Whether you want to become a graphic designer or hire a designer for your business, it is essential to have a good understanding of the eight types of graphic design.
Visual design and the various categories of design
The discipline of graphic design involves the use of visual composition in order to solve a problem and express an idea using typography, images, colors and shapes. There is no single way to do it and that is why there are several types of design, each with its own characteristics.
Despite their similarity, each type of graphic design requires specific skills and techniques. Many graphic designers focus on only one type of design. Some prefer to learn skills in different areas that are interrelated. However, due to the constant evolution of this field of activity, graphic designers must be able to adapt and acquire new techniques every day, in order to change or add areas of specialty to their offering .
1.Visual reputation
Visual identity encompasses all the visual characteristics that allow a company or organization to be identified.
Visual identity designers work collaboratively with a brand to design a series of elements such as a logo, typography, color palette and collection of images that reflect the brand’s personality . In addition to classic business cards and other stationery elements, graphic designers develop a graphic charter which will serve as a reference for all future graphic needs, on all communication channels. Using these guidelines, it is possible to strengthen the consistency of the brand identity.
It is essential that visual identity designers have a strong overall understanding of all types of graphic design in order to design elements suitable for all channels. It is also necessary that they have exceptional interpersonal skills, conceptualization abilities and a developed creative sense, as well as a desire to reach individuals based on the field of activity, trends and competition.
2.The marketing and advertising aspect
When we talk about graphic design, the majority of people are convinced that these are creations designed for marketing and advertising.
The success of their marketing campaigns is essential for companies to influence the choices of their target audience. Effective marketing arouses the interest of individuals based on their aspirations, needs, knowledge and satisfaction towards a product, service or brand. As visual content is always more captivating than text alone, graphic designers contribute to the promotion and effective communication of organizations.
Graphic designers specializing in the field of marketing collaborate with business executives, managers and marketers to design elements relevant to their clients’ marketing strategies. They may be employed individually or be employed within a company and be part of a team. Graphic designers have the option to focus on a specific medium (like magazine advertising, vehicle advertising, for example), or work across all media, whether digital or not. While this type of graphic design has traditionally focused on “print” designs, digital now occupies an increasingly important place, particularly in the field of content marketing.
Examples: Postcards and flyers Magazines and advertisements Posters, banners and signs Infographics Brochures (print and digital) Vehicle wrapping Signs and displays Email marketing templates Power Point presentations Menus Social media advertisements and banners Ad targeting Images for blogs and sites web
Marketing designers must have exceptional people skills, be able to solve problems and manage their schedule. In addition to knowledge of various forms of graphic design, layout and application interfaces, it is also necessary for them to be familiar with printing processes and various digital environments. Entry-level jobs in this field provide a great opportunity for graphic designers to gain strong skills and experience.
3.The interface for users
The term “user interface” (UI) refers to the way users interact with a device or application. A graphic designer expert in UI design develops the interfaces to make them simple and pleasant to use.
This encompasses all elements that users interact with (screen, keyboard, mouse), but in graphic design it is primarily the users’ on-screen visual experience, such as buttons, menus, micro-interactions, etc. The role of a user interface designer is to find the right balance between aesthetics and utility.
UI developers specialize in mobile apps, desktop apps, web apps and games. They work closely with UX (“user experience”) designers, who define how applications work, and with UI developers, who develop the code necessary for the application to work.
Graphical user interface templates, website design, design theme (WordPress, Shopify, etc.), game interfaces, application design
UI designers must be able to collaborate in teams and have both strong graphic design expertise and a deep understanding of user experience/interface principles. It is also necessary that they have knowledge of the principles of responsive design and web development. In addition to being proficient in application design, they should also be familiar with the most commonly used programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
4.PRINT
Generally, publishing is linked to long and widely distributed publications. Printed media are particularly taken into account: books, newspapers, magazines and catalogs. However, digital publications have become increasingly popular in recent times.
In this field, graphic designers work in collaboration with publishers and publishing houses to design the layout of their publications, as well as to select the typography and any images that accompany the text. This may include photographs, graphics or illustrations. These graphic designers work as independent workers, within an agency or simply as employees of a publishing house.
