Types of Design

Graphic design is ubiquitous. It’s on the cover of magazines. In signage. Brochures. Vehicle graphics. Cereal boxes. Logos. Any message from a brand, charity, etc. uses graphic design to communicate it. A first impression can make a lasting one on potential customers. It can intrigue, captivate, and spur impulse sales. The qualities of your business can be distilled visually, making for a brand image that’s engaging and unique. 

Corporate Identity Design

Corporate identity design has to do with the identity of a company or business. Any medium displaying the logo, such as business cards, vehicle graphics, and signage fall under this category. Official colors, typefaces, and general aesthetic should be kept consistent. Dissimilar elements between various branding items will create a fractured brand image. A style guide helps maintain  a contiguous look.

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising is a large aspect of graphic design. Businesses and corporations use it to increase sales, inform of a new product, make announcements, etc. Social media graphics, magazine ads, brochures, billboards, and email marketing are all designed to elicit engagement. If designs are inconsistent between various channels, customers might be reluctant to trust that business with their money. It’s important that the brand identity is consistent through all those channels.

Environmental Design

Environmental design informs or alerts the viewer. Road signs, signage, and event spaces such as trade shows all fall under environmental design. It helps to connect people to their environment. Have you ever stopped at a landmark and read information about it at the location? That’s another example of environmental design. It’s possible to carry the brand identity out into the environment.

Packaging Design

Stickers, folders, and product boxes fall under this category. Imagine if every item in a store were in a white box with plain text describing it. That would be very tough to make out items! Luckily, we have the unique designs of our products to make finding them easier. Stickers are a simple and cost effective way to increase brand awareness. The more people are exposed to marketing materials, the more likely someone else may need your services. 

Web Design

Web design is its own discipline, but graphic design fundamentals carry into web design as well. Typography, color, shape, imagery, and layout are just as at home on the screen. It’s advisable to change a website every 4 to 8 years to keep it from looking too stale. Users judge a book by its website, and if it isn’t easy to navigate or ascertain, they will click elsewhere.