The History
of Visual
Communication
One of the main tools whereby humanity has visualized ideas is through the usage of writing and, by extension, of type: Writing is the visual manifestation of the spoken word. And words are what we communicate with. So, it is no overstatement when we say that writing is the essence of visual communication and by extension of visual communication design.
Thus, the history of visual communication, that is the history of the visualization of the spoken word, will largely follow the development of typographic systems, with a special focus on Latin typography, given that this is the system that I am working with. Although the main focus will be on the usage of typography in layouts, I will also cover other visual material such as illustration, illumination, photography, shapes and symbols, as and where they relate to the main subject.
I will loosely follow P.B. Meggs's book "The History of Graphic Design," which is the seminal work in this area. However, since the internet gives me that possibility, I can show far more visual examples to the material covered than the book itself provides.
I am very proud of my heritage as a graphic designer. I know that I come from a long line of remarkable individuals, from the scribes of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the medieval book makers; from Aldus Manutius to El Lissitzky. They are my teachers and colleagues. I look to them for instruction, for guidance, for inspiration. I know that whatever we design today rests upon their shoulders, their genius, their good judgement and taste. I hope that learning the history of their craft will inspire the same pride and love in my students.
