Before we get into the eight types of graphic design let’s begin with the basics of graphic design? Graphic design involves the art of visual compositions that solve problems and convey concepts through imagery, typography colors and forms. There’s no single method to achieve this and that’s the reason there are a variety of types of graphic designs, each having distinct areas of focus.

Graphic design involves the art of visual compositions that solve problems and convey concepts through the use of imagery, typography color, and form.

Although they may overlap, each kind of graphic design needs particular sets of capabilities and design methods. Some designers are specialized in a particular category, while others concentrate on the related and similar kinds. Since the market is always changing and evolving, designers need to be flexible and constantly learning so that they can switch or develop specializations as they progress in their careers.

If you’re an aspiring designer or are seeking design assistance for your company knowing the eight kinds of graphic design could assist you in finding the appropriate capabilities to do the job.

The eight fundamental types of graphic design include:

1. Graphic identity design for visual identities
2. Designing graphic designs for advertising and marketing
3. Graphic design for the user interface
4. Graphic design for publication
5. Graphic design for packaging
6. Motion graphic design
7. Graphic design for the environment
8. Illustration and art work for graphic design

1. Graphic design and visual identity

A brand is the relationship between a company or organization and its customers. An effective logo is the way in which an business communicates its character the tone and essence of its brand and also conveys memories, emotions, and experiences. Graphic identity design for visuals is The visual components of a brand’s identity which act as the front of a brand and communicate the intangible characteristics of the brand by using images, shapes and colors.

Designers who specialize in graphic design for visual identities work with stakeholders from brands to design assets such as logos, typography, color palettes and image libraries that convey the personality of a brand. Alongside the traditional corporate stationary and business cards Designers often create a set of visual branding rules ( style guides) that outline the the best practices and offer examples of how to apply visual branding across different media. These guidelines assist in ensuring the consistency of branding across the various applications in the future.

Designing for visual identity is among the most well-known designs. Visual identity graphic designers should have a broad understanding of the various types of graphic design to develop designs that can be used for use across all media. They also require an excellent ability to communicate, as well as creativity and conceptual skills and a desire for studying organizations, industries as well as trends and competition.

2. Graphic design for marketing and advertising

When people imagine the graphic designer, they are thinking of designs that were created for advertising and marketing.

Businesses rely on their marketing campaigns to be able to influence the decision-making process of their audience. Good marketing is according to the desires or needs, as well as the perceptions and feelings they feel regarding a service, product or brand. Since people are always looking for visually appealing content Graphic design can help organizations to promote and communicate efficiently.

Marketing designers collaborate with company directors, owners or other marketing professionals to develop marketing strategies and assets. They can work as a team or in an in-house team or creative group. Designers can focus on particular types or type of material (vehicle wraps and magazine advertisements for instance) or design a wide variety of collaterals that can be printed, digital, and even beyond. Although it was traditionally a print-centric design designs, this kind of style has diversified to include more digital resources particularly for digital advertising as well as digital ads.

Examples of graphic design for marketing

• Postcards and flyers
• Newspaper and magazine ads
• Banners, posters and billboards
• Infographics
• Brochures (print and digital)
• Wraps for vehicles
• Displays and signage for trade shows
• Templates for marketing emails
• PowerPoint presentations
• Menus
• Banners, social media ads and graphics
• Banners and retargeting ads
• Images for blogs and websites

Marketing designers require exceptional communication, problem-solving and management abilities. Alongside being adept in a variety of layout, graphic design and presentation software They must also be proficient in production for print and online settings. Beginning positions in this field can be a fantastic way for designers who are new to the field to master techniques and gain valuable knowledge and knowledge.

3. Graphics for the user interface

An interface for users (UI) is the way the user interacts with an application or device. UI Design is the act of creating interfaces that make them simple to use and give an enjoyable experience for users.

A UI encompasses all the devices that a user interacts with, including keyboards, screens and mouse. However, when it comes to graphics, UI is designed to enhance the users visual experience as well as the design of graphic elements such as menus, buttons micro-interactions and much more. It is the job of a UI designer’s job to combine aesthetic appeal and technical function.

UI designers are experts in desktop applications, mobile applications, web games and apps. They collaborate closely together with UX (user user experience) designers (who decide how the app functions) as well as UI developers (who create the code that makes the app work).

Examples of graphic user interface design

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

UI designers should be a team player, backed by solid graphic design abilities and an understanding of UX/UI principles such as responsive design, web development. Apart from graphic applications they should be familiar with programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

4. Graphic design for publication

Publications are pieces of long-form that connect with a target audience via distribution to the public. They’ve always been printed in the form of a magazine. Publication design is a well-known kind of design. Think books newspapers publications as well as catalogs. But, recently, there’s seen an increase in the popularity of digital publishing.

