There are so many terms when it comes to graphic arts. Problem is, for the newcomers in this particular field, not to many divulge on what these terms exactly mean. So what am I providing for you as a reader today then? Commonly used graphic (GFX) terms! If you’re new to the graphics area, these are definitely some terms you should go over and familiarize yourself with. Once you get familiarized with these specific terms, it will help you in furthering your graphics experience! So then, let’s get started shall we?

GFX Basic Terms

1. Stock – Word used to describe the picture that you will be using. This is generally a picture that has no copyright infringement attached. In other words, you are legally permitted and allowed to use these pictures in your own graphics.
2. Render – A 3D object you will be including in the picture. A render is generally made by/on the computer.
3. Font – The text you will be using for the picture.
4. Typo – Text/Colour
5. Blending – How well the stock blends in with the background. Mainly a comparison.
6. WIP – Work In Progress
7. KIU – Keep it up! As in keep up the great work.
8. BG – The actual background of the picture you are creating.
9. CnC or C&C – Critique and Comment. This is so that once you’ve completed your picture, you can ask others to point out some flaws and perfections of it. This will help you improve your work over time, by taking other peoples opinions into consideration.
10. Ripping – Stealing others people’s GFX. In other words, stealing another users work.

Little More Advanced GFX Terms
1. Opacity – This is used to see how much you can see through an image.
2. Saturation – This is used to dramastically brigthen a dominant color in your graphic.
3. Depth – Creating a 3D look to your picture so that it stands out from the rest of your graphic. Making it the key focal point.
4. Sprite – A .gif material stock. (.gif is an extension normally used for animated picture)
5. Contrast – Putting contrast up on an image can make the picture brighter, but can limit the colors, while putting contrast done will make the whole colour scheme of your graphic darker.
6. Hue and Saturation – Your colour
7. Brushing – Used to create effects on your pictures. Such as splatters, blobs, and much much more.

These are some basic terms normally used by GFX artists. If you’re planning on going into the field, I highly recommend getting used to these terms. Although these are some helpful terms, there are plenty more out there that are commonly used as well. So keep your eyes peeled and your brain moving and learn as much as you can!