Beyond the visual, graphic designers are responsible for…
- Communication: At its core, graphic design is about conveying messages effectively. It involves understanding the target audience and crafting visuals that resonate with them, which requires knowledge of communication theories and principles (strokes imaginary beard thoughtfully).
- Concept Development: Getting out of the box! Graphic design involves a lot of conceptual thinking. Designers often begin with an idea or message they want to communicate and develop a concept that encapsulates this idea, which can involve brainstorming, sketching, and exploring various directions before visualising it.
- User Experience (UX): In digital design in particular, graphic design is closely tied to user experience. Designers must consider how users interact with their designs, ensuring that the layout, navigation, and overall experience are intuitive and engaging. Think role play for prospective users, solving issues before they appear, like the problem solvers we are.
- Brand Identity: Graphic design plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining brand identity. This, of course, includes creating logos, colour schemes, typography, and visual guidelines, but these are designed to be more than the sum of their parts and reflect a brand's values and personality while ensuring consistency across all platforms.
- Problem-Solving: Graphic design is fundamentally a problem-solving discipline. In fact, it could be argued that all design is to some extent. Designers often face challenges that require creative solutions, whether it's finding a way to visually express complex information or making a design accessible to diverse audiences.
- Cultural Context: Graphic design is influenced by cultural trends, social movements, and historical contexts. Designers must be aware of these influences to create work that is relevant and appropriate for the intended audience. Keeping our eyes and ears open…
- Collaboration: Graphic design often involves collaboration with other professionals, such as copywriters, marketers, and web developers. Successful design projects require effective communication and teamwork to align various perspectives and skills.
- Psychology: Understanding human psychology is essential for graphic designers. This includes knowledge of colour theory, visual perception, and how different design elements can evoke specific emotions or reactions from the audience. We build on layers of subliminal messaging.
- Sustainability and Ethics: Modern graphic design increasingly considers ethical implications and sustainability. Designers are challenged to create work that is not only visually appealing but also socially responsible and environmentally friendly. This is something we at Jili Allen Creative are particularly passionate about – balancing great design with eco-conscious decision making.
- Adaptability: The field of graphic design is constantly evolving with technology and trends. Designers must be adaptable, continually learning and incorporating new tools, techniques, and methodologies into their work. You’ve heard of ai right? We need to embrace the future while enhancing our own value.
This may seem a bit of a blowing-trumpet love letter to the art of graphic design, but that is why I love my job, there are so many aspects to consider, explore and communicate – it keeps life interesting!
If you’re looking for graphic design that goes beyond the visual, give us a call. Contact us at Jili Allen Creative.
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This article was written in response to “We need to change how we talk about design”, an article in Design Week by Rob Alderson.
Babel fish image from animation originally by Rob Lord for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. More information on the Babel fish can be found here (or read the books – highly recommended!)