12/3/2020 The 8 Types of Graphic Design

 Blog Topics  

The 8 types of graphic design

—


by Mila Jones Cann


2 years ago | 10 min read

Learn design Design basics Design resources

G
raphic design uses visual compositions to solve problems and

communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color and form.
There’s no one way to do that, and that’s why there are several types of
graphic design, each with their own area of specialization.

Though they often overlap, each type of graphic design requires specific set
of skills and design techniques. Many designers specialize in a single type;
others focus on a set of related, similar types. But because the industry is
constantly changing, designers must be adaptable and lifelong learners so
they can change or add specializations throughout their careers.

Whether you are an aspiring designer or seeking 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 a relationship between a business or organization and its
audience. A 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: the visual
elements of brand identity that act as the face of a brand to communicate
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those intangible qualities through images, shapes and color.

By smidesign

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By Agi Amri

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
By lepro

By ludibes

Designers that specialize in visual identity graphic design collaborate with

brand stakeholders to create assets like logos, typography, color palettes
and image libraries that represent a brand’s personality. In addition to the
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The 8 Types of Graphic Design
y
standard business cards and corporate stationary, designers often develop a
set of visual brand guidelines (style guides) that describe best practices and
provide examples of visual branding applied across various media. These
guidelines help to ensure brand consistency throughout future applications.

By nnorth

Visual identity design is one of the most common types of design. Visual
identity graphic designers must possess a general knowledge of all types of
graphic design in order to create design elements that are suitable across all
visual media. They also need excellent communication, conceptual and
creative skills, and a passion for researching industries, organizations,
trends and competitors. 

2. Marketing & advertising graphic design

—
When most people think of graphic design, they think of designs created for
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8 Types of Graphic Design
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marketing and advertising.

Companies depend on successful marketing efforts to tap into their target

audience’s decision-making process. Great marketing engages people
based on the wants, needs, awareness and satisfaction they have about a
product, service or brand. Since people will always find visual content more

engaging, graphic design helps organizations promote and communicate
more effectively.  

Marketing designers work with company owners, directors, managers 

or
marketing professionals to create assets for marketing strategies. They
might work alone or as part of an in-house or creative team. Designerscan
specialize in a specific type of media (vehicle wraps or magazine ads, for

example) or create a broad assortment of collateral for print, digital, and
beyond. While traditionally print-centered, this type of design has grown to
include more digital assets, especially for use in content marketing and
digital advertising.

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By J.Chaushev

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
By charlim888


By sundayrain

E l f k ti
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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 show displays


Email marketing templates

PowerPoint presentations

Menus

Social media ads, banners and graphics

Banner and retargeting ads

Images for websites and blogs

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By julie9


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By ANAMOLLY

Marketing designers need excellent communication, problem-solving and

time management skills. In addition to being proficient in several graphic
design, layout and presentation apps, they must also be familiar with
production for print and online environments. Entry-level positions in this

area are a great way for new designers to learn processes and acquire
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 to make them easy to use and
provide a user-friendly experience.

A UI includes all of the things a user interacts with—the screen, keyboard

and mouse—but in the context of graphic design, UI design focuses on the
user’s visual experience and the design of on-screen graphic elements
like buttons, menus, micro-interactions, and more. It’s a UI designer’s job to
balance aesthetic appeal with technical functionality.

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By masiko


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By masiko

UI designers specialize in desktop apps, mobile apps, web apps and games.
They work closely with UX (user experience) designers (who determine how
the app works) and UI developers (who write code to make it work).

Examples of user interface graphic design

Web page design

Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.) 

Game interfaces 

App design


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By milajones

By Malzi

UI designers must be team players backed by both serious graphic design

skills and an excellent understanding of UI/UX principles, responsive design
and web development. In addition to graphics apps, they need knowledge of
programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

4 Publication graphic design

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 4. Publication graphic design
12/3/2020 The 8 Types of Graphic Design

—
Publications are long-form pieces that communicate with an audience
through public distribution. They have traditionally been a print medium.
Publication design is a classic type of design—think books, newspapers,
 in
magazines and catalogs. However, there’s recently been a significant rise
digital publishing.


By Ian Douglas

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By Grigoris G

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By shwin 

Graphic designers that specialize in publications work with editors and

publishers to create layouts with carefully selected typography and
accompanying artwork, which includes photography, graphics and 
illustrations. Publication designers may work as freelancers, as creative

agency members or in-house as part of a publishing company.


Examples of publication graphic design

Books

Newspapers

Newsletters

Directories

Annual reports

Magazines

Catalogs

Publication designers must possess excellent communication, layout and

organizational skills. In addition to graphic design expertise, they need to
understand color management, printing and digital publishing.

5. Packaging graphic design

—
Most products require some form of packaging to protect and prepare them
for storage, distribution, and sale. But packaging design can also
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communicate directly to consumers, which makes it an extremely valuable

marketing tool. Every box, bottle and bag, every can, container, or canister is
a chance tell the story of a brand.

Packaging designers create concepts, develop mockups and create the

print-ready files for a product. This requires expert knowledge of print

processes and a keen understanding of industrial design and
manufacturing. Because packaging design touches so many disciplines,

it’s not uncommon for designers to find themselves creating other assets for
a product such as photography, illustrations and visual identity. 

