Includes index.

Contents: Introduction: Introduction -- Who is this book for? -- What is this book about? -- Chapter outlines -- Graphic design and communication: Introduction -- What is graphic design? -- The function of graphic design: Information -- Persuasion -- Decoration -- Magic -- Metalinguistic and phatic functions -- What is communication? -- Communication theory -- Semiology: Signs and codes -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Meaning: Words and images: Introduction -- Types of signs -- Meaning: Denotation and connotation -- Meaning: Layout -- Meaning: Anchorage and relay -- Foucault and graphic design -- Metaphor/metonymy/synecdoche -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Social, cultural and economic functions: Introduction -- The relation to society and culture -- Society -- Social functions -- Culture -- Cultural functions: Childhood -- Gender -- The relation to economics: Consumption -- Anti-consumption -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Audiences and markets: Introduction -- Target practice -- Ethnicity/race -- Age -- Gender -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Modernism: Introduction -- What is modernism? -- Modernism and graphic design -- European modernism -- American modernism -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Postmodernism and globalisation: Introduction -- What is postmodernism? -- Postmodernism and graphic design -- What is globalisation? -- Globalisation and graphic design -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Graphic design and art: Introduction -- Art, graphic design and meaning -- The artist and the designer -- Cultural significance -- Expression and individuality -- Creativity and problem-solving -- Function -- Aura -- Conclusion -- Further reading -- Conclusion.