8 Types of Graphic Design (Exploring the Diverse World of Designing)
Author: Carson Reed- Published: June 12, 2023
Have you ever wondered about the fantastic world of graphic design? It’s all about creating sophisticated visuals that catch your eye and make things look awesome!
Graphic design is like being a superhero for brands and businesses. It involves making logos, websites, posters, and so much more. It’s like using your imagination to make things look super cool and attractive.
Graphic design is super important because it helps businesses stand out. Think about it – when you see different types of graphic design, like a fancy logo or a beautifully designed website, it makes you want to check it out, right?
That’s the power of graphic design! It grabs your attention and makes you remember things better.
Did you know that the demand for graphic designers is growing like crazy? According to some experts, the need for graphic designers is expected to increase exponentially in the next few years. That means there will be many exciting opportunities for people who want to pursue a career in design!
If you love being creative, solving problems, and making things look excellent, a career in graphic design could be perfect for you. You can unleash your imagination, work with cool tools, and bring ideas to life.
So why not consider becoming a graphic designer and create eye-catching designs that leave a lasting impression? It’s a super cool and rewarding career choice!
So let’s explore the different kinds of graphic design together and dive into this world of creativity.
8 Different Types of Graphic Design
Now, get ready to embark on a visual journey as we unravel the diverse landscape of graphic design. From bold logos to captivating illustrations, we’ll take a closer look at 8 categories of graphic design that shape the artistic realm of graphic design.
- Web Design
- UI/UX Design
- Motion Graphic Design
- Art And Illustration for Graphic Design
- Publication Graphic Design
- Visual Identity Graphic Design
- Game Design
- Typographic Design
1. Web Design
The first variety of graphic design that we will talk about is web design. Web design plays a vital role in creating attractive and user-friendly websites. It involves principles of layout, navigation, and colour schemes to enhance the overall user experience. Responsive design is crucial for adapting websites to different devices.
Web designers can earn a competitive salary, with the average being quite promising. Learning HTML, CSS, and other relevant technologies is important to become a web designer.
Many web designers find opportunities for freelancing or secure jobs after completing their training. Check out the best web design courses to kickstart your journey into this exciting field.
Examples of Web Design
- E-commerce Website
- Portfolio Website
- Corporate Website
- Blogging Website
- Educational Institution Website
- News Website
- Nonprofit Organization Website
- Event Website
- Restaurant Website
2. UI/UX Design
UI design and graphic design are closely related, with UI focusing on creating visually appealing and intuitive interfaces. It uses elements like colour, icons, and typography to enhance user experience.
A career in UI/UX design can be financially rewarding, with the average salary in the US $79,114 being quite attractive. To become a UI/UX designer, you should learn user-centred design principles and prototyping tools and stay updated with emerging design trends.
Many UI/UX designers find opportunities for freelancing or secure jobs after completing their training. So, if you’re passionate about creating engaging digital experiences, consider pursuing UI/UX design and unlock a world of exciting possibilities.
Examples of UI/UX Design
- Mobile App Interfaces
- Website Interfaces
- Dashboard Design
- Software Interfaces
- Game Interfaces
- Touchscreen Kiosks
- Interactive Infographics
- Augmented Reality (AR) Interfaces
- Virtual Reality (VR) Interfaces
- Wearable Device Interfaces
3. Motion Graphic Design
Among the many different types of graphic design, we have motion graphic design. It basically brings visual elements to life through animation and is widely used in videos, advertisements, and multimedia projects. It focuses on creating engaging visual content that captivates audiences and communicates messages effectively.
Techniques such as timing, transitions, and visual effects are employed to craft dynamic and immersive experiences. In the US, motion graphic designers can earn a competitive salary, reflecting the demand for their creative skills.
Aspiring designers should learn animation software, storytelling, and motion design principles to pursue a career in motion graphic design. Many professionals in this field enjoy the flexibility of freelancing or securing jobs upon completing their training.
Motion graphic design falls under the umbrella of animation, specifically 2D animation, as it involves the manipulation of images and text to produce movement and convey information.
If you’re interested in exploring other animation courses, check out our recommendations for 2D animation courses and 3D animation courses to broaden your skills and career prospects.
Examples of Motion Graphic Design
- Title Sequences for Films and TV Shows
- Animated Logos and Brand Identities
- Explainer Videos and Tutorials
- Animated Infographics
- Advertisements and Commercials
- Animated GIFs and Memes
- Broadcast Graphics and Lower Thirds
- Visual Effects for Films and Videos
- Music Videos and Lyric Videos
- Animated Social Media Posts and Stories
4. Art and Illustration for Graphic Design
Art and illustration are one of the most well-known types of graphic design. It plays a significant role in graphic design, adding creativity and visual appeal. Illustrations, including hand-drawn elements, bring uniqueness to designs. Aspiring graphic designers focusing on art and illustration can expect an annual wage comparable to animators.
To pursue a career in this field, it’s important to learn various artistic techniques and digital illustration tools and develop a strong portfolio.
