History of Computer Art Design
Computer-generated art, also known as digital graphic design, is the primary artistic medium used today for print advertising, graphics, product and package design, logos and more. The use of computers in the graphic design industry began in the mid-'80s upon the release of the first Macintosh computer and the capability of making bitmap (a grid of pixels) graphics. Since then, the field has flourished and new software and technologies have emerged that the designers of yesterday could hardly dream of. Before the personal computer was invented, however, graphic design already had planted its roots.
Before Computers
Several developments paved the way for digital graphic design. Man has had the compulsion to communicate with art since the days of the caveman. The ancient Chinese were the first to make paper and Johannes Gutenburg invented the first printing press, leading to the mass distribution of print. In 1530, Claude Garamond was the first to design fonts (type) and sell them. The Industrial Revolution brought newer methods of printing, like lithography. The Art Noveau Movement and later the opening of the Bahaus School, in 1919, changed the face of modern design.
Computer Graphics
Computer graphics actually began before they could be viewed on a screen. In the 1960s, designer William Fetter created computer-generated images by plotting points on a mathematical field and plugging them into a computer.
The First Mac
In 1984, Macintosh released its first computer, complete with bitmap graphics. The following year, PageMaker software was developed, desktop publishing was introduced, and the iconic MTV logo was produced.
Fonts
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, several font languages were invented and improved upon to make printing type possible. These developments included: Adobe's PostScript Language, True Type and Open Type.
Changes in the Industry
With the introduction of desktop publishing and computer design, a lot of design support centers either went out of business or invested in the new technology. Designers whose main function was to create the artwork now had to work in more technical roles. They included typesetting and pre-press production, which they were not accustomed to.
The World Wide Web
In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee changed the graphic design industry and the world with his invention of the World Wide Web. His original implementations were adapted and improved upon in the following years, opening designers up to a whole new medium.
New Millennium
Many advances in digital graphic design have taken place more recently. Technology has been improved upon, making the medium more convenient to use and more cost-effective. Products like flatbed scanners, digital cameras, new design software, high tech printers and new web technology have made it all possible.
