Graphic design is everywhere. You see it on websites, in magazines, on television, and even on products. But what is graphic design? What does a graphic designer do? And is it a good career choice? In this blog post, we will explore the world of graphic design and answer all of your questions!

We overcomplicate graphic design

We think it’s about fancy software, complex layouts, and secret color formulas. But it’s not. At its core, graphic design is simply communicating a message visually. That’s it!

So, what is graphic design?

Graphic designers use typography, color, and layout to communicate a message visually. They often work with clients to figure out what the message is and who the target audience is. Then, they create a design that communicates the message in an effective way.

Think about it this way: when you read a book, the author uses words to communicate a message to you. The graphic designer does the same thing, using visual elements instead of words.

Graphic design is an important tool for businesses. A well-designed logo, for example, can communicate a company’s values and make a good first impression. Good graphic design can also help a company stand out from its competitors.

What is the difference between graphic design and visual design?

What is visual design?

When you search “what is visual design?” on Google, the search engine actually gives you results for graphic design, so you can safely interchange them and not too many people will bat an eye. But for the sake of accuracy, here’s usability.gov‘s definition (which I believe to be the most accurate):

“Visual design focuses on the aesthetics of a site and its related materials by strategically implementing images, colors, fonts, and other elements.  A successful visual design does not take away from the content on the page or function.  Instead, it enhances it by engaging users and helping to build trust and interest in the brand.”

Hmmm, that didn’t really help. Sounds like graphic design to me. Basically just the process of creating designs that communicate a message, which again, is done through the use of color, typography, layout, and other visual elements.

There is a difference.

The difference between graphic design and visual design

When pondering the difference between visual and graphic designers, think of it this way: Graphic designers communicate information while visual designers focus on product appearance and maintain brand identity. Additionally, visual designers are often brought into discussions about site/product offerings and project goals. Their job is to think about how a project will look, how it will feel and how it will be used. Let’s not forget that aesthetics are important, but so is functionality.

Visual designers are more-so generalists.

Graphic designers, on the other hand, focus more intently on the message a product is trying to communicate. They are concerned with how information is being presented and dig deep into the why behind each project.

So while visual designers make sure a site or product is appealing and conveys the appropriate vibe, graphic designers make sure it’s effective and aligns with a greater goal.

Graphic design is a subset of visual design. While all graphic designers are visual designers, not all visual designers are graphic designers.

3 most crucial graphic design principles

Layout

Layout design is the creation of eye-catching and informationally clear visual presentations on screens or paper.

It's the way in which elements are arranged on a page utilizing things like margins, whitespace, and alignment. A good layout is consistent, easy on the eyes and makes it effortless for the reader to find what they’re looking for.

A layout is usually either created with simple guides (reference lines) or a grid.

On a page, guides act as reference lines, horizontal or vertical that you can place anywhere. Best used for very simple layouts.

A grid is a series of vertical and horizontal lines that help the designer to create a consistent layout. A grid can be used to create a simple or complex layout, depending on the needs of the project.

To use a grid to create a layout, first decide on its dimensions. Then, draw the grid on your paper or screen. Next, place your content within the grid. Finally, adjust the placement of your content until you are happy with the results. Keep in mind that it is far from an exact science.

Here’s a fantastic guide on how to use grids.

My favorite sources for layout inspiration:

• Typographic Posters
• PrintMag
• CreativeBoom
• Film Art Gallery
• Designspiration

Typography

Typography is the art and technique of arranging text to make written language readable, understandable, and visually appealing.

It includes the selection of typefaces, point size, line length, leading (line spacing), letter-spacing (tracking), and kerning (the space between letters).

Selecting the right typeface is an important part of typography. Different typefaces can be used to create different effects, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job.

Some things to consider when selecting a typeface:

• Is the typeface appropriate for the audience?
• Will it be easy to read?
• Is it legible at different sizes?
• Does it match the tone of the message you’re trying to communicate?
• Is it versatile enough to be used in a variety of contexts?
• How does it compare to other typefaces in your project?
• How will it be used (printed, online, etc.)?

