The 8 Branches of Graphic Design [Types of Graphic Designers].

Graphic design uses visual compositions to solve problems and communicate ideas through typography, image, color, and form. There isn't just one way to do this, which is why there are several types of graphic design, each with its own area of expertise. Although they often overlap, each type of graphic design requires specific skills and design techniques. Many designers specialize in a single type; others focus on similar and related types. But because the industry is constantly changing, designers must be adaptable and lifelong learners so they can change or add to their specializations throughout their careers. If you're looking for an aspiring designer or design services for your business, understanding the eight types of graphic design will help you find the right skills for the job.  

1. Visual identity graphic design

A brand is the relationship between a business or organization and its audience. Brand identity is how the organization communicates its personality, tone, and essence, as well as memories, emotions, and experiences. Visual identity graphic design is exactly that: it brings out the visual elements of brand identity that act as the face of a brand to convey those intangible qualities through images, shapes, and colors. Designers specialized in visual identity graphic design collaborate with brand stakeholders to create assets such as logos, typography, color palettes, and image libraries that represent the brand's personality. In addition to standard business cards and corporate stationery, designers usually develop a set of visual brand guidelines (style guides) that define best practices and offer examples of visual branding applied across various media. These rules help ensure brand consistency throughout future applications. Visual identity graphic designers must have a general knowledge of all kinds of graphic design to create design elements suitable for all visual media. They also need excellent communication, conceptual, and creative skills, and a passion for researching industries, organizations, trends, and competitors.  

2. Marketing and advertising graphic design

When most people think of graphic design, they think of designs created for marketing and advertising. Companies depend on successful marketing efforts to take part in their target audiences' decision-making processes. Great marketing attracts people based on their wants, needs, awareness, and satisfaction with a product, service, or brand. Because people will always find visual content more engaging, graphic design helps organizations promote and communicate more effectively. Marketing designers work with company owners, executives, managers, or marketing experts to create assets for marketing strategies. They can work alone, in-house, or as part of a creative team. Designers can specialize in a particular media type (such as vehicle wraps or magazine ads) or create a broad variety of collateral for print, digital, and beyond. While traditionally print-centric, this role has grown to include more digital assets, especially for use in content marketing. Examples of marketing graphic design:

• Postcards and flyers
• Magazine and newspaper ads
• Posters, banners, and billboards
• Infographics
• Brochures (print and digital)
• Vehicle wraps
• Signage and trade shows
• Email marketing templates
• PowerPoint presentations
• Menus
• Social media ads, banners, and graphics
• Banner and retargeting ads
• Images for websites and blogs

Marketing designers need excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. In addition to being competent in various graphic design, layout, and presentation applications, they need to be familiar with production for both print and online environments. Entry-level positions in this field are a great way for new designers to learn processes and gain valuable skills and experience.  

3. User interface graphic design

A user interface (UI) is how a user interacts with a device or application. UI design is the process of designing interfaces that provide an easy-to-use and user-friendly experience. UI includes everything the user interacts with via screen, keyboard, and mouse, but in the graphic design context, UI design focuses on the user's visual experience and the design of on-screen graphic elements such as buttons, menus, micro-interactions, and more. Balancing aesthetic appeal with technical functionality is a UI designer's job. UI designers specialize in desktop applications, mobile apps, web applications, and games. They work closely with UX (user experience) designers (who determine how the application works) and UI developers (who write the code to make it work). Examples of user interface graphic design:

• Web page design
• Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
• Game interfaces
• App design

UI designers must be team players supported by both serious graphic design skills and an excellent understanding of UI/UX principles, responsive design, and web development. In addition to graphics applications, they need knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.  

4. Publication graphic design

Publications are long-form pieces that communicate with an audience through mass distribution. Traditionally, this has been a print medium. Think of books, newspapers, magazines, and catalogs. However, there has been a significant rise in digital publishing recently. Graphic designers specialized in publications work with editors and publishers to create layouts with carefully selected typography accompanied by artwork including photography, graphics, and illustration. Publication designers can work as freelancers, members of a creative agency, or in-house as part of a publishing company. Examples of publication graphic design:

• Books
• Newspapers
• Newsletters
• Directories
• Annual reports
• Magazines
• Catalogs

Publication designers need excellent communication, layout, and organization skills. In addition to graphic design expertise, they need an understanding of color management, printing, and digital publishing.  

5. Packaging graphic design

 

7. Environmental graphic design

Environmental graphic design visually connects people to places to enhance their overall experience by making spaces more memorable, interesting, informative, or easier to navigate. Examples of environmental graphic design:

• Signage
• Murals
• Museum exhibits
• Office branding interior-exterior advertising
• Public transit advertising spaces
• Retail in-store
• Stadium interior-exterior advertising spaces
• Event and conference venues

Wayfinding is a specific type of environmental graphic design consisting of strategic signs, markers, and visual cues that help people determine where they are and where they need to go. Environmental graphic design is a multidisciplinary practice that combines graphic, architectural, interior, landscape design, and industrial design. Designers collaborate with people in any of these fields to plan and execute their designs. As a result, designers usually have training and experience in both graphic design and architecture. They must be familiar with industrial design concepts and able to read and draw architectural plans. Traditionally, environmental graphic design has produced static print pieces, but digital interactive displays continue to grow in popularity as a way to create a more engaging experience.  

8. Art and illustration for graphic design

Graphic art and illustration are often seen as the same as graphic design, yet each is very different. Designers create compositions to communicate and solve problems, while graphic artists and illustrators create original artwork. Their art appears in various forms, from fine art to decoration to storytelling illustrations. Although graphic art and illustration aren't technically a type of graphic design, you can't talk about commercial use in the graphic design context without the others. Examples of art and illustration for graphic design:

• T-shirt design
• Graphic patterns for textiles
• Motion graphics
• Stock photos
• Graphic novels
• Video games
• Websites
• Comics
• Album art
• Book covers
• Picture books
• Infographics
• Technical illustration
• Concept art

Graphic artists use any combination of media and techniques to create their work, in which they collaborate with writers, editors, managers, marketers, and art directors across all types of graphic design. They often have a foundation in fine arts, animation, or architecture. Overlapping skills and applications make it possible to find graphic designers who also work as graphic artists and illustrators.  

Use the right types of graphic design for your business

Graphic design is a continuously growing field, and demand for expert and talented designers is rising. When looking for the right person for a design job, knowing the different types of graphic design helps you identify the expert you need.

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