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By athenabelle

By MMX

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
By Martis Lupus

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monostudio

By Esteban T

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By madpepper

Packaging designers may be a jack-of-all-trades or specialize in a specific

type of packaging (like labels or beverage cans) or a specific industry (like
food or children’s toys). Their work requires top-notch conceptual and
problem-solving skills in addition to a strong working knowledge of print
and industrial design. They must be flexible to meet the demands of clients,
marketers and manufacturers and be aware of current trends. 

6. Motion graphic design

—
Simply put, motion graphics are graphics that are in motion. This can
include animation, audio, typography, imagery, video and other effects that
are used in online media, television and film. The medium’s popularity has
skyrocketed in recent years as technology improved and video content
became king.

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“Motion graphics designer” is a somewhat new specialty for designers.

Formally reserved for TV and film, technological advances have reduced
production time and costs, making the art form more accessible and
affordable. Now, motion graphics is one of the newest types of design and
can be found across all digital platforms, which has created all sorts of new
areas and opportunities.


Examples of motion graphic design



Title sequences and end credits


Advertisements

Animated logos

Trailers 

Presentations

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos

Websites

Apps

Video games

Banners

GIFs

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By Maryia Dziadziulia 

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Animated website interaction by Janos Nyujto

By Maryia Dziadziulia

Motion graphics designers begin by developing storyboards and then bring

their concepts to life with animation, video and traditional art. Depending on
the industry, a strong working knowledge of marketing, coding and 3D
modeling can be definite assets.

7. Environmental graphic design

—
Environmental graphic design visually connects people to places to improve
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their overall experience by making spaces more memorable, interesting,

informative or easier to navigate. Environmental design is a broad type of
design, here are some examples:

Examples of environmental graphic design


Signage

Wall murals 

Museum exhibitions

Office branding

Public transportation navigation

Retail store interiors

Stadium branding

Event and conference spaces

Wayfinding is a specific type of environmental graphic design that consists

of strategic signage, landmarks and visual cues that help people identify
where they are and where they need to go so they can get there without
confusion.

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Adobe Summit 2018 via Angela Fisher and Steve Gustavson

Via Artur Busz

Environmental graphic design is a multidisciplinary practice that merges

graphic, architectural, interior, landscape and industrial design. Designers
collaborate with people in any number of these fields to plan and implement
their designs. Because of that, designers typically have education and
experience in both graphic design and architecture. They must be familiar
with industrial design concepts and able to read and sketch architectural
plans.

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By manasye

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By faks

Traditionally, environmental graphic design has produced static print pieces,

but digital interactive displays continue to rise in popularity as a means of
creating a more engaging experience.


8. Art and illustration for graphic design 

—

Graphic art and illustration are often seen as being the same as graphic
design, however they’re each very different. Designers create compositions
to communicate and solve problems, graphic artists and illustrators create
original artwork. Their art takes a number of forms, from fine art to
decoration to storytelling illustrations.

Even though graphic art and illustration are not technically types of graphic
design, so much is created for commercial use within the context of graphic
design that you can’t talk about one without the others.

By suxzero

Examples of art and illustration for graphic design

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T-shirt design

Graphic patterns for textiles

Motion graphics

Stock images

Graphic novels

Video games 

Websites 

Comic books

Album art

Book covers

Picture books

Infographics

Technical illustration

Concept art

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By BATHI


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By Cross The Lime

By Natalia Maca

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By MOGOLLON

Graphic artists use any combination of media and techniques to create their
art
work as they collaborate with writers, editors, managers, marketers and
directors across all graphic design types. They’ll often have a foundation in

fine arts, animation or architecture. Overlapping skills and apps make it
possible to find graphic designers who also work as graphic artists and

illustrators (and vice versa). 


Use the right types of graphic design for the job
—
Graphic design is an ever-growing field, and the demand for specialized and
skilled designers is on the rise. When you’re looking for the right person to
take on a design job, knowing the different types of graphic design will help
you identify the specialist you need.

Finding the right designer is easy!

Simply search our designer community and pick the perfect one for your
project.

Let's do it!

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The author

Mila Jones Cann

Mila Jones Cann is a multidisciplinary
artist and digital art director. She designs
beautiful websites, graphics and visual
brand identities with a focus on the 
technology sector. Her clients span the
globe from Silicon Valley to London and 
everywhere in-between. When she's not
pushing pixels, you can usually find her
painting in her studio in Eastern Canada. 
Tags

Learn design Design basics Design resources graphic design


Related articles

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illustration

Design 101: The 8 graphic design basics you need to know

The 10 most inspirational graphic design trends for 2019

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


Tina
2 years ago

Thank you for this great overview! I just realised that I am doing all this last 15 years
and that still call myself just a “Designer”. LOL, I need to change something. 

  Reply

Naina Sharma
7 months ago

I want to do this job

  Reply

Mariam
7 months ago

Me too if you joined please tell me how and what i should do

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Antonia
7 months ago

Hey there,

If you’re interested in joining our global community of graphic designers, you


can learn more here and submit an application.