Many professionals in art and illustration for graphic design find opportunities for freelancing or secure jobs after completing their training, with a substantial percentage thriving in the industry.
Examples of Art and Illustration for Graphic Design
- Digital Illustrations for Websites and Apps
- Hand-drawn Illustrations for Packaging Design
- Character Design for Animation or Gaming
- Editorial Illustrations for Magazines and Newspapers
- Storyboard Illustrations for Films and Advertisements
- Poster Design and Illustration
- Book Cover Illustrations
- Custom Illustrations for T-shirts and Merchandise
- Concept Art for Video Games and Movies
- Children’s Book Illustrations
5. Publication of Graphic Design
The next specific type of graphic design we will cover is publication graphic design. It plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing and well-organized printed materials like books, magazines, and newspapers. It involves applying layout principles, making typography choices, and placing images strategically to enhance readability and aesthetic appeal.
In the US, publication designers can earn an average competitive salary of $65,876, reflecting their skills and expertise. To pursue a career in publication graphic design, it’s important to learn design software and typography techniques and understand the principles of composition.
The job demand for publication designers remains steady, with numerous professionals working in this field. So, if you have a passion for creating visually stunning printed materials, pursuing publication graphic design can offer a fulfilling and satisfying career path.
Examples of Publication Graphic Design
- Magazine Layout Design
- Newspaper Design and Layout
- Brochure and Pamphlet Design
- Catalogue Design
- Annual Reports and Financial Documents
- Newsletter Design
- Book Design and Typesetting
- Event Program Design
- Menu Design for Restaurants and Cafes
- Packaging Design for Product Labels and Wrappers
6. Visual Identity Graphic Design
One of the main types of graphic design is visual identity graphic design. This focuses on creating unique and memorable visual elements for brands, such as logos and brand guidelines. It plays a crucial role in establishing a brand’s identity and creating a consistent visual presence.
Professionals in this field can earn an average competitive salary of $73,543, with opportunities for growth and advancement as well.
Many individuals who pursue visual identity graphic design find success in freelancing after completing their training. So, if you have a passion for crafting impactful brand visuals, visual identity graphic design offers a creative and rewarding career path.
Examples of Visual Identity Graphic Design
- Logo Design
- Brand Guidelines and Style Guides
- Business Cards and Stationery Design
- Packaging Design for Product Branding
- Signage and Wayfinding Design
- Uniform and Apparel Design for Branding
- Social Media Branding and Profile Graphics
- Website and App Design consistent with Branding
- Vehicle Graphics and Wraps
- Exhibition Booth and Trade Show Design
7. Game Design
One of the most popular types of graphic design is game design. Game design involves the fundamentals of creating interactive and engaging gameplay experiences. It intersects with graphic design by incorporating visuals, user interfaces, and artwork into games.
Game designers are responsible for crafting visually captivating game interfaces that enhance the overall player experience. The average salary for game designers can vary but is generally competitive within the gaming industry at $74,057.
To pursue a career in game design, aspiring designers should learn game development principles and graphic design software and gain expertise in character design.
If you’re interested in exploring game design further, check out our recommended top game development courses and character design courses to enhance your skills and open up exciting opportunities in the gaming world.
Examples of Game Design
- Role-Playing Games (RPG)
- Action-Adventure Games
- Puzzle Games
- Strategy Games
- Platform Games
- Sports Games
- Racing Games
- Simulation Games
- First-Person Shooter Games (FPS)
- Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMO)
8. Typographic Design
The last type of graphic design that we will cover is typographic design. Typographic design holds immense significance in the world of graphic design. It plays a crucial role in visual communication by conveying messages through the art and arrangement of typefaces. Understanding font selection, hierarchy, readability, and typographic principles is essential for effective design.
Professionals in typographic design can earn a competitive salary, with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Many individuals pursuing typographic design succeed in freelancing or securing jobs after training. So, if you have a passion for the art of letters and visual communication, typographic design offers a rewarding career path.
Examples of Typographic Design
- Logo Typography
- Poster Typography
- Book Cover Typography
- Editorial Typography
- Packaging Typography
- Typography for Websites and Apps
- Typography in Advertising
- Typography in Branding and Identity Design
- Typographic Illustrations
- Calligraphy and Hand Lettering
Types of Graphic Design – FAQs
Which Is The Best Type Of Graphic Design?
The best type of graphic design is subjective and depends on a project’s specific needs and goals. However, popular types include branding, web design, typography, and illustration.
What Are The Principles For Graphic Design?
The principles for graphic design include elements like balance, contrast, alignment, and typography to create visually appealing and effective designs.
Conclusion
As explored, the world of graphic design is vast and exciting, offering a wide range of opportunities to explore. From branding and web design to typography and game design, the different types of graphic design allow for creativity and specialization.
Each type holds its own significance and offers unique avenues for expression. Whether you’re interested in creating captivating visuals, designing user-friendly interfaces, or crafting memorable brand identities, there are multiple types of graphic design, and you can choose one that suits your interests and talents.
So, embrace your creativity, learn the principles, and dive into the world of graphic design to make your mark in the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of visual communication!
