What are thumbnails in the context of graphic design?

Thumbnails in graphic design refer to small drawings that serve as initial visual representations of ideas or concepts. These compact illustrations allow designers to quickly explore various concepts, layouts, and compositions without investing too much time or resources in detail. They are typically characterized by their simplicity and size, enabling designers to focus on the overall structure and flow of a design rather than getting bogged down in intricate details.

While other options may involve stages of the design process, they do not capture the essence of what thumbnails are meant to achieve. Large detailed drawings would take considerable time and effort to produce, which goes against the purpose of creating rapid conceptual sketches. Pencil sketches could be a step in the creative process but do not specifically represent the concise and quick nature that thumbnails embody. Digital mockups are more refined illustrations created using software and are generally a step further in the design process compared to thumbnails. Thus, small drawings are the correct description of thumbnails, emphasizing their role in brainstorming and idea development within graphic design.