The first graphic images that evolved in our Western system of writing was pictograms. Pictograms were generally simple shapes which represented a basic vocabulary of objects and ideas. Some basic pictogram images included those to man, woman, fire, food, tree, and shelter.

As the need to express more words grew, Ideograms came into play. These were created by combining existing symbols. For example, several trees may be grouped together to form a pictogram of a forest, or the symbols for a man woman and child may be grouped together to create a new symbol for the idea of family.

As typography evolved Phonograms were used. A phonogram was used to represent syllables or sounds as began to be used in the 1600's.