{"id":27545,"date":"2023-11-22T17:50:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T22:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-715453-3009179.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=27545"},"modified":"2023-11-22T21:51:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T02:51:34","slug":"what-is-graphic-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-715453-3009179.cloudwaysapps.com\/blog\/what-is-graphic-design\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Graphic Design? A Beginners Guide to Visual Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019ve ever been struck by a poster, an ad, a website, or even the packaging of your favorite products, then you\u2019ve been influenced by good graphic design. It\u2019s all around you! But, <\/span>what is graphic design, exactly?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Graphic design is the art of visual communication.<\/strong> We\u2019ll dive into the nitty-gritty of the principles and elements that go into great design, along with the various types of graphic design you might want to get into. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s all beginner-friendly!<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve added graphic design examples, resources, expert quotes, and visuals to help you grasp all of the complexities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Graphic design is the art of creating visual content, which includes using typography, images, colors, and shapes to communicate a message. <\/span>Its ultimate goal is to make information easy to comprehend.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Graphic Design became a profession during the Industrial Revolution, thanks to advancements in printing technology. The 20th century brought in digital technology, transforming graphic design into the dynamic field it is today. We\u2019ve come a long way from calligraphy and the printing press!<\/span><\/p>\n Yes, you can! All it takes is consistent learning and practice. We\u2019ve included resources like courses, YouTube influencers, books, podcasts, and design inspiration websites for you to bookmark at the end of this blog. <\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s what Elliot Ulm, a self-taught graphic designer had to say:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI think that anyone can develop an \u201ceye for design\u201d after being exposed to it for long enough. You start to learn what you think looks good and what doesn\u2019t \u2013 then it\u2019s just a matter of learning the technical elements which are only getting easier to master!”<\/strong>– Elliot Ulm, Graphic Designer<\/p>\n Graphic design isn\u2019t about shooting in the dark and being creative. There are key principles and <\/span>graphic design basics <\/span><\/a>that make it easier to create beautiful work. That\u2019s right! Graphic designers aren\u2019t geniuses, they\u2019re just well-versed in the fundamentals below.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n Naturally, we\u2019ve used graphic design to illustrate these principles below. See how much easier they are to digest visually?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Next, we\u2019ll cover design elements like color, typography, and shapes to play with in your composition.\u00a0<\/span>This is where you can communicate a unique style in your design. Each of these elements has the power to influence how your design will be perceived:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n These principles and elements come together to create visual harmony and convey messages effectively. Use them wisely!<\/p>\n Let\u2019s briefly dive into the various types of graphic design and what they each entail. We\u2019ll include examples of each type to help you understand what the graphic design industry looks like.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This involves <\/span>designing a logo<\/span><\/a>, typography, color schemes, and visual elements that reflect a brand’s personality. The goal is to create a coherent and appealing <\/strong><\/span>brand identity<\/a><\/strong> that will resonate with the target audience<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Brand designers will also need to be well-versed in the non-visual aspects of branding. Such as <\/span>brand personality<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>brand voice and tone<\/span><\/a>. These concepts are intrinsically tied to how the visual brand looks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Source: Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s what brand designers do:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n “Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.” – Paul Rand, Graphic Designer<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This type of design is used to create various promotional materials like brochures, flyers, posters, banners, social media ads, and more. The goal is to attract, engage, and persuade the target audience. All while staying true to the brand guidelines and visual identity!<\/span><\/p>\n Source: Ezgi Kurt on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Source: Berfin Kurumahmuto\u011flu<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s what marketing graphic designers do:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n Also known as UI design, this involves creating user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other digital platforms. Good UI design enhances user experience and usability.<\/span><\/p>\n Web and UI designers are also well-versed on the technical elements of UX and web design and understand the limitations and opportunities of each project. They work closely with web developers and UX designers!<\/span><\/p>\n Source: Aromelle on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s what a web graphic designer does:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n This involves designing the layout and visual design aesthetics of print materials like books, newspapers, magazines, and catalogs. The main goal is to enhance readability, engagement, and, of course, make an impression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Source: Covert Magazine on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s what print graphic designers do:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n This involves creating attractive and informative packaging design for products. The design usually includes the company’s logo, product information, and other branding elements. The goal is to convey the brand personality and distinguish the <\/span>brand packaging <\/span><\/a>from other products.<\/span><\/p>\n Designed by: Fabrika Coffee on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s what packaging designers do:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n This type of graphic design includes animation, audio, typography, imagery, video, and other effects used in multimedia projects. It is commonly used in TV, film, video games, and online content.<\/span><\/p>\n Source: ShareOS on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s what motion graphics designers do:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n Illustration is the artsy and creative side of graphics design. It\u2019s what an art major or someone who loves drawing might consider. It involves creating original, bespoke artwork for various mediums. <\/span><\/p>\n As a unique blend of art and design, graphic artists use illustration to convey specific messages or to simply add aesthetic appeal. It\u2019s a <\/span>graphic design trend <\/span><\/a>to add personalized and artistic brand images, creating a handmade and human appeal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Source: Fools food packaging on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Source: Oak Eatery on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n This practice merges graphic, architectural, interior, landscape, and industrial design. Designers in this field create visual experiences relating to an existing environment. It\u2019s often found in signage, murals, museum exhibitions, office branding, and event spaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The goal is to connect people to places <\/strong>and make their experience more memorable, engaging, and informative.<\/strong> It also adds beauty and personality to plain environments. Think of the last time you saw a beautiful mural or wall art – you probably took a picture, shared it, and were left with a great impression of the space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Source: Placemaking on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Source: Shahul Hameed Mural Painting on Behance<\/p><\/div>\n Wondering what the process for graphic design is? Or how graphic designers work? <\/span>Although <\/span>the process varies slightly among different designers and projects, it generally includes these key stages:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is graphic design in simple terms?<\/h2>\n
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Can I learn graphic design on my own?<\/h3>\n
The fundamentals of graphic design<\/h2>\n
The principles of design<\/h3>\n
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Graphic design elements<\/h3>\n
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The main types of graphic design<\/h2>\n
1. Brand Identity graphic design<\/h3>\n
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2. Marketing and advertising graphic design<\/h3>\n
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3. Web and UI graphic design<\/h3>\n
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4. Print and publication graphic design<\/h3>\n
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5. Packaging graphic design<\/h3>\n
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6. Motion graphics design<\/h3>\n
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7. Illustration graphic design<\/h3>\n
8. Environmental or experiential graphic design<\/h3>\n
The graphic design process<\/h2>\n
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