The 8 types of graphic design
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 those intangible qualities through images, shapes and color.
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 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.
2. Marketing & advertising graphic design
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
3. User interface graphic design
Examples of user interface graphic design
• Web page design
• Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
• Game interfaces
• App design
4. Publication graphic design
Examples of publication graphic design
• Books
• Newspapers
• Newsletters
• Directories
• Annual reports
• Magazines
• Catalogs
5. Packaging graphic design
6. Motion graphic design
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
7. Environmental graphic design
Examples of environmental graphic design
• Signage
• Wall murals
• Museum exhibitions
• Office branding
• Public transportation navigation
• Retail store interiors
• Stadium branding
• Event and conference spaces
8. Art and illustration for graphic design
Examples of art and illustration for graphic design
• 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
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.
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 those intangible qualities through images, shapes and color.
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 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.
2. Marketing & advertising graphic design
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
3. User interface graphic design
Examples of user interface graphic design
• Web page design
• Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
• Game interfaces
• App design
4. Publication graphic design
Examples of publication graphic design
• Books
• Newspapers
• Newsletters
• Directories
• Annual reports
• Magazines
• Catalogs
5. Packaging graphic design
6. Motion graphic design
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
7. Environmental graphic design
Examples of environmental graphic design
• Signage
• Wall murals
• Museum exhibitions
• Office branding
• Public transportation navigation
• Retail store interiors
• Stadium branding
• Event and conference spaces
8. Art and illustration for graphic design
Examples of art and illustration for graphic design
• 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
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.