What are graphic arts?

The concept of Graphic Arts designates a set of trades, techniques, jobs and professions that intervene in graphics or publishing, for example, the aforementioned graphic arts include areas such as graphic design, press, different printing systems, binding and finishing.
What do graphic arts do?

The concept of graphic arts refers mainly to the elaboration of all kinds of visual elements, based on drawing, engraving and printing techniques. Therefore, we can say that graphic arts include artistic processes that have the purpose of creating and elaborating a design. To do this, a medium is used by which the image is transferred to a substrate, thus creating an artistic expression. Currently, graphic arts are used as a means of advertising dissemination to create posters, packaging, boxes, logos, among others.
Types of graphic arts

Like any discipline, graphic arts are made up of different processes and techniques that allow the user to obtain the expected final result.

Below we detail the types of processes and techniques that exist in graphic arts:

Offset printing: Indirect printing process that consists of applying ink to a metal plate. In offset printing, the file does not go directly to the paper/surface to be printed. It first passes through the plate to a rubber and then from the rubber to the final paper/surface.
Flexography: High-speed direct printing technique that uses a flexible plate with relief and that passes the image directly from the plate to any type of surface. Therefore, this method is mainly used in the food and packaging industry, as it allows quality, speed and flexibility. In addition, this technique offers fast drying.
Letterpress printing: Direct printing process based on the use of plates in which the areas to be printed stand out and are impregnated with ink. The plates are pressed onto the paper to achieve the print.
Gravure: Direct printing technique performed with copper cylinders adaptable to rotary machines, with the figures engraved intaglio. This method is used for printing flexible packaging, such as potato and candy bags. It is also used in high-circulation books and magazines.
Screen printing: Direct printing process that consists of transferring ink through a mesh stretched over a frame. It can be applied to different types of material. This printing technique is used to print t-shirts, cloth bags, wood, ceramics and other materials.
Digital printing: Technique that consists of the direct printing of a digital file on a physical surface. Such as, for example, a print on paper, cloth, plastic, etc. The most common digital printing methods are inkjet printing and laser printing.

What areas does the graphic arts include?

Whenever we talk about the graphic process we have to distinguish between two stages: the creative process and the industrial process. Both are equally important, although we must bear in mind that creativity has certain limits that must be known in order to create projects based on them.
Pre-printing

The design is the first part that must be carried out in the graphic arts process. To do this, the idea must be created. The client asks for a design and based on this, the designer and the team create the idea, although they must know the limitations that their idea could have.

Secondly, they must decide on the design. When they already have the idea, it must be expressed to the client, retouched and finally printed. In our article on pre-printing we explain the stages and their importance.

Printing phase

Some printing techniques allow artists to produce thousands of quality prints.

Printing in the area of Graphic Arts encompasses all the activities aimed at reproducing the original created in the pre-printing phase. In this phase, the quality of the final print and the machine settings are approved before starting the print run.

In this process, the support on which the print will be printed and the inks with which it will be printed are decided. In addition, the materials are checked, the print run and the control of the samples during the printing of these are carried out and finally the cleaning and the pertinent maintenance are carried out on the printing equipment.
Post-printing as the final phase

This phase includes all the activities that give a definitive form to the final printed product.

It may be changing its surface, manipulating its structure, etc. Surface treatments, protection, binding or varnishing of the product can be carried out, among others.

In our post-printing article we detail the different tasks to be carried out as well as the main finishes.
Where graphic arts are used

Currently, graphic arts are used as the basis of advertising dissemination par excellence. Thanks to prints, illustrations and photographs, brands can take advantage of these manifestations of ingenuity and appeal to promote their services.

Graphic arts are a fundamental element for the generation and development of today's popular culture. Their intervention in our lives allows us to get closer to brands and artists and, therefore, to material and immaterial goods.
Main applications

Graphic arts have a direct relationship with advertising dissemination. In a globalized world full of information and communication, they play a great role since they serve as a means of dissemination.

There are many media in which we can apply their techniques. The most common are:

Labels and posters
Packaging: Containers, boxes, containers, bottles...
Labels
Books and magazines
Clothing
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