Before the development of human writing, graphics were the earliest method of visual communication. The initial adoption of graphics was discovered as cave paintings, which were found in Europe and Indonesia, etc. According to the theories of historians, the objective of the cave paintings was related to religious shamans, hunting beliefs, and communications use, etc. The cave arts adopted the subjects of animals, humans, symbols, and objects, etc. which reflect the life experience and demands.

After a lengthy evolution in the history of human arts, and the behavioral diversity of the social structure and demand, gradually, graphic design has evolved to the purpose of sales. In the modern era, the information delivery via the arrangements of various media, we named it as graphic design, also known as communication design.

The definition of graphic design

Everywhere you go, and everything you see, whether it is in the visual, physical or virtual forms, it can be incorporated into the categories of graphic design extensively. It is the crucial approach to correspond with the audiences and distribute the messages to society for the initial impression; the practice is even earlier than the engagement of marketing activities.

Graphic design is the public communicator for corporations and brands, through the analysis of marketing strategy, planning, and positioning. By using the components of visual, objects, symbols, images and words, which associate with the fundamental techniques of typography, layout, creativity and visual impacts.

Situated in the era of an information explosion, graphic design has evolved to a wide range of distinctive types, which requires designers to have integrated specialized skills in diverse fields. It comprises the principal proficiency of illustration, photography, copywriting and printing, etc. in order to be able to harmonize all of the media and to access the finest outcome in the marketplace.

Top 6 common categories of graphic design

Corporate and brand identity

Corporate and brand identity attributes devise the comprehensive advancement of communicating methods via extensive ranges of media. The development is designed to convey the consistent messages to audiences and generate the recognition in public. The goal is to use the business as the social representative and to inaugurate tremendous reputation for the corporation and brand.
The frequently used forms – logo, logotype, color system, online platforms graphic plan, packaging plan, advertisement plan, marketing materials plan, environmental graphics plan, business card, stationery, office supplies and equipment, indoor and outdoor signages, flag, mascot, email signature, uniform, and transportation, etc.
Learn more: "3 questions to consider for creating a strong corporate and brand identity".

Print design

Printing is the term of four colors mode, that is divided into green (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), Black (K), it is also entitled as the process color. In general, printing is a direct or indirect technique, which transfers the graphics and text onto a printing plate and rapidly duplicates the presswork in huge numbers via the printing press. The marketing print materials are the advertising’s approaches to publicize the information, products, and services, in order to process the promotion for the corporation and brand.
The frequently used forms include brochures, flyers, catalogs, posters, invitations and greeting cards, hang tags, booklets, calendars, banner stands, menus, t-shirts, pocket folders, gift vouchers, tickets, annual reports, rack cards, table tents, etc.
Learn more: "Three of the color models you must know for your corporation and brand".

Advertisement design

Advertisement design refers to the approach of information delivery with the appropriate style and conception, and to reach the target audiences through diverse media. It is the promoting method, which is relevant to the progress of marketing strategy, creativity, and planning. Its function is to distribute the promotional content and notices to the target audiences. The eventual destination of advertising arrangements is to enhance sales for the services, products and activities, etc.
The frequently used forms include magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs, search engines, social media, emails, telemarketing, television, events and activities, broadcasts, billboards, indoor and outdoor displays, director mail, postcards, door hangers, transportation prints, promotional products, trade shows, exhibitions, etc.

 

Packaging design

Packaging is as an aspect of visual communication in commercial productions and it connects the connotation of the merchandise with the target consumers precisely. The design development is included to create the visual appeal, protecting the goods, and the concentrated objective of portable and practical. The essence is to evoke the consumer's purchase desire, and it is to achieve the ultimate intention of sales.
The frequently used forms include paper boxes, iron boxes, wooden boxes, plastic boxes, wrappers, bottles, preservation packaging, sealed tray packaging, aluminum foil vacuum packs, recycling materials, shopping bags, paper bags, stickers and labels, blisters & clamshells, etc.

Environmental graphic design

This involves using graphics techniques to extend to the spaces by integrating between various media, interior/exterior spaces, and architecture, which is known as environmental graphic design (EGD). The creation is based on the user study of the behavior and experience, in order to interact and connect people with the surroundings, whether it’s the function of wayfinding and direction, information, recognition or identity, etc.
The frequently used forms include wayfinding and direction developments, information, placemaking, tradeshows and exhibitions, branded and environmental themed spaces, indoor and outdoor display graphics, large format graphics, etc.

 

Online platforms graphic design

Online advertisement indicates the high-tech marketing methods and operations, which is to publicize announcements online and transmits the information over the network to the internet audiences. It is the focused marketing strategy in the modern era, and it’s the most prominent device that people tend to use. When compared to traditional media, such as newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. The features are time-saving, data-rich, environmental resources-saving, and target accuracy, etc.
The frequently used forms include responsive websites across the platforms of desktops, tablets and mobiles, social media, blogs, search engine optimization (SEO), advertising banners, PPC and CPC, electronic direct mail, video and motion graphics, E-books, virtual reality, online games, etc.

 

Situated in an ongoing technology developing era, graphic design has evolved to establish clear positioning as the requirement, which creates the memorable personality, through the marketing research of competitors, and study the trend of customer’s demand and desire.
Besides the importance of creating visual appeal, the ultimate approach is to follow the pace of upcoming media and be able to use and enhance the purchase desire.

 

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