Best,
Antonia




Yahir
7 months ago

Thanks! This was a good thorough introductory explanation.

  Reply

vishal singh jadon

7 months ago

thanx for this information

  Reply

Austin
7 months ago

thank you i like the interface design and the Publication graphic design becauce
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they have magazine and buttons and menu

  Reply


Michael Otu
7 months ago 
This is awesome

  Reply


Mo
6 months ago

Wow this is amazing I still have a lot to learn

Thanks Mila

  Reply

Meet Limbachiya
6 months ago

Thanks for the information.

  Reply

Vicent Josh
6 months ago

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12/3/2020 The 8 Types of Graphic Design

It’s awesome

  Reply


Ayisha Ibrahim
6 months ago 
How to print image on colour separation.thank you

  Reply


Ileka Gift
6 months ago

I want to learn please what do I do?

  Reply

Antonia
6 months ago

Here are some useful tutorials that will help you improve your graphic design
skills. Youtube is also a great resource for finding more design tutorials. But the
best way to learn is to keep practising!

Bm2world
6 months ago
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6 months ago

I am also a graphic designer and this article Help very much to get some new
information because Graphic Design is my passion and i want to make career on
this.

  Reply

Kentytai 
6 months ago


I’m an artist currently talking A graphic design course and I’m super excited I can’t
wait to have all this knowledge to be doing my own stuff

  Reply

Sunday
6 months ago

Very informative….. Thanks a lot

  Reply

john kasenegala
3 months ago

to me it’s good you open up my mind that once i designing something i must
first kno types of graphics tha i want design

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Simply Emma
5 months ago

thank you so much!!! This is a really a big help for me as a beginner in graphic
design industry!!! I am excited to know more about graphic design through your
blogs. ❤


  Reply



Antonia
5 months ago

Glad you found it helpful! 🙂

Aliyat
5 months ago

Wow!! What a great asset you dished out. This is very informative and helpful. As a
beginner, this is an eye opener for me. Thanks for being helpful.

  Reply

Antonia
5 months ago

Glad you found it helpful!

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Lucca Paciolo
5 months ago

Wow great overview. Simple language, nice tune, and accurate pictures for better
understanding. I love it. Thanks alot.


  Reply

Antonia
5 months ago


Glad you liked it!

Christian Mfon
5 months ago

I love this.
I never considered it this way

  Reply

Laura Masante
4 months ago

Great post..very usefull to me! Thank you Mila

  Reply
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12/3/2020 The 8 Types of Graphic Design

neha
4 months ago

Amazing amazing article. Thanks so much for the information, I am a self-learned
designer, never knew the basics. Thanks a ton.

  Reply



Antonia
4 months ago

Happy to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

Vincent
4 months ago

I’m very grateful for this post! Changing careers and look forward to learning new
skills.

  Reply

Pratik Ramteke
4 months ago

Wonderful Reading!!. Thankyou so much for the information. Cleared a lot of

confusion which i had being at the initial stage of learning graphic design.
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Gracious! .

  Reply


Antonia
4 months ago 

Glad you found it helpful!





Bankole Peter
4 months ago

This is very apt and insightful.

Thanks ma’am

  Reply

Iranga
4 months ago

great job… Thanks for your information..

  Reply

Dana
3 months ago

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12/3/2020 The 8 Types of Graphic Design

Awesome!

  Reply


john
3 months ago 

this sounds fun


  Reply


Joan
3 months ago

Hi everyone, I’m a senior high school and I want to take graphic designer since i
think this is for me and will enjoy it but I’m confused right now, is graphic design is
under in BS Information Technology?

  Reply

Antonia
3 months ago

There are lots of different design programs for students who want to become
graphic designers. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design
accredits institutions that have art and design programs, including universities,
postsecondary colleges and independent institutes. You can look through their
directory here.

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Akeem omobolanle
3 months ago

I found this very educative, thanks.


  Reply

Sharif Mohammad Mashekunnabi 

2 months ago


i searched for graphics design categories and something more in it. true that greatly
influenced through your blog. thanks a lot.

  Reply

Anubhav Awasthi
2 months ago

Thank you so much for this detailed information.

  Reply

Luna
2 months ago

Great website : D, I love graphic design

  Reply

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Emrose
2 months ago

Thanks for this article. This is really helpful since I am starting to learn graphic
design on my own. The site is really beautiful. Thanks 

  Reply



designingcourses
2 months ago

nice info

  Reply

ViVer
last month

I liked your way to show examples with pictures

  Reply

Antonia
last month

Thanks! Glad you liked the article!

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Albert Pena
19 days ago

I needed a recap of what a graphic designer truly entails. I now realize I am not JUST
a designer. I may not have done ALL of the descriptions, but I have done quite a few.

Coming from the Ole School days… I have kind of lost track of what is a
designer/artist. Going to enjoy being apart of this page/group. thanks


  Reply



peter
15 days ago

it was really helpful

  Reply

rajkumar
13 days ago

I want to do this job Freelance Online

  Reply

Levi's
8 days ago

Thanks for this opportunity, i would like to get a course online if available….

  Reply
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