The term graphic design can mean different things to different people. Some people view it as a means to create visuals that communicate a message, while others may think of it as an art form used to express emotion.
But regardless of how you interpret the term, one thing is for certain – graphic design plays an important role within the business world.
So what is graphic design really? And why is it important for your business? Keep reading to uncover the juicy details!
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is a profession that involves using a set of graphic design principles and creating a graphic design strategy to achieve a specific business goal. It combines words, images, typography and styles to create visuals that effectively communicate a message or idea.
Different Types Of Graphic Design Visuals
Graphic designers can create different types of graphic design visuals, including:
Logos
For businesses, logos are often the first introduction to potential customers. A logo acts as a “face” of a company, so it is crucial for graphic designers to get this right.
A logo can look different depending on the type of business and its target market. For example, a logo for a boutique clothing store may feature softer colours and more intricate designs, while a logo for an oil company will likely be bolder and have sharper edges.
Posters
Although posters may seem like a thing of the past, they are still popular for businesses looking to get the word out about their products or services.
A poster can be anything from a full-colour image to a black-and-white line drawing – it all depends on the type of message you want to convey. A poster should grab the attention of its audience while also conveying a clear message.
Websites
According to an article published on Afrikanheroes, about 28% of small businesses use websites as marketing tools.
Websites need three types of professionals to be successful: developers, writers and designers. Graphic designers have a huge role in developing websites as they are responsible for the overall look and feel of the site.
This includes choosing the right colours, fonts, images and layout that is appealing to website visitors.
Advertisements
Social media, television, radio and print media are all popular platforms for advertisements. For a successful advertisement, graphic designers must choose the right combination of visuals, texts and other elements to influence target customers.
For example, a television advertisement for a financial company may feature images of business people in suits, while an advertisement for a toy store may feature playful colours and cartoon-like characters.
Product Packaging
Why do I need a graphic designer for product packaging, you might ask? The answer is simple - product packaging can make or break a sale. It’s the first thing customers see when they shop for items in-store and what their eyes are drawn to online.
Product packaging needs to be eye-catching, informative and creative all at the same time. This is where graphic designers come in. They can create packaging designs that feature attractive visuals, interesting colours and informative texts.
Business Cards
Business cards are a great way to introduce yourself and your business, whether you attend an event or meet someone in the mall. Graphic designers can help create a memorable business card design that stands out from the rest.
A good business card should feature your logo, contact information and a brief description of what you do. This way, people will remember who you are and have an easier time connecting with you online or in person.
Newsletters
Newsletters either feature in email marketing campaigns or in traditional print. A business needs a graphic designer who can design the newsletter format to be visually pleasing and easy to read.
An excellent example of a digital marketing agency’s newsletter is one with an engaging headline, a brief introduction that explains what the newsletter will cover. For example, the digital marketing agency might cover secrets to creating a successful marketing strategy.
Social Media Content
Social media content is a great way to keep your customers informed and up-to-date with what’s happening in your business.
Sometimes, this task falls to the managers of social media marketing services, but many businesses opt to hire a graphic designer to create content such as infographics or images with text.
Graphic designers can make sure that the visuals are in line with your brand and that the design is compelling enough for users to stop scrolling and take notice.
Brochures
A brochure is a mini-version of your company’s website and is an essential marketing tool. It should feature an eye-catching design that showcases your products, services or events.
A brochure design goes beyond a logo, colours, and images. A good graphic designer will use the right fonts, sizes and layout to ensure your brochure looks professional and user-friendly.
Infographics
Have you ever read an article and found all the information a bit overwhelming? That’s where infographics come in. An infographic is a visual representation of data or information that makes complex topics easier to understand.
Infographics usually contain charts, graphs, diagrams, images or text that help explain a concept in an easy-to-understand way.
View this example of an infographic designed by one of Starbright’s graphic designers. This infographic visualises the “Types of Graphic Design Visuals.”
There are many more types of visuals that a designer can create; if you want a professional designer to create something for you, reach out to our graphic design services in South Africa.
How Graphic Design Works
In your mind, you may think that graphic design is a simple task, but in reality, it takes a lot of time, effort and skills.
