The Different Types of Graphic Design
Are there different types of Graphic Design? Well, yes! Yes, there is. We all have some idea that pops up in our mind when we hear about “Graphic Design”. And to clarify, when you think about Billboards…it is a type of graphic design. When you think of Website Design…it is a type of graphic design. Heck! If you think about the famous and favourite apps that show up on all our smartphones these days…there is a type of graphic design that went into it.
If you want to learn more about what Graphic Design is exactly, you can learn more about it in our article on this topic. The post today will clarify the different types of graphic designs that are out there. This information can be crucial when you are looking for a skilled Graphic Designer, as you will be able to identify which type of Graphic Designer you need for the specific project. So, let’s dive straight into it…
What are the Different Types of Graphic Design?
Even though we are aware that there are more Types of Graphic Design out there – and we won’t even be surprised if there are more popping up before you read this post… We will cover the most popular types of graphic design in this article.
It is important to understand that there is some overlap in the skills required for all the different types of graphic design, but there are also specific sets of skills required with each of the types. You will be able to find Graphic Designers that specialise in multiple types of graphic design. However, you will also get Graphic designers who specialise in one type or similar types of design. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to Graphic Designers…
10 Different Types of Graphic Design
There are 10 types of Graphic Design types that we thought important for the purpose of this post.
1. Visual Identity or Brand Identity Design
Visual Identity or Brand Identity Design is the actual visual elements seen by the audience that sets you apart from your competitors. It also tells your business’s unique story at first glance. This also refers to the element that needs to be the most memorable to the audience.
It includes elements such as Logo and other elements of the Corporate ID, Colour Palette, Typography, and any other element that is physically visible to the audience interacting with your business or brand.
2. Marketing and Advertising Design
Marketing and Advertising Design is the design of the materials, assets and elements used in a business’s marketing content and campaigns. It is specifically designed for said business and has to resonate with the target market of the business.
It includes online and offline marketing material like [online] Digital PPC Marketing, Social Media Marketing, [offline] such as Print Media, ads in a Magazine, or Newspaper etc.
3. Website design
Web Design involves various aspects including the User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), and Visual Designing aspects of a website. Web designers are also responsible for using their creativity and skills to consider topics of colour palette, typography, templates, brand incorporation and so much more in order to create awesome and appealing designs that serve the business as well as their clients in the best way possible.
4. User Interface (UI) Design
A User Interface refers to the actual interaction of a user with a device, program, or app. User Interface (UI) Design is the design of the interface to make it user friendly and appealing to the actual consumer-facing interface. This type of design keeps everything the user uses in mind, i.e., the mouse, keyboard, and screen.
It includes the design of the visual experience of the user and makes use of various elements such as buttons, links, menus, and other aesthetic elements to create a well-balanced, user-friendly interface.
5. Package and Label Design
Package and Label Design is a type of graphic design that a business shouldn’t overlook or underestimate. Because most products need to be shipped, protected and presented in some way, it is wise to implement package and/or label design into your marketing strategy. This is, in any case, the first impression you can show to your target audience or even an additional way your current customer base can recognise your brand…
Here is how powerful package design can be…Quick! Think Coca-Cola…what was your first thought? The logo, the colour AND the labels or cans, right?
Package and Label design is literally the design of the packaging that protects the products or how the product is sold and distributed. It can also function as a direct communication to the consumer.
6. Print Design
This type of graphic design includes a different approach to design in order to print the designs in various manners. It needs to be designed in such a way that it can be blown up several times without losing quality.
Imagine designing a project on a screen such as a laptop or desktop and it needs to be drastically enlarged to fit a full-sized Billboard that you see next to the Highway… It needs to be crisp.
It includes design for business cards, flyers, stationery, billboards and so much more.
7. Editorial or Publication Design
Editorial or Publication Design is one of the oldest types of graphic design and has been around for years, even before the digital world showed up. This type of design is popular in the publishing industry to this day, digital or non-digital.
It is used for print design in the publishing industry and focuses on layouts carefully designed with elements such as carefully selected typography, photography, graphics, illustrations for covers and articles etc. You see this type of design in printed book covers, magazines, newspapers, and catalogues.
Even though it started before the digital era it is still one of the most popular graphic designs as it is now also used in eBooks, digital newspapers and magazines, and digital catalogues. As mentioned above, it is one of the oldest graphic design types, and it is certainly here to stay during the digital era as well.
8. Art and Illustration Design
Art and Illustration Design refers to the graphic ‘artists’ who create their own original work using various materials, much like artists who create painting or pencil sketches. The art that we get from these designers can take up many forms and types of design, including animations, comics, stock photography, patterns and textiles, concept art and much more.
9. Environmental Graphic Design
Imagine you walk into a train station …what do you see? How do you know where you need to be? If it wasn’t for Environmental Graphic Design, you wouldn’t know… This type of design focuses on connecting people to their surroundings and easing their experience as it is used to make the surroundings interesting, present information on navigation, it can also be used to make a space more memorable… Think Instagram worthy experiences in your favourite places.
This type of design combines various types of designs, and various design principles and elements with landscape, architecture, interiors, and other environmental aspects to create a great experience. It includes transportation navigation, signage, store interiors and even exteriors, wall murals, exhibition design, unique branding even sculptures and statues and so much more. These designers can be quite creative.
10. Motion Graphic Design
Motion Graphic design is simply put in the process of converting static designs into live, dynamic designs. It can be seen in various places digitally, such as the media and films. Examples of Motion Graphics include animated logos, GIFs, motion in sponsored ads, motion website graphics, video game graphics, etc. They achieve this by adding animation, audio, imagery, video, and various art concepts.
In Conclusion
Even though we know that there are a great number of professionals that specialize in each or multiple types of the above-mentioned Graphic Design types, it is important to understand that there are indeed various types of Graphic Design. The reason is, if you educate yourself on the types of Graphic Design that you have at your disposal you will be able to make an educated decision on which type of professional you will need for your specific project. In doing so you save loads of time for yourself and the designers you use, it can also prevent you from spending too much of your budget on the wrong type of designer…Even though, any type of graphics can be used in multiple ways and on multiple platforms.
