Graphic design surrounds us.
The aesthetics, layouts, and visual solutions graphic designers create can be found all around our daily lives.
Here are 5 common examples of graphic design we frequently encounter:
Logos
Logos are some of the most ubiquitous and recognizable forms of graphic design.
Whether it's the golden arches of McDonald's.
The bitten apple icon of Apple.
Or the recognizable swoosh of Nike.
Logos use color, shape, and imagery to create distinctive symbols that strongly identify brands.
Effective logos are simple in form yet make an instant visual connection to evoke certain emotions or values about a company.
They create visual consistency across mediums.
Logos are powerful examples of how a few basic graphic elements.
And clever concepts.
Can become seared into our collective consciousness.
Packaging
Product packaging contains essential graphic design components like:
- Colors
- Typography
- Illustrations
- Photography
Packaging design visually communicates information, grabs attention on crowded store shelves, and reinforces brand identity.
Cereal boxes targeting children often feature bright colors, fun fonts, and cartoon mascots.
Cosmetics packaging relies on sleek logos and minimalist, upscale aesthetics.
Food packaging highlights appetizing photos and nutritional facts.
Effective packaging uses graphic design principles to showcase products in their best light.
The next time you're in a store, pay attention to all the subtle graphic design choices made on the packages vying for your attention.
Signage
Interior and exterior signage provides important visual communication to:
- Inform
- Alert
- Direct
- Advise
From room numbers and directories in office lobbies.
To flashing road signs warning of construction or accidents ahead.
Environmental graphic design guides our journeys.
Restaurants rely on exterior signage and crafty chalkboard menus to attract customers.
Museums use large-scale wall graphics and interactive exhibits to educate and engage.
Event signage might direct attendees to different conference rooms or concession stands.
Signage incorporates color, typography, dimensional elements, landmarks, or iconography to communicate and decorate spaces.
Publications
Newspapers, magazines, textbooks, and more all extensively incorporate graphic design.
From their structure and layout.
To the smallest details like pull quotes and photo captions.
Publications utilize graphic design to visually organize information and hierarchy.
Design choices like headlines, bylines, page layouts, and columns establish rhythm.
And direct the reader's eye through stories.
Photographs, illustrations, charts, and other visuals enhance written content.
Publication design considers how to make complex information inviting.
And easy to absorb.
An interior decor magazine will feel very different in its aesthetics from a financial newspaper.
But both leverage graphic design principles to effectively communicate.
Apps and Websites
In the digital realm, graphic designers focus on creating intuitive user experiences and interfaces.
Websites and mobile apps rely on visual hierarchy, grid systems, and responsive design to communicate.
Their bold graphics, thoughtful navigation, typographic contrast, and white space make complex applications feel effortless to use.
Web design considers how to clearly group related content and tasks through layout, color, and styling.
App design focuses on understanding user goals and reducing friction.
Interactive teams work together to problem-solve and elevate usability through graphics and aesthetics.
Next time you browse a gorgeously designed website or scroll through a slick app, recognize the graphic designers behind the engaging visual experience.
The Takeaway
Graphic design shapes communication through:
- Aesthetics
- Visuals
- Layouts
It helps deliver impactful messages effectively across all kinds of mediums.
And surfaces that surround us daily.
Graphic design principles have become integrated into almost everything we see.
And interact with in our modern visual culture.
