Future of Graphic Design: Drucker Essay

They "carved" their laws "with care into walls or tablets and meant [the laws] to have a permanent presence and carry authority" (Drucker and McVarish, 2009: 34). Thus, because of the Greeks' understanding of graphic design, they were able to exert authority over their citizens. In the Middle Ages, the church, which was the primary source of learning and graphics held the same power, using graphics contained in the codex to communicate this power to citizens, in addition to non-writing graphics, such as pictures. Finally, the Renaissance, with its invention of the printing press, encouraged the equalization of power, as citizens were able to put their own thoughts into print, in addition to the monarchs and other powerful leaders. The age of Enlightenment was the offspring of this equalization, as it was "characterized by the rise of nationalism, reason, and scientific empiricism in Europe and North America" (Drucker and McVarish, 2009: 95). Here, communication the form of books and newspapers gave power to many who wanted to express a voice.

In conclusion, the importance of graphic design, as indicated by Drucker and McVarish (2009) cannot be disputed. Their narration of the history of graphic design suggests that it not only served communication purposes, but also allowed those who had a grasp on graphic design to come into power, while those who did not to be in submission, finally ending with an equalization of power as graphic design and literacy became more widespread. Drucker and McVarish's (2009) two points, while important to the understanding of history, though, are also of extreme importance for understanding graphic design today and in the future. I believe that graphics still function as an important method of communication, and will continue to gain importance as new technology is introduced. In addition, I also think that power is still associated with graphics, as those who can…