] in which the image is incised into the surface of a metal plate using an acid. The acid eats the metal, leaving behind roughened areas, or, if the surface exposed to the acid is very thin, burning a line into the plate. The use of the process in printmaking is believed to have been invented by [[Daniel Hopfer]] ({{circa|1470}}–1536) of [[Augsburg]], [[Germany]], who decorated armour in this way.

Etching is also used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards and semiconductor devices.

=== Line art ===
{{Main|Line art}}
Line art is a rather non-specific term sometimes used for any image that consists of distinct straight and curved lines placed against a (usually plain) background, without gradations in [[shading|shade]] (darkness) or [[hue]] ([[color]]) to represent two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects. Line art is usually monochromatic, although lines may be of different colors.

=== Illustration ===
{{Main|Illustration}}
[[File:Mad scientist.svg|thumb|170px|An [[illustration]] of a character from a story; also, an illustration of illustrations]]
An illustration is a [[Visual system|visual]] [[Representation (arts)|representation]] such as a [[drawing]], [[painting]], [[photograph]] or other work of [[art]] that stresses the subject more than form. The aim of an [[illustration]] is to elucidate or decorate a story, poem or piece of textual information (such as a [[newspaper]] article), traditionally by providing a visual representation of something described in the text. The [[editorial cartoon]], also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration containing a political or social message.

[[Illustration]]s can be used to display a wide range of subject matter and serve a variety of functions, such as:
* giving faces to characters in a story
* displaying a number of examples of an item described in an academic textbook (e.g. A [[Typology (archaeology)|Typology]])
* visualizing step-wise sets of instructions in a technical manual
* communicating subtle thematic tone in a narrative
* linking brands to the ideas of human expression, individuality, and creativity
* making a reader laugh or smile
* for fun (to make laugh) funny

=== Graphs ===
{{Main article|Chart}}
{{see also|Information graphics}}
A ''graph'' or ''chart'' is a graphic that represents [[Table (information)|tabular]] or [[number|numeric]] data. Charts are often used to make it easier to understand large quantities of data and the relationships between different parts of the data.

=== Diagrams ===
{{Main|Diagram}}
A diagram is a simplified and structured visual representation of concepts, ideas, constructions, relations, statistical data, etc., used to visualize and clarify the topic.

=== Symbols ===
{{Main|Symbol}}
A symbol, in its basic sense, is a  representation of a [[concept]] or quantity; i.e., an [[idea]], [[object (philosophy)|object]], concept, [[Quality (philosophy)|quality]], etc. In more psychological and philosophical terms, all concepts are symbolic in nature, and representations for these concepts are simply token artifacts that are [[allegorical]] to (but do not directly codify) a symbolic [[Meaning (semiotics)|meaning]], or [[symbol]]ism.

=== Maps ===
{{Main|Map}}
A map is a simplified depiction of a [[space]], a navigational aid which highlights relations between objects within that space. Usually, a map is a [[2D geometric model|two-dimensional, geometrically accurate representation]] of a [[three-dimensional space]].

One of the first 'modern' maps was made by [[Waldseemüller]].

=== Photography ===
{{Main|Photography}}
[[File:Tulip01.jpg|thumb|Photo]]
One difference between photography and other forms of graphics is that a photographer, in principle, just records a single moment in reality, with seemingly no interpretation. However, a photographer can choose the [[field of view]] and angle, and may also use other techniques, such as various [[photographic lens|lenses]] to choose the view or [[filter (photography)|filters]] to change the colors. In recent times, [[digital photography]] has opened the way to an infinite number of fast, but strong, manipulations. Even in the early days of photography, there was controversy over photographs of enacted scenes that were presented as 'real life' (especially in [[war photography]], where it can be very difficult to record the original events). Shifting the viewer's eyes ever so slightly with simple pinpricks in the negative could have a dramatic effect.

The choice of the field of view can have a strong effect, effectively 'censoring out' other parts of the scene, accomplished by cropping them out or simply not including them in the photograph. This even touches on the philosophical question of what reality is. The human brain processes information based on previous experience, making us see what we want to see or what we were taught to see. Photography does the same, although the photographer interprets the scene for their viewer.

=== Engineering drawings ===
[[File: First angle projection.svg|thumb|Image of a part represented in First Angle Projection]]
{{Main|Engineering drawing}}
An engineering drawing is a type of [[drawing]] and is technical in nature, used to fully and clearly define requirements for [[engineering|engineered]] items. It is usually created in accordance with standardized conventions for layout, nomenclature, interpretation, appearance (such as [[typeface]]s and line styles), size, etc.

