There’s often a lot to think about when starting a new business. You might be thinking about a company name or colour scheme and more. When focusing on your company’s branding, you’ll also need to consider graphic design. In this article, we’re answering the question, what is graphic design?
What is graphic design?
Graphic design is used to communicate a message to a business’s target audience. Therefore, it’s important that you are aware of your target audience when working on graphic design. Failing to reach those who are genuinely interested in your business can lead to poor results.
The graphic design industry has been around for many years. Despite its evolution over time, its core principles have remained the same. The art of graphic design is organising various visual elements so that a message can be communicated well.
We’ve all seen examples of graphic design not quite going to plan, but you’ll have also seen lots of impressive work. Graphic designers work using their own creative process that helps them to come up with new ideas. They will then work with you to create visual content that impresses your audience.
Graphic design is often used by businesses when working on branding or organising marketing collateral. Sure, you might be able to learn the graphic design basics, but great graphic designers tend to have an eye for detail. This means they can suggest alternative methods and visual concepts that encourage consumers to interact with your brand.
Why is graphic design important in digital marketing?
Graphic design is involved in many aspects of your digital marketing. Branding and graphic design go hand in hand in helping you to share your brand with others. High-quality design skills can help you to create a brand identity through styling, tone and more.
Each element of your company’s branding should work together to create an identity. Once you have created a unique brand, more consumers will recognise it. This means you’ll be building brand recognition and brand loyalty. Both of these are key to building an established brand.
Choosing various elements of your brand identity can be tricky, but a graphic designer can chat with you to discuss what it is you want to achieve. Following this, they can support you by suggesting ideas that can position your brand in a way that you want it to be perceived by consumers.
How graphic design can improve business
Ensures consistency
Consistency is one of our most used words, but that’s because, in marketing, consistency really is key! The only way to build brand recognition is to create designs that consistently communicate your brand messaging.
Creating regular content is great, but if none of it matches your branding, it’s not going to support you in growing your business online. A graphic designer may be able to offer advice on how to ensure your branding stays consistent. You should also develop brand guidelines to support your visual communication online.
Can be used across all platforms
Once you have worked with a graphic designer to develop a brand, you can share it across all platforms. This will support your consistency. Using your brand on all platforms means adopting the same tone of voice, colour scheme, logo design and other elements such as fonts.
Where can graphic design be used?
Web design
When users visit your website, the experience should be simple for them. This is part of creating a good user experience and is where graphic and UX design work together.
An experienced graphic designer can help you to create a website design that users can navigate easily. For example, they may suggest simplifying menus or adding call-to-action buttons where it makes sense. These are basic elements of a website that can be used to engage users.
Social media platforms
There are many business accounts on social media, so how can you make your business stand out? One way is to create content that is consistent with your branding. You should also ensure that your content meets the needs of your followers. This means they may be more likely to engage with the content.
Advertising
Advertising has come a long way since it first began, and there are now many types of graphic design that can be used. While graphic designers solely used print design for a while, many businesses are using a combination of print and digital advertising to encourage a wider reach.
A good graphic designer can support you with organising visual design elements for online advertising. Additionally, we can support you with print media, such as company brochures, business cards or banners for company events.
How graphic design is evolving in 2023
With the new year just starting out, it’s common to wonder what might happen next. Trends often change fast in the world of marketing. Here’s what you can expect from digital design…
- Photography and illustration combined, interactive elements
- More use of basic fonts
- Deeper colours
- Typography quirks
- Inclusion of the Metaverse
Graphic design plays an integral role in your digital marketing, so it’s important to get it right. Do you need support with your graphic design? Our team of designers have a great knowledge of the design world, and they always stay up to date with the latest trends.
Get in touch with our friendly team for branding support. We’re always happy to help with the design process and creating visual content.