Graphic designers do not just pluck out a tablet and start sketching - they have first to understand the brand, the target audience, the message that needs to be conveyed and more.
Once this understanding has been established, a graphic designer will come up with different ideas based on the brief and work on them until they’re perfect.
Here is a step-by-step process of how graphic design actually works:
1. Meet
Before a designer starts any project, they’ll first have a meeting with the client to discuss the purpose of the design and gather all the information they need. This is crucial as it sets the tone for what they’ll create and gives them an idea of how much work needs to go into it.
2. Research
Once a designer has gathered all the necessary information from the client, they delve deep into various aspects such as budget, brand identity, target audience, competitors and more. All this
research is essential to ensure the design lives up to its purpose.
3. Brainstorming
Once a designer has researched enough, they start brainstorming ideas that could be used in the project. This is one of the most creative stages as they come up with multiple concepts, which then need to be narrowed down into one final design.
4. Creation
This is where the fun part starts! Once the final design concept is chosen, the designer starts creating it. This could be done on graphic design software or even hand-drawing if that’s what the client wants.
5. Feedback & Revisions
The finished design is never really finished. Once the design is completed, it’s given to the client for feedback. If more revisions are needed, then those will be done until the client is completely satisfied with their product.
This process may sound simple, but there’s a lot of hard work and creativity involved in graphic design. It can be a long and tedious process, but in the end, it’s all worth it, as the final product is something that everyone involved can be proud of.
What Is Involved In Graphic Design?
Like any other profession, graphic design has its own set of elements and principles that need to be taken into consideration.
Here is a breakdown of the elements and the principles involved:
Graphic Design Elements
Graphic designers work with basic graphic design elements to create visuals. These elements can be used individually or in combination with one another to create a powerful design.
Colour: A Website colour scheme evokes emotion and can be used to convey a certain feeling or mood.
Type: The font type and the styling of words create a certain visual hierarchy.
Shape: Shapes and forms are used to create balance, texture and pattern.
Line: Lines help to divide up space in an organised way and give structure.
Graphic Design Principles
In conjunction with the elements, graphic designers use principles to guide their creative process. These principles refer to the way in which elements are arranged and used within a design.
Balance: Balance helps to create a visually pleasing aesthetic that is evenly distributed.
Proportion: This refers to how two or more elements interact with each other, creating harmony or contrast.
Emphasis: Different areas of the design are emphasised to create focus and attract the viewer’s attention.
Unity: This is achieved by combining all of the elements into a cohesive whole that conveys a message.
Space: This refers to the use of negative space. Negative space is the area between and around elements that brings balance to a design.
The involvement of elements and principles in graphic design is what ultimately helps to create a powerful and meaningful visual. It’s not just about making something look pretty but developing an effective solution that resonates with the audience in a meaningful way.
So, why is graphic design important for a business? Keep reading to discover why it really matters.
Why Is It Important For Your Business?
It doesn’t matter if you are a start-up company or a full-on large corporation; graphic design is an integral part of a successful business. Remember that people are visual creatures and, in most cases, a design speaks louder than words.
Here are a few reasons as to why your business should invest in graphic design:
1. Creates a brand image
A brand image is what people think of when they hear the name of your business. It’s important to create a strong and meaningful image that customers will remember.
2. Establishes authority and credibility
Customers are more likely to trust a business with a professional-looking website, logo or product packaging compared to a business that looks amateurish or sloppy.
3. Increases customer engagement
Customers engage with a company more when its visuals are attractive and easy to understand. This encourages them to stay on your website, read through content, and interact with it in a more meaningful way.
4. Helps customers remember your business
If you’re looking for long-term success, then you need customers to remember your brand. This is why it’s essential to have a strong visual identity that will be remembered.
5. Stands out from the competition
Any and every business wants to stand out from the competition. Having a strong visual identity will help your business do just that.
Give Your Business The Visual Identity It Deserves!
At the end of the day, graphic design is more than just “making things look pretty.” It is an essential component of any successful business and should be taken seriously if you want to succeed in the long run. If you want to give your business the visual identity it deserves, then contact us at Starbright today!