Graphic Design: The Universal Language

Since the dawn of mankind, communication has been a necessity. Is this well safe to drink from? Where are the best hunting grounds? Who's territory is this? While actual language was still developing, our ancestors knew that certain symbols held meaning.

Skulls mean death, hunting arrows go one direction, animal drawings denoted what lived where. So scratching a skull symbol next to a waterhole means it isn't safe to drink from. Arrows pointing to a herd of animals explained where hunting may be done. Certain symbols marked tribal territories. These and many other symbols were used for generations to help guide and instruct their groups, and those who would follow.

To this day, nothing has changed. We still use symbols, icons, and specific colors to explain ideas. If you get off a plane in a foreign country, and need to find your luggage, you can find out where to go — even if you don't speak the local language. Simply look for a sign with a picture of a suitcase and an arrow pointing the way to go. While words and descriptions may vary from country to country, a suitcase and an arrow always means the same thing: “Luggage this way.”

Territorial imagery is very present in today's world. Flags mark which country we may be in. Even more specific, sports logos and colors denote which specific area you may be in within that country. While the icons have become more complex and colorful, they still the same purpose from centuries past.

As time continues to march on, and more signs and symbols are culturally agreed upon, Graphic Design becomes more of a universal language. Look at an advertisement on your phone. What colors are used? Is the font appealing? What message is being expressed? Our genetic memories and cultural conditioning through the generations has taught us if something is good, safe, dangerous, or bad. Graphic Design is virtually everywhere. Almost any surface can be used to hold images and messages. And our communication is constant.

To this day, a skull still means danger, arrows still point the way, images of food let us know where the best hunting grounds are, and the local team mascot lets you know who's territory you are in. Graphic Design is truly the universal language.