There are so many different types of graphic design that it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are the ten most popular types of graphic design:
1. Branding and Visual Identity
Branding and visual identity graphic design is all about creating a unique and recognizable brand for your business. This type of graphic design includes everything from logo design to branded stationery.
A brand guide usually contains your logo and its allowable variations, brand colors, and brand fonts. But it can also include other design elements like iconography, photography style, and even your brand voice.
If you’re starting a new business or rebranding an existing one, branding and visual identity graphic design is essential. It will help you create a cohesive and professional look for your business that will make you stand out from the competition.
When choosing a graphic designer for your branding project, be sure to ask to see examples of their previous work. You want to make sure they have a strong understanding of branding principles and can create a unique identity for your business.
2. Marketing and Advertising Design
Marketing and advertising graphic design is all about creating eye-catching visuals that will grab attention and get people talking about your product or service. This could include designing posters, flyers or even social media ads.
There’s one unique thing at stake when it comes to advertising design: sales. Your graphic design must be able to sell your product or service in the shortest amount of time possible while still delivering a strong message.
This means that marketing and advertising graphic design is often fast-paced and deadline-oriented. If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, you need to be comfortable working under pressure.
Graphic designers who specialize in marketing and advertising may also have experience with copywriting, which is another important element of effective marketing materials.
3. User Interface Graphic Design
User interface graphic design is all about making sure that users have a positive experience when using your website or app. This includes everything from the overall layout to small details like button design.
A good user interface is on-brand, attractive, clear, and easy very easy to use. It should guide users through your site or app with minimal effort.
If you’re designing a user interface, it’s important to keep in mind that graphic design is only one part of the equation. User experience (UX) design is also essential for creating a successful user interface.
User interface graphic designers need to have strong attention to detail and be able to think like a user. They also need to be up-to-date on the latest trends in web and app design.
When interviewing potential graphic designers for your project, ask them about their approach to user interface design and if they have any UX experience.
4. Packaging Design
Packaging design is all about making sure that your product stands out on the shelves. This involves designing eye-catching packaging that will make people want to pick up your product.
Packaging graphic design requires familiarity with print practices and other industry standards that affect user-friendliness.
You also need to be able to think about how your packaging will be displayed in stores and how it will be used by consumers.
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience designing packaging. Be sure to also ask for examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall aesthetics of the design and how well it communicates information about the product.
It’s also important to make sure that the graphic designer you choose is familiar with your product category. For example, if you’re selling food, you’ll want to make sure that they have experience designing food packaging.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create packaging that not only looks great but also meets all the necessary requirements.
5. Publication Graphic Design
Publication graphic design is all about creating beautiful and engaging publications. This could include magazines, books or even newspapers.
Publication design, also known as layout design, requires a lot of knowledge about typography, color science, and if applicable, printing standards.
Graphic designers who specialize in publication design often have a background in print design.
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience designing publications. You should also ask to see examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall layout and how well the text and images are integrated.
You should also make sure that the graphic designer you choose is familiar with your desired publication format. For example, if you want to create a magazine, you’ll want to make sure that they have experience designing magazines.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create a publication that is both visually stunning and easy to read.
6. Motion Graphics
Motion graphics are graphic designs that are in motion, such as animated logos or explainer videos. This type of graphic design is perfect for grabbing attention and getting your message across in a fun and engaging way.
Motion graphic designers further specialize with a variety of media — 2D vectors, 3D models, calligraphy, character animation, and more.
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience designing motion graphics. You should also ask to see examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall aesthetics of the design and how well the animation communicates the message.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create a motion graphic that is both visually appealing and effective in conveying your message.
7. Environmental Graphic Design
Environmental graphic design is all about creating visuals that will enhance the experience of being in a certain space. This could include things like signage, wayfinding or even exhibition design.
Ultimately, environmental graphic design is part of the art of “placemaking,” which means both form and function are indivisible. It involves creating visual elements that add interest or functionality to real-life spaces.
There is also branded environmental graphic design, which brings a brand’s elements to a space such as an office.
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience designing environmental graphics. You should also ask to see examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall aesthetics of the design and how well the visuals enhance the space.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create visuals that both look great and serve a purpose.
8. Presentation Design
Presentation graphic design is all about creating visuals that will help you deliver your message in a clear and impactful way. This could include designing PowerPoint templates or infographics.
Truly engaging presentations allow presenters to take center stage while supporting their message with clarity and conciseness.
Here are some primary objectives of any well-designed presentation:
– Establishing a connection with the audience
– Making complex data more digestible
– Reinforcing key messages
– Supporting the presenter’s delivery
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience designing presentations. You should also ask to see examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall aesthetics of the design and how well the visuals support the presentation.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create visuals that are both visually appealing and effective in conveying your message.
9. Illustration for Graphic Design
Illustration for graphic design is all about bringing your designs to life with unique and eye-catching illustrations. This type of graphic design is perfect for adding personality and flair to your designs.
Vector graphics, traditional drawings, or freehand digital drawings can be considered illustrations. However, not all illustrations are graphic design.
Graphic design uses illustration to solve visual problems or communicate a message. Simply put, graphic design is the marriage of form and function while illustration is the art of creating images.
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience illustrating for graphic design. You should also ask to see examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall aesthetics of the designs and how well the illustrations support the message.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create visuals that are both unique and effective in conveying your message.
10. Graphic Design for Print
Graphic design for print is all about creating beautiful printed materials. This could include anything from business cards to brochures.
Designing for print is quite different from designing for screens or digital publishing.
When designing for print, graphic designers need to take into account things like paper stock, printing process, and file preparation.
If you’re interested in this type of graphic design, ask potential graphic designers if they have any experience designing for print. You should also ask to see examples of their previous work.
When looking at examples, pay attention to the overall aesthetics of the designs and how well they are executed.
Here are some things to keep in mind when having print assets designed:
– The graphic designer you work with should be experienced in designing for print.
– Make sure to approve a proof before the design is sent to print.
– Keep your print files safe and organized so you can easily access them for future printing needs.
The right graphic designer will be able to help you create beautiful printed materials that accurately represent your brand.
So, there you have it! The ten most popular types of graphic design. Now that you know a little bit more about each one, it should be easier to decide which type of graphic design is right for you.
Still not sure? No problem! We would be more than happy to chat with you about your graphic design needs. Just give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to help you out.
