8 types of graphic design you should know about
You may think graphic design is all about making things look pretty. However, there is more to it than creating something visually appealing to the eye. Graphic designers are, in fact, creative problem-solvers. The term graphic design is often thrown around as an umbrella term, but the variations of design beneath that umbrella require a slight variation in skillsets, knowledge and software. Let us talk about the 8 types of graphic design you should know about.
Visual identity graphic design
A brand is a connection between a business and its target audience. A company's brand identity describes how it expresses its personality, tone, and essence, as well as memories, emotions, and experiences. The visual elements of brand identification that act as the face of a brand to express those intangible attributes through images, shapes, and colour are known as visual identity graphic design.
Marketing and advertising graphic design
The majority of people associate graphic design with graphics for marketing and advertising.
To tap into their target audience's decision-making process, businesses rely on successful marketing initiatives. People are engaged by great marketing because of their wants, needs, awareness, and satisfaction with a product, service, or brand. Graphic design helps companies in promoting and communicating more effectively since people will always find visual material more engaging.
User interface graphic design
The way a user interacts with a device or application is referred to as the user interface (UI). UI design is the process of creating user interfaces that are simple to use and deliver a pleasant experience. The screen, keyboard, and mouse are all part of a user's UI, but UI design in the context of graphic design focuses on the user's visual experience and the design of on-screen graphic components such as buttons, menus, micro-interactions, and more. A UI designer's duty is to strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and technological functionality.
Publication graphic design
Long-form pieces that connect with an audience through public distribution are known as publications. Traditionally, they have been a print medium. Think of books, newspapers, magazines, and catalogues as examples of publication design. Digital publication, on the other hand, has recently seen a huge increase.
Packaging graphic design
To protect and prepare products for storage, distribution, and sale, they all require packing. But packaging design can communicate directly to consumers, making it a highly effective marketing tool. Every box, bottle, bag, can, container, or canister is an opportunity to tell a brand's story. Packaging designers generate mockups and print-ready files for a product. This necessitates a thorough understanding of print as well as an in-depth understanding of industrial design and manufacturing.
Motion graphic design
Motion graphics, simply described, are visuals that move. Animation, audio, typography, graphics, video, and other effects used in online media, television, and film are examples of this. “Motion graphics designer" is a relatively new design speciality. Previously limited to television and film, technology advancements have shortened production times and decreased expenses, making the art form more accessible and affordable. Motion graphics is now one of the newest styles of design, and it can be found on all digital platforms, opening up a slew of new possibilities.
Environmental graphic design
People are visually connected to places through environmental graphic design, which improves their whole experience by making areas more memorable, entertaining, educational, or easier to navigate. Environmental design is a broad type of design that includes murals, exhibitions, public transportation and office branding, among others.
Art and illustration for graphic design
Graphic art and illustration are frequently confused with graphic design, but they are each very different. Designers create compositions to communicate and solve problems, and graphic artists and illustrators create original artwork. Fine art, decorating, and storytelling images are all examples of their work. Despite the fact that graphic art and illustration are not technically forms of graphic design, there is so much developed for commercial purposes within the context of graphic design that you cannot talk about one without the other.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the 8 types of graphic design you should know about. And if you are interested in studying this field in Berlin, take a look at our BA in Graphic Design & Visual Communications. Feel free to reach out to our Student Affairs office at any time via application@berlin-international.de.
