Evolution of Graphic Design from the Paleolithic Era

This paper discusses the evolution of graphic design from the epochs of human history beginning in the Paleolithic era. It articulates the emanation of graphic design from the early man's need to interact with his environment in the Paleolithic era. Early people in Africa and Europe left paintings in caves, including the famous Lascaux caves in southern France. It delved into the Mesolithic era which manifested in the creation of complex settlements requiring capacity development. In Africa, the Neolithic era was characterized by outdoor rock art, including petroglyphs and a diminishing amount of cave painting, notably hand stencils and other pictographs and Pictogram. The Neolithic era significantly ushered in enormous development in human societies, rearing of animals, farming and the beginning of hieroglyphic writing systems from Africa using the pictorial methods of communication. The paper also enunciated the rise of graphic design from the 19th and 20th century to the new millennials and the consequential impact of digitalization on graphic design practice in responding to the need of the society.