=== Computer graphics ===
{{Main|Computer graphics}}
There are two types of computer graphics: [[raster graphics]], where each pixel is separately defined (as in a digital photograph), and [[vector graphics]], where mathematical formulas are used to draw lines and shapes, which are then interpreted at the viewer's end to produce the graphic. Using vectors results in infinitely sharp graphics and often smaller [[Computer file|files]], but, when complex, like vectors take time to render and may have larger file sizes than a raster equivalent.
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In 1950, the first computer-driven display was attached to MIT's [[Whirlwind (computer)|Whirlwind I]] computer to generate simple pictures. This was followed by [[MIT]]'s [[TX-0]] and [[TX-2]], [[interactive computing]] which increased interest in [[computer graphics]] during the late 1950s. In 1962, [[Ivan Sutherland]] invented [[Sketchpad]], an innovative program that influenced alternative forms of interaction with computers.

In the mid-1960s, large computer graphics research projects were begun at [[MIT]], [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]], [[Bell Labs]], and [[Lockheed Corporation]]. [[Douglas T. Ross]] of [[MIT]] developed an advanced compiler language for graphics programming. [[Steven Anson Coons|S.A.Coons]], also at MIT, and J. C. Ferguson at [[Boeing]], began work in sculptured surfaces. [[General Motors Corporation|GM]] developed their [[DAC-1]] system, and other companies, such as [[Douglas Aircraft Company|Douglas]], [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]], and [[McDonnell Aircraft|McDonnell]], also made significant developments. In 1968, [[Ray tracing (graphics)|ray tracing]] was first described by Arthur Appel of the IBM Research Center, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.<ref>{{cite book|doi=10.1145/1468075.1468082|chapter=Some techniques for shading machine renderings of solids|title=Proceedings of the April 30--May 2, 1968, spring joint computer conference on - AFIPS '68 (Spring)|year=1968|last1=Appel|first1=Arthur|page=37|s2cid=207171023}}</ref>

During the late 1970s, [[home computer]]s became more powerful, capable of drawing both basic and complex shapes and designs. In the 1980s, artists and graphic designers began to see the personal computer as a serious design tool, one that could save time and draw more accurately than other methods.

[[3D computer graphics]] began being used in video games in the 1970s with ''[[Spasim]]'' for the [[PLATO (computer system)|PLATO]] system in 1974 and ''[[FS1 Flight Simulator]]'' in 1979. [[Atari, Inc.]]'s ''[[Battlezone (1980 video game)|Battlezone]]'' (1980) exposed 3D graphics to a wide audience. Other wireframe and flat-shaded 3D games appeared throughout the 1980s. ''[[Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss]]'' (1992) was one of the first major video games with texture-mapped polygons.

Computer systems dating from the 1980s and onwards often use a [[graphical user interface]] (GUI) to present data and information with symbols, icons, and pictures, rather than text. [[3D computer graphics]] and creation tools became more accessible to video game and film developers in the late 1980s with [[Silicon Graphics|SGI]] computers, which were later used to create some of the first fully computer-generated [[short film]]s at [[Pixar]].

[[3D graphics]] became more popular in the 1990s in video games, [[multimedia]], and [[animation]]. In 1995, ''[[Toy Story]]'', the first full-length computer-generated animation film, was released in cinemas. Since then, computer graphics have become more accurate and detailed, due to more advanced computers and better [[3D modeling]] software applications, such as [[Maya (software)|Maya]], [[3D Studio Max]], and [[Cinema 4D]]. Consumer-level 3D graphics acceleration hardware became common in [[IBM PC compatible]]s near the end of the decade.
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Another use of computer graphics is [[screensaver]]s, originally intended to prevent the layout of much-used [[Graphical user interface|GUIs]] from 'burning into' the computer screen. They have since evolved into true pieces of art, their practical purpose obsolete; modern screens are not susceptible to such artifacts.

=== Web graphics ===
In the 1990s, Internet speeds increased, and web browsers capable of viewing images were released, the first being [[Mosaic (web browser)|Mosaic]]. Websites began to use the [[Graphics Interchange Format|GIF]] format to display small graphics, such as banners, advertisements, and navigation buttons, on web pages. Modern [[web browser]]s can now display [[JPEG]], [[Portable Network Graphics|PNG]] and increasingly, [[Scalable Vector Graphics|SVG]] images in addition to [[GIF]]s on web pages. [[Scalable Vector Graphics|SVG]], and to some extent [[Vector Markup Language|VML]], support in some modern web browsers have made it possible to display [[vector graphics]] that are clear at any size. [[Plug-in (computing)|Plugins]] expand the web browser functions to display animated, interactive and [[3D computer graphics|3-D graphics]] contained within file formats such as [[SWF]] and [[X3D]].

[[File:Orangesig.jpg|left|thumb|Signature art used on web forums]]
Modern web graphics can be made with software such as [[Adobe Photoshop]], the [[GIMP]], or [[Corel Paint Shop Pro]]. Users of [[Microsoft Windows]] have [[Paint (software)|MS Paint]], which many find to be lacking in features. This is because MS Paint is a drawing package and {{em|not}} a graphics package.

