By forexlibrary 
What is Graphic Design?
It is the creation and use of visual compositions that solve problems and communicate ideas using imagery, typography, color, form, and color. There is no single way to achieve this, so there are many types of graphic design. Each with its own specialization.Although they may overlap, each type requires a different set of skills and design techniques. Some designers are specialists in one type of design, while others specialize in several related types. Designers must be flexible and lifelong learners to keep up with the changing industry.
You can learn the eight types of graphic design to help you choose the right skill set for your job, whether you’re an aspiring designer or looking for design services for your company.
1.Graphic design for visual identity
A brand is an association between a business or organization with its customers. A brand identity describes how an organization communicates its personality and tone, essence, memories, emotions, and experiences. Visual identity graphic design refers to the visual elements of brand identification that are used as the face of the brand to communicate these intangible qualities using images, shapes, and color.
Visual identity graphic designers work with brand stakeholders to create assets such as logos and typography. They also collaborate with them on color palettes. These assets include image libraries, color palettes, and images that reflect a brand’s personality. Designers often create a set of visual brand guidelines ( style guides) to help with visual branding across different media. These guidelines ensure the consistency of the brand across future applications. One of the most popular types of design is visual identity design. To create elements that can be used across multiple visual media, visual identity graphic designers need to have a broad knowledge of all aspects of graphic design. They must also have excellent communication skills and be able to conceptually and creatively communicate.
2. Graphic design for marketing and advertising
Most people associate graphic design with marketing and advertising. Successful marketing campaigns are essential to reach their target audience and influence their decision-making. Effective marketing engages people by focusing on their needs, awareness, and satisfaction with a brand, product or service. Graphic design is a great tool to help organizations communicate and promote their products more effectively.
Marketing designers collaborate with directors, managers, and owners of companies to develop marketing strategies. They can work independently or with an in-house creative team. A designer can be specialized in one type of media, such as vehicle wraps or magazine ads. Or they may create collateral for all media, including digital and print. This type of design was traditionally printed-oriented, but it has expanded to include digital assets, particularly for use in Content Marketing and Digital Advertising.
Marketing graphic design examples
- Flyers and postcards
- Ads in magazines and newspapers
- Billboards, billboards, and banners
- Infographics
- Brochures (print & digital)
- Wraps for vehicles
- Trade show and signage displays
- Templates for email marketing
- PowerPoint presentations
- Menus
- Banners, graphics and ads for social media
- Retargeting and banner ads
- Images for blogs and websites
Marketing professionals need to be able to communicate, problem solve and manage time. They must be proficient in many graphic design, layout, and presentation apps. They also need to be familiar with print production and online environments. This area is a great place for designers to start learning and gain valuable experience.
3. Graphic design for the user interface
An interface (UI) describes how a user interacts using a device or an application. UI design refers to the creation of interfaces that are easy to use and offer a user-friendly experience. A UI is all the elements a user interacts on, including the screen, keyboard, mouse, and mouse. However, in graphic design, UI design focuses more on the visual experience of the user and the design of onscreen graphic elements such as buttons, menus and micro-interactions. A UI designer must balance aesthetic appeal and technical functionality. UI designers are experts in mobile apps, desktop apps, web apps, and games. They are closely associated with UX (user experience) designers, who determine the app’s functionality, and UI developers, who write the code.
Examples of graphic design for user interfaces
- Web page design
- Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
- Interfaces for games
- App design
UI designers need to be team players with a solid understanding of UI/UX principles and responsive design. They must also be proficient in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
4. Publication graphic design
Publications are long-form pieces which communicate with an audience via public distribution. Publications have been traditionally printed media. Publication design is a traditional type of design. Think books newspapers, magazines, and catalogs. Digital publishing has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. Specialized in publishing, graphic designers work with editors and publishers to create layouts that include carefully chosen typography and accompanying artwork. This includes graphics and illustrations. Publication designers can work independently, as members of creative agencies, or in-house within a publishing company.
Illustrations of graphic design for publication
- Books
- Newspapers
- Newsletters
- Directory
- Annual reports
- Magazines
- Catalogs
Publication designers need to be able to communicate, organize and plan. They must also have a strong understanding of color management, printing, and digital publishing.
5. Packaging graphic design
Packaging is essential for protecting and preparing products for storage, distribution and sale. Packaging design is a powerful marketing tool that can communicate directly with consumers. Everyone can, canister, can, and bottle can tell a story about a brand. Packaging designers design concepts, create mockups, and then create print-ready files. This requires a deep understanding of manufacturing and industrial design, as well as expert knowledge of printing processes. Designers often find themselves creating additional assets for products, such as illustrations, photography and visual identity, because packaging design touches so many different disciplines. A packaging designer may specialize in one type of packaging, such as labels or beverage containers, or in a particular industry like food or toys. They must have excellent conceptual and problem-solving skills, as well as a solid working knowledge of industrial and print design. They need to be flexible to meet the needs of manufacturers, marketers, and clients and keep up with current trends.
6. Motion graphic design
Motion graphics can simply be described as graphics that are moving. These effects can be animated, audio, typography and imagery. They are also used in television, film and online media. As technology has improved, video content has become the king of the medium. The “Motion graphics specialist” is a relatively new field for designers. Originally reserved for film and TV, technological advancements have made motion graphics more affordable and accessible. Motion graphics is a new type of design that can be found on all digital platforms. This has opened up all kinds of new possibilities and areas.
Motion graphic design examples
- End credits and title sequences
- Advertisements
- Animated Logos
- Trailers
- Präsentations
- Promo videos
- Tutorial videos
- Websites
- Apps
- Video games
- Banners
- GIFs
Motion graphics designers start by creating storyboards. Then they bring their ideas to life using animation, video and traditional arts. A strong working knowledge of marketing, coding, and 3D modeling is a valuable asset depending on the industry.
7. Graphic design for environmental purposes
The purpose of environmental graphic design is to visually connect people with places. It makes spaces more memorable, informative, and easier to navigate. Here are some examples of environmental design.
Examples of environmental graphics design
- Signage
- Murals for walls
- Museum exhibits
- Branding for the office
- Navigation for public transportation
- Retail store interiors
- Stadium branding
- Conference and event spaces
Wayfinding refers to a type of environmental graphic design that includes landmarks, strategic signage and visual cues. It helps people find their way without any confusion. The practice of environmental graphic design is multidisciplinary and combines graphic, industrial, landscape, and architectural design. To plan and execute their designs, designers work with professionals from all these areas. Designers often have experience and education in both architecture and graphic design. They should be familiar with industrial design concepts as well as able to read and draw architectural plans.
Traditional environmental graphic design produced static pieces. However, digital interactive displays are gaining popularity as a way to create a more engaging experience.
8. Illustration and art for graphic design
Although graphic art and illustration can be mistakenly equated with graphic design, they are very different. Graphic artists and illustrators create original artwork while designers create layouts that communicate and solve problems. There are many forms of their art, from decoration and fine art to storytelling illustrations. Graphic art and illustration may not technically be considered graphic design types, but so much of it is commercially available within the context of graphic design that one cannot talk about the other.
Illustrations and art examples for graphic design
- T-shirt design
- For textiles, graphic patterns
- Motion graphics
- Stock images
- Graphic novels
- Video games
- Websites
- Comic books
- Album art
- Book covers
- Picture books
- Infographics
- Illustration of technical details
- Concept art
As they work with editors, managers, writers, art directors, and marketers across all types of graphic design, graphic artists can use any combination or technique to create their work. A foundation in architecture, fine arts, or animation is a common trait. It is possible to find graphic artists who are also illustrators or graphic artists through the use of overlapping skills and apps.