Graphic designers who specialize in publications collaborate together with publishers and editors to design layouts using carefully selected art and fonts that includes illustrations, photography and graphics. Publication designers can work as freelancers, creative agency members, or within a publishing firm.

Examples of graphic design in publications

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

Publication designers should have excellent layout, communication and organizational abilities. Along with their expertise in graphic design they should be able to comprehend the management of colors, printing and publishing digitally.

5. Graphic design for packaging

The majority of products require some type of packaging to protect them and make them suitable to be stored, distributed, and sales. However, designs for packaging is also able to communicate directly to the consumer making it an invaluable marketing tool. Every bottle, box and bag, each container, can or canister, is an opportunity to convey the story of a brand.

Packaging designers design conceptual concepts, design mockups and then create ready-to-print files for the product. This requires a thorough understanding of printing processes as well as an knowledge of manufacturing and industrial design. Since packaging design is a part of many different areas, it’s not unusual for designers to end up developing other elements for the product, such as images, photography and visual identities.

Packaging designers can be multi-faceted professional or specialize in a certain kind of product (like labels or cans of drinks) or a particular field (like food products or children’s toys). Their work demands top-quality analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a thorough grasp of industrial and print design. They should be able to meet the needs of customers, marketers as well as manufacturers, and remain aware of the latest fashions.

6. Motion graphic design

Motion graphics are images which are moving. This could include animation and audio, typography, video, as well as other effects employed in television, online media and film. The popularity of this medium has increased in recent years, as technology advanced and video content grew in popularity.

“Motion graphics designer” is an enviable new field for graphic designers. Originally reserved for film and TV technological advancements have reduced the time required to produce and also cost and made the art more affordable and accessible. Motion graphics are one of the latest forms of design and is available on all platforms that use digital technology that have created many new fields and possibilities.

Illustrations of Motion Graphic Design

• Title sequences and credits at the end
• Advertisements
• Logos animated
• Trailers
• Presentations
• Videos to promote your business
• Tutorial videos
• Websites
• Apps
• Video games
• Banners
• GIFs

Motion graphics artists begin with storyboards, and develop their ideas through video, animation, or traditional arts. According to the type of business having a solid understanding of coding, marketing and 3D modeling could be an asset.

7. Graphic design for the environment

Graphic design for environmental environments visually connects people with places for a better experience by making places more memorable, fascinating and informative, or even easier to navigate. Design for the environment is an extensive category of design. Here are a couple of examples.

Examples of graphic design for the environment.

• Signage
• Wall murals
• Museum exhibits
• Office branding
• Public transportation system navigation
• Retail store interiors
• Stadium branding
• Event and conference space

Wayfinding is a particular type of design for the environment consisting of strategic markers, signs and visual cues to help people determine where they are and where they must go to navigate their way without a mist.

The field of environmental graphic design encompasses a variety of disciplines. process that combines architectural, graphic landscape, interior as well as industrial designs. Designers work with experts from all of these fields to design and execute their ideas. Designers generally have a degree and experience in architectural and graphic design. They should be knowledgeable of industrial design concepts as well as be are able to sketch and read architectural plans.

Traditionally environmental graphic design has resulted in static prints and digital interactive displays are gaining popularity as a way to create a more enjoyable experience.

8. Illustration and art for graphic design

Illustration and graphic art is often thought to be similar to graphic design, but they’re very distinct. Designers design compositions to communicate and resolve problems graphic illustrators and artists make original art. Their work can take a variety of forms, ranging from the fine arts to decoration to narrative illustrations.

Although illustration and graphic art are not technically different types that are graphic designs, many are designed for commercial use in the framework in graphic design, that it’s impossible to talk about one without mentioning the other.

Illustration and art examples for graphic design

• T-shirt design
• Patterns for fabrics with graphic designs
• Motion graphics
• Stock images
• Graphic novels
• Video games
• Websites
• Comic books
• Album art
• Book covers
• Picture books
• Infographics
• Technical illustration
• Concept art

Graphic artists employ various techniques and media to produce their art as they work with editors, writers managers, managers, and art directors of the entire spectrum of graphic design. They usually have a background in animation, fine arts or architecture. Combining skills and programs makes it possible to locate graphic designers who perform the role of graphic artists and illustrators (and in reverse).

Choose the best types of graphic design to accomplish the task

Graphic design is a growing field, and the need for highly skilled and experienced designers is growing. If you’re trying to find the ideal person to complete the task of designing, knowing the various types of graphic design can aid you in identifying the professional you’re looking for.