What is graphic design?

If you are like me, you don't realize how much graphic design you are exposed to everyday. When a company wants to convey a non-verbal message to its audience, graphic design is used. Graphic design includes everything from a simple computer print out to a company logo. It can be drawn, painted, photographed, or made from a computer program. Everything you see: billboards, posters, magazine ads, even T-shirts were created by a designer with you in mind. This website has an excellent description of all the different forms of graphic design. 

http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/guide-whatisgraphicdesign