Graphic design, as we know it today, did not exist before the 20th century. However, there were individuals who worked in related fields and contributed to the development of what would eventually become graphic design.
We have plenty of output and evidence from designers working in the last century but it's always good to know what came before. Who were those designers? Yes they're all men, thankfully the time they are a changing. Do google them and explore their work further.
One such individual was William Morris (1834-1896), a British artist, writer, and textile designer who founded the Arts and Crafts movement. Morris was a pioneer in the field of decorative arts, and his designs were characterized by their intricacy, use of bold colors, and incorporation of natural forms.
Another important figure was Jules Chéret (1836-1932), a French painter and lithographer who is often called the father of the modern poster. Chéret's brightly colored posters were widely used to advertise products, events, and entertainment in the late 19th century.
Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), a Czech artist and designer, is also recognized as a key figure in the development of graphic design. Mucha's style was characterized by his use of flowing lines, decorative patterns, and a strong emphasis on typography.
Finally, the German designer Peter Behrens (1868-1940) is often considered one of the pioneers of modern graphic design. Behrens was a prolific designer who worked in a variety of fields, including typography, advertising, and industrial design. He is perhaps best known for his work with the German electrical company AEG, for which he created a unified visual identity that became a model for corporate branding.
While these individuals were not necessarily graphic designers in the modern sense, their work laid the foundation for the development of the field in the 20th century.
William Addison Dwiggins (1880-1956) - Dwiggins was an American book designer, typographer, and calligrapher who worked in the early 20th century. He is best known for his book designs, which often incorporated his own illustrations and decorative elements.
Walter Crane (1845-1915) - Crane was an English artist and designer who worked in a variety of media, including illustration, book design, and wallpaper. He was associated with the Arts and Crafts movement and was known for his use of bold colors and intricate patterns.
Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) - Beardsley was an English illustrator and graphic designer who was active in the late 19th century. He is known for his black-and-white illustrations, which often featured macabre or erotic subject matter. Beardsley's work was highly influential in the Art Nouveau movement.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) - Toulouse-Lautrec was a French painter and printmaker who is known for his depictions of Parisian nightlife in the late 19th century. He was a prolific poster designer and his work had a significant impact on the development of graphic design.
Theo van Doesburg (1883-1931) - Van Doesburg was a Dutch artist and designer who was a leading figure in the De Stijl movement. He was known for his use of geometric forms and primary colors, and his work had a significant influence on the development of modern graphic design.
These designers all made significant contributions to the development of graphic design before 1900, and their work continues to inspire and influence designers today.
