A Designer's Guide to Different Types of Graphic Design

The Term Graphic Design Can Be Applied to Anything Visual. It is a process in which different images, symbols, or texts are combined for visually communicating the ideas and messages. As a result, the outcome born can be either in the form of digital, physical or somewhere in between.

The use of graphic design can be traced back from the early days of human language, where they used to caretic descriptions into bricks and clay tables. In the 20th and 21st Century, the Way of Implementing Became a Bit Different When People Started Using Variable Elements and Tools. However, the purpose of using it reined the same, ie, for keeping records, provided information, or telling stories.

Since graphic designing can be related to multiple fields in the industry, you will find a lot of opportunities if you wish to pursue your career in this domain. Other, in today's technology, it is possible to learn it just with the help of an internet connection. However, as a specialized graphic designer, you must be adaptable to learn lifelong as the industry will constantly keep on changing.

Here are 7 different types of graphic design that every aspiring designer must know if they are looking for a career in design.

1.Corporate graphic design

Brand identity or recognition is crucial when it comes to starting or establishing a business.It doesn't matter whether your business is small, medium or large, graphic design can be implemented properly to effectively showcase your vision, mission, and services.

Corporate designing can be also termed as visual identity graphic design since it uses visual elements like images, colors, and shapes to help a brand communicate its intangible qualities. In this case, you need to have a general idea for creating and using the different design elements for your projects. Apart from that, you also need to possess creative, conceptual, and communication skills along with the determination to research various organizations, industries, competitors, and trends.

It usually involves the creation of the following assets for a business. 

1) Logos
2) Business Cards
3) Corporate stationery
4) Visual brand guidelines

2. Marketing & advertising graphic design

Suitable graphics can also help companies to boost their marketing strategies and positively influence the decision of their target audience. It is usually incorporated in a product, service, or brand to engage people and provide them the desired information so that they will be compelled to buy it.

Today, most of the marketing and advertising design is done with the help of advanced software and will require you to have excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills. In addition to that, you should be familiar with print and online production activities .

You can use it to create various marketing and advertising products like
1) Newspaper and magazine ads
2) Posters, billboard, banners
3) Brochure, flyers, postcards
4) Vehicle wraps
5) Social media ads, email marketing templates
6) Blog and website images, banners
7) Powerpoint presentations

3. Label & packaging graphic design

The packaging and label design are used to prepare and protect the product for sale, distribution, and storage. However, you can use it as an effective marketing tool for directly communicating with your potential targets and attract them towards your products or services.

Generally, the work of a packaging designer involves creating concepts, mockups, and ready-to-print files for the desired product by including illustrations, images, and visual identity. So, for becoming a good packaging designer, you should have a complete understanding. of the print processes along with industrial design and manufacturing. Being aware of the current designing trends will also prove as an added advantage to your work.

You can use it to design packages and labels for different products like
1) Cans
2) Canisters
3) Boxes
4) Bottles
5) Bags
6) Containers

4. Publication graphic design

Publications are the most efficient means of communicating messages to the audience through a public distribution medium. It involves creating the layouts by carefully selecting suitable typography and artwork, which includes appealing graphics, photos, and illustrations . In that case, you need to work closely with the editors and publishers to create the desired output as per their needs.

The publication designs are mainly implemented for
1. Books
2. Directories
3. Newspaper
4. Annual reports
5. Magazines
6. Catalogs
7. Newsletters

5.User interface graphic design

With the help of an attractive UI or user interface design, you can boost the interactivity levels of an audience with a particular device or application. It can be done by making the interface user-friendly, ie, easy to use and navigate.you also need to focus on balancing the aesthetic appeal of the UI with its functionality. 

You can incorporate the best graphic designing techniques in the UI to improve the visual experience of the users by enhancing the look of on-screen elements like buttons, menus, micro-interactions, and more. For this, you need to need to have a detailed understanding of web development, UI / UX principles, responsive design, and some programming languages ​​like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

You can use the designs to give an attractive look to the following elements.

1) Game interfaces 2) Mobile app designs 3) Website designs 4) Theme designs

6. Art and illustration for graphic design

Graphic designs, when used as art and illustration , can result in great compositions that can be used for fine art, decoration, or communicating and solving issues. Even though it is a non-technical design type, it is mostly used for commercial purposes. 

Usually, graphic artists and illustrators need to have strong knowledge in fine arts, architecture, and animation. Apart from that, they also require to combine media and advanced techniques while associating with the writers, editors, managers, marketers, and art directors to create exceptional design work.

Below are a few examples where you can use it.

1. Album art
2. Graphic novels
3. Book covers
4. Textile patterns
5. Picture books
6. T-shirt designs
7. Infographics
8. Stock images
9. Concept art
10. Websites
11. Video games
12. Comic books

7. Motion graphic design

Motion graphics involve the designing and creation of graphics that are present in motion. It includes the incorporation of elements such as audio, video, typography, animation, imagery, etc. for using it in online media, film, or television.

The work of motion graphics artist involves the use of video, art, animation to develop storyboards for bringing the client's concept to life. For this, you need extensive experience in marketing, 3D modeling, and coding skills.

The motion graphics design is mostly used for developing
1) Presentations
2) Tutorial videos
3) Advertisements
4) Websites, apps, and video games
5) Animated logos
6) 2D Animations
7) Banner
8) GIFs

From the above, we can conclude that graphic design involves a lot of things and is not just related to creating logos and banners. Since it is an ever-evolving domain, there will always be a demand for professional graphic designers and artists in professional graphic design companies to serve the purpose of various industries designing requirements. If you're seeking for the right person to take on the design job or pursue it as your dream career, then learning the different types of graphic design will surely help you to achieve your desired goals.