Graphic design is a multifaceted field, offering various opportunities for creative professionals. It involves the art of combining visual elements—such as typography, imagery, color, and layout—to communicate messages and ideas effectively. From websites to print media, the possibilities in graphic design are limitless. As a graphic designer, one might wonder, “What to design as a graphic designer?” This question leads us to explore the different branches of graphic design.
In this article, we will explore the many branches of graphic design, explain the different types of graphic designers, and provide examples to inspire beginners. We’ll also touch on the essential tools and design principles to help you excel in this creative domain.
Types of Graphic Design
When asking what are the different branches of graphic design, it’s important to understand that graphic design is not a one-size-fits-all discipline. There are various types, each catering to specific needs and industries. Some graphic designers specialize in one type, while others work across multiple areas.
1. Visual Identity Graphic Design
Visual identity design is perhaps one of the most common types of graphic design. It focuses on creating a consistent and recognizable brand image for businesses and organizations. This involves the design of logos, typography, color palettes, and other visual elements that define a company’s look and feel.
As a visual identity graphic designer, you will work on the branding of companies, crafting logos, business cards, letterheads, and other brand collateral. Your primary goal is to ensure that a company’s identity is visually cohesive and appealing.
2. Marketing and Advertising Graphic Design
Marketing and advertising design is another essential branch of graphic design. In this field, designers create marketing materials to help businesses promote products or services. This can include print ads, social media posts, billboards, brochures, and packaging.
Designers in this category often focus on creating compelling visuals that grab attention, convey a message, and inspire action from the audience. If you’re interested in what to design as a graphic designer in the marketing world, this branch is for you.
3. Web and User Interface (UI) Design
Web design and UI design have become crucial in today’s digital landscape. Graphic designers working in this branch focus on creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites, mobile apps, and digital interfaces. A web or UI designer considers both the visual elements (colors, fonts, imagery) and the user experience (how easy it is for users to navigate the site or app).
In this branch, designers often use tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch to create wireframes and prototypes for web pages and mobile apps.
4. Packaging Design
Packaging design is the art of creating the physical appearance of product packaging. It is a branch of graphic design that involves designing the exterior of a product, such as boxes, bottles, or wrappers. The design should not only reflect the brand but also attract customers, convey the product’s value, and make it stand out on the shelf.
Graphic designers in this field must also consider materials and printing techniques, as these can affect the look and feel of the packaging. The goal is to create packaging that’s both functional and visually striking.
5. Publication Graphic Design
Publication graphic design deals with creating layouts for printed materials, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and journals. Designers in this field work with typography, imagery, and page layout to create visually engaging publications.
A publication designer must ensure that the design complements the content, making it easy to read while maintaining visual interest. They often work closely with editors and writers to ensure that the layout supports the overall message of the publication.
6. Motion Graphics Design
Motion graphics design is a specialized field that involves creating animated graphics, videos, and interactive designs. This can include video ads, explainer videos, opening sequences for movies, and animations for websites.
Designers in this field must understand both graphic design principles and animation techniques. Tools like After Effects and Premiere Pro are commonly used to create motion graphics.
7. Environmental Graphic Design
Environmental graphic design blends architecture and graphic design, focusing on creating visual elements for physical spaces. This can include wayfinding systems, signage, and interior designs for buildings, as well as large-scale murals.
This branch of graphic design is essential for creating environments that are visually cohesive, easy to navigate, and engaging for the people who interact with them.
8. Illustration Design
Illustration design involves creating original artwork for various mediums, including books, magazines, advertisements, websites, and more. Illustrators use their artistic skills to create custom images that complement or enhance written content.
Designers working in this branch must be skilled in drawing and digital illustration techniques. Tools like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate are commonly used for creating vector or hand-drawn illustrations.
Different Types of Graphic Designers
As we explore what are the different branches of graphic design, it’s important to note that there are different types of graphic designers within each branch. Designers can specialize in specific areas or have a broader skill set. Some of the common types of graphic designers include:
1. Brand Designer
Brand designers focus on creating the visual identity for brands, including logos, typography, color schemes, and overall brand guidelines. They ensure that the brand’s identity remains consistent across all platforms and materials.
2. Web Designer
Web designers specialize in creating the layout and design of websites. Their role focuses on ensuring the site’s visual appeal, as well as its functionality. Web designers typically have skills in HTML, CSS, and various web design tools.
3. Print Designer
Print designers work specifically with print materials, such as brochures, posters, magazines, and business cards. Their role is to create designs that are optimized for print, ensuring high-quality results.
4. UI/UX Designer
UI/UX designers work on digital interfaces, ensuring that users have a positive and intuitive experience with websites, apps, or other digital products. UI designers focus on the visual aspects, while UX designers focus on the user experience and flow.
5. Motion Graphics Designer
Motion graphics designers create animations, video sequences, and other visual elements that move. Their work is often used in advertising, television, film, and online content.