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Try testing out a few different typefaces and see which ones feel the best.

My favorite sources for quality typefaces:

Paid:

• Font Fabric
• Pangram Pangram
• Good Type Foundry

Free:

• Google fonts
• Font Squirrel
• Dafont

Color

Color can be used to create visual interest, contrast, and hierarchy. It can also be used to convey a message or feeling.

For example, red might be used to convey excitement or energy, while blue might be used to convey calmness or sadness.

A deeply saturated royal blue on top of a light yellow creates a stark contrast and thus gives visual weight (and importance) to the blue element.

When selecting colors for a design, it’s important to consider the meaning of each color and how it will be perceived by the audience.

Some color meanings:

• Red: excitement, energy, passion
• Orange: warmth, enthusiasm, fun
• Yellow: happiness, optimism, sunshine
• Green: growth, new beginnings, eco-friendly
• Blue: calmness, trustworthiness, serenity
• Purple: creativity, luxury, sophistication

The above blue layout may make you feel the following:

• Tranquility
• Luxury
• Cold
• Ivory
• Premium
• Intrigue

An ivory tower glistening in the cold winter morning, reflecting silver sunrays down to the masses.

In words, that layout is saying the following:

This online course on layout design is premium, professional and just the right amount of technical. You will explore the nuances of layout design and find out how to create beautiful, effective layouts for print and digital media.

My favorite color tools:

• Generate any type of color palette from any color
• Color picker and constrast checker for Mac
• Create monochromatic color combinations
  

Is graphic design a good career?

Yes, graphic design is a good career choice for people with creative minds. Graphic designers are in high demand and can find work in a variety of industries, such as advertising, web design, publishing, and more.

With the right skills and experience, graphic designers can earn a good salary and enjoy a stable career.

However, like any career, there are also some downsides to graphic design. For instance, the work can be very deadline-oriented and stressful, and designers may have to work long hours to meet their clients' needs. Nevertheless, if you have a passion for art and design, graphic design is a career that can be very rewarding.

Some things to consider when choosing a career in graphic design include: interest in creativity and the creative process, willingness to learn computer software, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and time management skills.

Additionally, it is important to be able to work well under pressure and to be able to meet deadlines. If you have these skills and qualities, then a career in graphic design may be the right choice for you.

Check out Dribbble’s job board to get an idea of what kinds of skills and experience it takes to get a job as a designer.

Graphic designer salary

The average salary for a Graphic Designer is $52,000 per year.

Most graphic designers have a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. During their studies, they take classes focused on art and design principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and advertising. Many aspiring graphic designers also complete internships with design firms, which can lead to full-time job opportunities. Graphic designers typically work in advertising agencies, public relations firms, and large corporations. They may also be self-employed.

Visual designer salary

The average salary for a Visual Designer is $63,000 per year.

Most visual designers have a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. During their studies, they take classes focused on art and design principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and advertising. Many aspiring visual designers also complete internships with design firms to gain real-world experience.

The job outlook for visual designers is positive, with a projected 7% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029. Visual designers are needed in a variety of industries, such as advertising, publishing, and online media. Many businesses are increasingly relying on visuals to communicate their message, which has created a demand for talented visual designers.

Why is graphic design important?

Well, without it we’d be communicating everything in words alone, which would be pretty boring. We can solve certain problems more effectively by communicating a message through the use and manipulation of layout, typography, color, imagery, and symbols.

For example, if a company wants to communicate a new message or sell a product, they can hire a graphic designer to create an advertising campaign that will convey a message, tell a story, or create a feeling in a way that words alone wouldn’t be able to.

Color alone can do more than words ever could: warm colors might be used to create a feeling of happiness, while cool colors might be used to create a feeling of calmness.

Graphic design is visual communication.