Basically Graphic Design means solving a problem creatively with visual elements! Ie: with text, picture or art elements. Your aim to create something that is pleasing to the eye. But things can’t just look cool, it have to communicate well to the viewer.
Wikipedia.com defines graphic design in this way:
Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form (i.e., printers, programmers, signmakers, etc.) – undertaken in order to convey a specific message (or messages) to a targeted audience. The term "graphic design" can also refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines that focus on visual communication and presentation. The field as a whole is also often referred to as Visual Communication or Communication Design. Various methods are used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may use typography, visual arts and page layout techniques to produce the final result. Graphic design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.
About.com defines graphic design in this way:
"Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today's graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals."
Dictionary.com says this:
"The practice or profession of designing print or electronic forms of visual information, as for an advertisement, publication, or website."