6. Packaging Designer
Packaging designers specialize in designing the packaging for products. Their work involves creating designs that are both visually appealing and functional, ensuring that the packaging enhances the product’s appeal and usability.
Graphic Design Examples for Beginners
If you’re a beginner in the field of graphic design, it’s important to understand that starting small and experimenting with various projects will help you build your portfolio. Here are some graphic design examples for beginners:
1. Logo Design
Creating logos is an excellent way for beginners to practice. Logos should be simple, memorable, and representative of the brand.
2. Social Media Graphics
Designing graphics for social media platforms is another beginner-friendly project. These can include posts, banners, and cover images that incorporate the brand’s visual identity.
3. Business Cards and Stationery
Designing business cards and stationery is a great way to practice visual identity design. It gives you the opportunity to work on typography, color schemes, and overall brand consistency.
4. Website Mockups
Creating website mockups allows you to practice your UI design skills. Tools like Figma or Adobe XD can help you create interactive and responsive website designs.
5. Posters and Flyers
Designing posters and flyers is a good exercise for learning how to communicate a message visually through typography, color, and imagery.
What Are the 12 Elements of Graphic Design?
Graphic design relies on fundamental principles and elements that guide the visual communication process. Here are the 12 elements that every graphic designer should understand:
- Line – Defines shapes, creates textures, and divides space.
- Shape – A fundamental visual element that defines form.
- Color – Used to evoke emotion and create visual interest.
- Texture – Adds depth and dimension to designs.
- Space – Refers to the area around and between elements.
- Size – Defines the scale of elements in a design.
- Contrast – Highlights differences between elements to create emphasis.
- Balance – Ensures a visual equilibrium.
- Proximity – Organizes elements that are related.
- Alignment – Creates order and structure in the design.
- Repetition – Reinforces visual consistency.
- Movement – Directs the viewer’s eye across the design.
Which Tool Is Best for Graphic Design?
Choosing the right tools is crucial for any graphic designer. The tools you use can greatly impact your workflow and the quality of your designs. Some of the best tools for graphic design include:
- Adobe Photoshop – Great for photo manipulation and creating raster-based designs.
- Adobe Illustrator – Ideal for vector design and illustration work.
- Figma – Excellent for collaborative web and UI design projects.
- Sketch – Popular among UI/UX designers for web and mobile design.
- Canva – User-friendly design software for beginners and non-designers.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the different branches of graphic design can help you focus your skills and passion in the right direction. From visual identity and marketing to web design and illustration, the field is rich with opportunities. As a designer, knowing the types of graphic design and the tools required can also give you the edge to succeed in this competitive industry.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the world of graphic design offers endless possibilities. Experiment with various projects, refine your skills, and most importantly, have fun as you create impactful and visually stunning designs.
FAQs
What are the 8 types of graphic design?
The 8 types of graphic design include visual identity, marketing and advertising design, web and UI design, packaging design, publication design, motion graphics, environmental design, and illustration design. These cover a broad range of creative and functional design needs.
What are the 10 types of graphic design?
The 10 types of graphic design are visual identity, marketing and advertising, web and UI design, packaging design, publication design, motion graphics, environmental design, illustration, UX design, and branding design. Each type specializes in different aspects of visual communication.
What kind of graphic designer gets paid most?
Brand designers, UI/UX designers, and motion graphics designers tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles demand specialized skills and are crucial in industries like tech, entertainment, and corporate branding.
What are the four types of graphic design?
The four main types of graphic design are visual identity design, marketing and advertising design, web design, and packaging design. These categories cover the most common and widely needed design services.
Which type of graphic design is most in demand?
UI/UX design, web design, and motion graphics are currently the most in-demand types of graphic design. These areas are essential in digital media and technology, making them highly sought after by employers.
What are the 12 elements of graphic design?
The 12 elements of graphic design are line, shape, color, texture, space, size, contrast, balance, proximity, alignment, repetition, and movement. These elements are the building blocks of every design project.
How many fields are in graphic design?
Graphic design includes several fields such as visual identity, marketing, web and UI design, publication, motion graphics, packaging, environmental design, and illustration. Each field has its unique focus and applications.
Where is the highest demand for graphic designers?
The highest demand for graphic designers is in technology hubs, including cities like San Francisco, New York, and London. Industries like tech, advertising, media, and e-commerce drive much of this demand.
What are the 7 elements of graphic design?
The 7 elements of graphic design are line, shape, color, texture, space, size, and value. These elements work together to create visual harmony and impact in design projects.
Which graphic design course is best?
The best graphic design courses include those offered by universities, online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, as well as specialized design schools. Courses that cover both design theory and software proficiency are ideal.
Which field is best in graphic design?
The best field in graphic design depends on your interests. However, UI/UX design, motion graphics, and branding are among the most popular and lucrative fields, offering ample career opportunities.