Using visual compositions, graphic design solves problems and communicates ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form.

Although they often overlap, a specific set of skills and design techniques is required for every type of graphic design. Many designers specialize in one type; others focus on a set of similar, related types. But because the industry is constantly changing, it is essential that designers be adaptable and lifelong learners.

Visual identity graphic design:

A brand is a relationship between an enterprise or organization and its public. A brand identity is how the organization communicates its personality, tone, and essence, together with memories, emotions, and experiences. The graphic design of visual identity is exactly that: the visual elements of brand identity that act as a brand face to communicate those intangible qualities through images, shapes, and color. It creates assets such as logos, typography, color palettes, and image libraries which represent the personality of a brand.

User interface graphic design:

A user interface (UI) is how a user interacts with an app or device. UI design is the process by which interfaces are designed to make them easy to use and provide a user-friendly experience. A UI includes all the things that a user interacts with the screen, keyboard, and mouse but in the graphic design context, UI design focuses on the user’s visual experience and on-screen design of graphic elements such as buttons, menus, micro-interactions, and more. It is the job of a UI designer to balance aesthetic appeal and technical functionality. UI designers specialize in desktop applications, mobile apps, web applications, and games.

Publication graphic design:

Publications are long-form pieces that use public distribution to communicate with an audience. Traditionally they were a medium of printing. Publication design is a classic design type including books, newspapers, magazines, and catalogs. There has been a significant rise in digital publishing, though, recently. Graphic designers that specialize in publications work with editors and publishers to create layouts that include photography, graphics, and illustrations with carefully selected typography and accompanying artwork. Publication designers can work as freelancers, as members of creative agencies, or as a part of a publishing company in-house.

Motion graphic design:

Motion graphics are moving graphics. This may include animation, audio, typography, imagery, video, and other effects used in online media, TV, and movies. In recent years the popularity of the medium has skyrocketed as technology has improved and video content has become king. For designers, a motion graphics designer is a something new specialty. Technological advances, formally reserved for TV and film, have reduced the production time and costs, making the art form more accessible and affordable.