Graphic Communication & Design

Graphic/visual communication design is a technology that involves using images to pass on a message or information to an audience. It is using a visual hierarchy or process to engage the audience.

What are Graphic Communication and Design?

The main concepts that concern it involve electronic and print media. Graphic communication and design are unlike other forms of art. These are artistic expressions where you interpret the work based on your ideas, context, associations, level of exposure, and perspective. An ideal design should first capture the viewers’ attention to affect them and pass a message.

What Kinds of Communication are Possible using Graphic Design?

There are several ways communication designers use design to pass messages, express emotions, and present data. Making use of graphic communication design technology will ensure that you have the edge over your business competitors. Some of these include:

Illustrations and art – Communicating via images, photographs, and different forms of graphics.

Writing and editing – This is communication using writing materials. Be creative in relaying the information in articles, newspapers, blogs, journals, and novels.

Data Visualizations – Communication using graphics to present your data or information. A most common way of visualizing your data is by using charts, graphs, and maps.

Visual Identity – This involves using visuals to show your unique identity. It employs logos, shapes, symbols, and other illustrations that are easy to remember. This enables the viewer to identify your product or company in a way that they can relate to your brand.

Interactions – This involves the various materials in digital products. The elements interact with the user in different ways to enhance visual communication.

What are the Types of Graphic Design?

Each type of graphic design has its area of specialty and processes. Though they may overlap sometimes, they each need a set of skills and techniques to work. These skills can be single or come in a set. The types of graphic design elements available are:

Advertising and marketing graphic design – This is a sure way of targeting your viewer’s decision-making course. Ideal advertising and marketing should engage potential clients' needs, awareness, and satisfaction. Employing graphic design helps you to promote and communicate using visual content. You can use postcards, newspaper ads, social media ads, signs, banners, and many more.

Graphic design publications – This is communication via public circulation. These include newspapers, catalogs, magazines, books, and the like. These are print mediums though there are recent developments on the digital side. The publications need a unique choice of artwork and typography.

Motion graphics – These include typography, animation, video, imagery, and others. These are audiovisual effects that you see on film, television, and online media. The demand for motion graphics is growing every day. It is the latest form of design that exists on all digital platforms.

Packaging design – Your product needs to have a secure package during the sale, distribution, and storage. An ideal packaging design should double as a marketing tool to potential customers. Packaging requires a keen eye on printing, manufacturing, and industrial designs. To get a notch above your business competitors, you must keep with the current trends and client demands.

Visual identity designs – Your brand's identity is evident in its emotions, personality, experiences, tone, and essence. It is basic shapes, colors, and images that show your company’s intangible qualities.

Graphical user interface design – This dictates the way a user interacts with the application or device. It is important to harmonize the aesthetics of the device or application with its functionality.

Environment-based designs involve a visual connection with places to make them more memorable, informative, and interesting.

What Does a Graphic Designer Do in Marketing?

How graphic designers impact marketing depends on their skill in the craft. Graphic communication and design is a field with a wide range of capabilities. A good graphic designer makes your product look good. This is a major part of marketing in that it gives potential buyers a good first impression of your product. People take a short time to form impressions of visuals in their minds and a longer change them once they settle.

A good graphic designer also helps set your product apart from the competitors in your field. An eye-catching design influences their choices both subconsciously and deliberately. Investing in top-of-the-line visual communication and design will make your company look credible and professional. Most people relate a great design to a trustworthy business. A large number of customers will look for a sign of professionalism to prove that you are trustworthy.

Which is Better: Graphic Design or Digital Marketing?

With the ever-evolving marketing and advertising industry, graphic design and digital marketing are becoming inseparable. These fields have many areas in common and few differences, as they meet the same audiences' needs. Graphic designers cannot do their job properly without knowledge in marketing. This has led many to sign up for marketing courses, while others pursue a bachelor of Arts degree to make them better designers who are more relevant in their workplace. On the other hand, a digital marketer cannot do their job without the tools a graphic designer uses.

Each of these entities has elements that they do better than the other. For instance, a digital marketer prefers content to aesthetics like a graphic designer. For this reason, you will have to accept that design and marketing are two sides of the same coin.