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LinkedIn Learning Summary: Graphic Design Foundations

While much of Mary Jane Begin’s LinkedIn Learning Course only had to do with Western techniques of color design and application, the history that Begin goes over early in the course shows that our modern art mediums have been influenced by techniques carried over from different ancient cultures. 

Early cultures sprayed pigment or charcoal powder onto cave walls to make art. Later cultures developed more sophisticated techniques. Ancient Egyptians used gum arabic to bind watercolors to surfaces. In ancient China, painters would protect their watercolors by storing them far from where the light could bleach them. 

Apart from history, Begin discusses different cultural meanings of color. In India, red is associated with life and purity. In China, it symbolizes good luck. In South Africa it stands for death. In the west red is associated with danger or passion. While the personal or universal associations of color may also factor into its meaning, the community one grows up into also defines it. 

Designers creating content for an audience of a different culture must be aware of the unique cultural meanings of color for their projects. While they may not be able to avoid confusing or offending everyone, they can choose colors more likely to convey their message effectively to their target audience.