Numerous platforms and websites have been created to cater to web graphics artists and to host their communities. A growing number of people use create internet forum signatures—generally, appearing after a user's post—and other digital artwork, such as photo manipulations and large graphics. With computer games' developers creating their own communities around their products, many more websites are being developed to offer graphics for the fans and to enable them to show their appreciation of such games in their own gaming profiles.

== Uses ==
Graphics are [[visual]] elements often used to point readers and viewers to particular information. They are also used to supplement text in an effort to aid readers in their understanding of a particular concept or make the concept more clear or interesting. [[Popular culture|Popular]] [[magazine]]s, such as ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' and ''[[Newsweek]]'', usually contain graphic material in abundance to attract readers, unlike the majority of [[Academic journal|scholarly journals]]. In computing, they are used to create a graphical [[User interface|interface]] for the user; and graphics are one of the five key elements of [[multimedia]] technology. Graphics are among the primary ways of advertising the sale of goods or services.

=== Business ===
Graphics are commonly used in [[business]] and [[economics]] to create [[financial chart]]s and tables. The term ''business graphics'' came into use in the late 1970s, when personal computers became capable of drawing graphs and charts instead of using a tabular format. Business graphics can be used to highlight changes over time.

=== Advertising ===
Advertising is one of the most profitable uses of graphics; artists often do advertising work or take advertising potential into account when creating art, to increase the chances of selling the artwork.

=== Political ===
The use of graphics for overtly political purposes—cartoons, graffiti, poster art, flag design, etc.—is a centuries-old practice which thrives today in every part of the world. The [[Northern Irish murals]] are one such example. A more recent example is [[Shepard Fairey]]'s 2008 U.S. presidential election [[Barack Obama "Hope" poster]]. It was first published on the web, but soon found its way onto streets throughout the United States.<ref>Heller, Steven and Chwast, Seymour (2011). ''Graphic Style: From Victorian to New Century''. Abrams.</ref>

=== Education ===
Graphics are heavily used in [[textbook]]s, especially those concerning subjects such as [[geography]], [[science]], and [[mathematics]], in order to illustrate theories and concepts, such as the [[human anatomy]]. Diagrams are also used to label photographs and pictures.

[[Educational animation]] is an important emerging field of graphics. Animated graphics have obvious advantages over static graphics when explaining subject matter that changes over time.

The ''Oxford Illustrated Dictionary'' uses graphics and technical illustrations to make reading material more interesting and easier to understand. In an [[encyclopedia]], graphics are used to illustrate concepts and show examples of the particular topic being discussed.

In order for a graphic to function effectively as an educational aid, the learner must be able to interpret it successfully. This interpretative capacity is one aspect of [[graphicacy]].

=== Film and animation ===
Computer graphics are often used in the majority of new feature films, especially those with a large budget. Films that heavily use computer graphics include [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' film trilogy]], the [[Harry Potter (film series)|''Harry Potter'' films]], ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' and ''[[War of the Worlds (2005 film)|War of the Worlds]]''.

== Graphics education ==
The majority of schools, colleges, and universities around the world educate students on the subject of graphic design and art.

The subject is taught in a broad variety of ways, each course teaching its own distinctive balance of craft skills and intellectual response to the client's needs.

Some graphics courses prioritize traditional craft skills—drawing, printmaking, and typography—over modern craft skills. Other courses may place an emphasis on teaching digital craft skills. Still, other courses may downplay the crafts entirely, concentrating on training students to generate novel intellectual responses that engage with the brief. Despite these apparent differences in training and curriculum, the staff and students on any of these courses will generally consider themselves to be graphic designers.

The typical [[pedagogy]] of a graphic design (or graphic communication, visual communication, graphic arts or any number of [[synonymous]] course titles) will be broadly based on the teaching models developed in the [[Bauhaus]] school in Germany or [[Vkhutemas]] in Russia. The teaching model will tend to expose students to a variety of craft skills (currently everything from drawing to motion capture), combined with an effort to engage the student with the world of [[visual culture]].

== Noted graphic designers ==
[[Aldus Manutius]] designed the first [[italic type]] style which is often used in [[desktop publishing]] and [[graphic design]]. [[April Greiman]] is known for her influential [[poster]] design. [[Paul Rand]] is well known as a design pioneer for designing many popular corporate logos, including the logo for [[IBM]], [[NeXT]] and [[United Parcel Service|UPS]]. [[William Caslon]], during the mid-18th century, designed many typefaces, including ''ITC Founder's Caslon'', ''ITC Founder's Caslon Ornaments'', ''Caslon Graphique'', ''ITC Caslon No. 224'', ''Caslon Old Face'' and ''Big Caslon''.

== See also ==
* [[Editorial cartoon]]
* [[Visualization (graphics)]]
* [[Semiotics]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
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== External links ==
{{Wiktionary|graphics}}
{{Commons category|Graphics}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080310082944/http://design.osu.edu/carlson/history/timeline.html A Historical Timeline of Computer Graphics and Animation]

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[[Category:Graphics| ]]
[[Category:Computer graphics]]
[[Category:Graphic design]]