Example: Graphic design templates for publishing, Books, Newspapers, Newsletters, Directories, Annual reports, Magazine catalogs
Expert publishing designers must have exceptional people skills, mastery of layout and good organization. In addition to their expertise in graphic design, they must have a solid knowledge of color, printing methods and digital publishing.
5.The packaging
Most products need packaging so that they can be stored, distributed and sold. But packaging design can also be a great tool for communicating a lot of information to consumers, which makes it an excellent marketing tool! Every box, bottle, bag, can, and container represents an opportunity to tell the brand story.
Packaging designers brainstorm ideas, develop designs and produce print-ready files for product packaging. This requires in-depth mastery of printing methods and a good understanding of the production steps. Given that packaging design brings together many disciplines, it is common to find that graphic designers specializing in this field also produce other elements such as photographs, illustrations or even complete visual identities.
Graphic designers specializing in packaging can be very versatile, or skilled in a specific sector (like labels or cans, for example) or in a sector of activity (like food or children’s toys, for example). ). Their work requires strong design skills, as well as in-depth expertise in printing processes and industrial design. It is essential that they are flexible in order to adapt to their customers, marketers and manufacturers, and to constantly stay informed of the latest trends.
6.Animation
In other words, motion graphics refer to graphics that are in motion. It obviously includes animations, as well as audio content, typography, images, video, as well as any other effects used on the Internet, television and cinema. In recent years, the popularity of this sector has increased significantly, thanks to technological advancements and the success of video content.
This sector is relatively new for graphic designers. Originally reserved for television and cinema, technological advances have made it possible to reduce production time and expenses, which has greatly contributed to the democratization of the sector. Today, animations are present in all digital media, which opens the way to a new category of design with the possibilities it offers.
Graphic designers specializing in this discipline start by creating a story (storyboard), then embody their concept using animations, videos and more traditional artistic forms. Depending on the industry, having strong marketing, programming, and 3D modeling skills can be a major advantage.
7. the environment
Environmental design allows people to connect with places to enhance their experience, making places more memorable, captivating, informative, or simply easier to navigate.
Signage is a type of environmental graphic design all on its own. The principle is to define a signage strategy, with visual cues, so that users can identify where they are and where they are going, with the minimum of confusion.
Signage represents a distinct form of graphic design for the environment. This involves implementing a signage strategy, with visual cues, so that users can identify their position and orientation, without any confusion.
Graphic environmental design is a multidisciplinary approach that develops from design, architecture, interior architecture, landscaping and industrial design. Graphic designers work in collaboration with several experts in these fields to plan and implement their creations. This is why these graphic designers generally have dual expertise in graphic design and architecture. It is essential that they have knowledge of the principles of industrial design and can sketch architectural plans.
Typically, environment design is responsible for creating many static panels. However, in the digital age, we are increasingly exposed to digital signs, which creates an even more captivating experience.
8.Art and painting
Graphic design is often compared to the field of art and illustration. However, these two sectors differ significantly from each other. Graphic designers develop compositions with the aim of communicating and finding solutions. Original creations are made by artists and illustrators. Their art can take different forms, whether as fine art, decoration, or text illustration.
Although technically graphic art and illustrations are not types of graphic design, the two fields are so closely related that it is difficult to talk about one without referencing the other.
In all areas of graphic design, graphic artists use all kinds of media and techniques in their creation, and work in collaboration with writers, editors, managers, marketers and creative directors. Often, they have a strong background in arts, animation and architecture. As these disciplines have common skills, it is entirely possible to meet graphic designers who also work as artists or illustrators, and vice versa.
9.Select the appropriate graphic design for your project.
The field of graphic design is constantly evolving and the demand for competent and specialized professionals continues to grow. However, when it comes to finding the right person to complete your project, it is crucial to be familiar with the various forms of graphic design to help you locate the graphic designer you need.
At Twice Box, we are convinced that our agency, with its experienced professionals, is the perfect choice for people looking for professional graphic designers.
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