Updated on January 27, 2021 by Carly McFadden
Graphic Design is somewhat of a generic term for a broad skill set that can be quite varied. There are many components to graphic design. It is in general an effort that uses visual elements to communicate ideas and stimulate interest through typography, imagery, color and shapes. Sounds fairly straightforward, right? Not so fast. There are many ways to accomplish the end goal and each method has its own specialization. See some of the elements below:
Brand identity
This is the visual element that communicates an organization’s personality. It encompasses the very soul of the business. The graphic elements have to be crafted in such a way that it projects the company’s personality, mission and essence of their being. Designers that specialize in visual identity graphic design collaborate with brand stakeholders to create assets like logos, typography, color palettes and image libraries that represent a brand’s personality. Additionally, in order to ensure the branding is consistent throughout the lifespan of that brand, the designer will create a style guide or branding guide that will ultimately be the bible for the use of that brand. For more on branding and signage elements check out our blog!
Marketing and Advertising
This is an effort in coordination with company stakeholders or marketing professionals to create assets for marketing strategies. Designers can specialize in a specific type of media from vehicle wraps, interior décor/graphics, and signage to printed and digital designs.
Publication materials
This component is primarily the creation of printed materials. Publication design is a classic type of design that lends itself to items such as brochures, flyers and catalogs. However, there’s recently been a significant rise in digital content as well.
Environmental graphic design
Environmental graphic design works to create memorable, interesting, informative or easier to navigate spaces. Environmental design is a broad type of design, but includes interior design elements such as wall graphics, dimensional signage, window graphics and way-finding signage.
This list really touches only the surface in the graphic design world and can be as specialized or diversified to fit a particular business’s needs. At Paramount Signs, our graphic designers are well versed in all these components with a specialty in signage and branding. We like to feel like we have a close partnership with our clients so that we can absorb the true essence of our clients’ business. This allows us to create visuals that truly reflect the business. As a sign company, we not only know how to design but we can design with the end-use in mind. We consider the applications of the design in real-world uses. How will the design be applied to exterior signage, interior décor, vehicle wraps, printed media. If we are creating a style guide we think about the different ways the brand may be used. Logos used in print media can be applied to different color print stock, different orientations as a letterhead, various uses with signage etc. We have an experienced staff that considers these applications providing the customer with a comprehensive package that will stand the test of time.
If you are considering developing or promoting your brand, give us a call for a free consultation.
Remember “getting you noticed is Paramount.”