Graphic design is the process of creating visual content to communicate a message (or idea) and inspire or inform. It may immediately remind you of stunning web graphics or creative advertisements. But you must note that graphic design is a vast field that includes the creative designing of magazines, product labels, infographics, business cards, mobile apps, book covers, software interfaces, posters, logos, signs, and website layouts. It shapes how we experience products, media, and businesses.

We have prepared this guide in which we’ll cover:

  • The definition of graphic design
  • Core elements and principles used by every designer
  • The main types of graphic design in 2025
  • Graphic design career opportunities and salary insights
  • Essential tools and skills for beginners
  • FAQs about getting started as a designer

what is graphic design

What is Graphic Design? – Table of Content

  1. What is graphic design?
  2. What Are the Elements and Principles of Graphic Design?
  3. Important elements of graphic design
  4. Important principles of graphic design
  5. 6 Types of Graphic Design
  6. Top 10 highest paying graphic design jobs
  7. Why would one choose to be a graphic designer?
  8. Top 10 highly paid creative design jobs

What is graphic design? A definition

Graphic design is defined as the art of expressing ideas and experiences using appropriate visuals and texts in a creative manner. In simple terms, graphic design communicates messages visually in various forms such as logos, webpage layouts, posters, book covers, flyers, packaging materials, and more. It contains artistic components (typography, images, colors, and shapes) or design ideas that influence the viewers’ perceptions in a subtle manner.

In 2025, graphic design also includes digital-first areas like UI/UX and AI-assisted creativity.

Graphic design connects businesses with their customers, allowing them to share information related to events, projects, campaigns, or products. It facilitates product promotion and advertising. It allows people to interpret complicated information easily. It is an integral component of a business’s brand building program.

What are the elements and principles of graphic design?

Understanding the elements and principles of design is crucial for mastering graphic design. It is mandatory for a designer to know the elements and principles to create visually appealing and impactful designs.

Important elements of graphic design

The key elements of graphic design include color, line, shape, space, size, scale, and texture. Let’s take a detailed look at them.

  • Color

    Color is the most important and striking element of any design. Color has an immediate impact as it is noticed by everyone and has a deep impact on creating emotions. For example, white represents purity and simplicity and red represents passion and courage.

  • Lines

    Lines are used in graphic designs to convey a message to the viewers in a specific direction. Lines are paths that connect any two points. They can be straight, zigzag, or curved, thick, or thin, long, and short.

  • Shape

    Shape is important in creating logos, websites, and any advertisement to communicate the right message. Shapes can be abstract forms like triangles, squares, rectangles, or circles and at least one type or more can be found in most designs. Shapes have distinct connotations, much like colors do. A square might stand in for structure, whereas a circle could stand for unity.

  • Space

    The readability of text to the human eye improves with proper spacing. Skilled graphic designers know how to constitute space to give emphasis on other elements or objects.

  • Size

    Size means how big or small an element is, compared to the other objects present in a design. It is typically used to draw attention or project a particular element in a design.

  • Scale

    The scale element in a particular design directs the viewers on which features to look at first and in what order anyone can look at them. Graphic designers often make key features and highlight areas by using scale.

  • Texture

    Textures can be used in different variations, such as paper, stone, concrete, brick, and clothes. Textures are used in graphic designs to represent how an object looks or feels. They give a three-dimensional look to an object or a design that creates a greater impact.

Important principles of graphic design

Graphic designers prefer to abide by some principles of designs which are basically a set of guidelines or rules. These principles help the designs to achieve the desired outcome.

These significant principles of graphic designs include balance and alignment, contrast, dominance and emphasis, proportion.

  • Balance and alignment

    Balance and alignment in a graphic design means how elements are distributed in a design. By using proper shapes, color, textures, and lines a balanced design can be created which would be more exciting in viewer’s eyes.

  • Contrast

    A design’s contrast focuses on the elements’ interconnections with one another as well as their differences for a stimulating effect.

  • Proportion

    In any design every element needs to work together and complement each other to make it proportionate. Exact proportion of various elements of a particular design makes it non-monotonous and vibrant.

  • Hierarchy

    Hierarchy is the arrangement of visual elements in order of their importance. When the design is replete with multiple design elements, hierarchy helps the viewer understand the flow of the information.

  • Repetition

    Repetition of certain visual elements (like fonts, colors, shapes, or words) will create consistency and unity in the design. It also helps people remember the message, information, or brand.

  • Leave negative space

    Also known as white space, negative space is the parts if the design that are left blank. It creates shapes and helps highlight the important parts of the design.

  • Unity

    Unity is making all the visual elements feel connected so that there is overall harmony and cohesiveness of the design.

7 Types of graphic design provided by creative designers

There is no single way to define or describe graphic design and we have already mentioned this fact at the beginning of this article. The subject includes within its purview many fields and specializations. It is about generating brand-specific and audience-specific print media and web media graphics.

Thirty years back, the scope of this creative field was limited only to print-outcomes that included movie posters, advertisements, and magazines. This is the era of digital revolution and today, graphic design has undergone transformation and has assumed a digital makeover. Creative outcomes in modern times are shaped by modern technologies. Here are the main types of graphic design, which owe their origin to the digital revolution:

  • Web Graphics Design

    web graphics
    Web designers design the overall layout, navigation, and color scheme of websites and their main objective is to create intuitive and engaging webpages.

  • UX Design

    User Experience Design

    Graphic designers, who specialize in creating custom UX designs, ensure that users get a pleasant experience while exploring a website. These designers emphasize value, usability, adaptability and desirability. UX designers combine aesthetics with usability to create easy-to-use website interfaces. They must take into account the information architecture of the interactive designs and the visitors’ visual processing abilities in order to ensure smoother accessibility. Professionals who design UX should ensure that their designs are pleasurable, meaningful, and usable.

  • Motion Graphic Design

    motion graphics design

    Professionals specializing in motion graphics can enliven visual elements by adding special effects and animation. The scope of motion graphics includes movies, TV shows, and video games. Motion graphics can be progressively used by businesses to create impactful ads. Motion graphic designers have the expertise to create animated logos, presentations, tutorial videos, apps, video games, advertisements, title sequences, trailers, presentations, promotional videos, animated banners, GIFs, etc.

  • Branding Design

    branding design

    Branding design is used by businesses to create visual identity as part of their branding initiatives. By using appropriate visual elements, graphic design companies can communicate their brands’ personality, tone, and essence to their customers and can create engaging experiences.

    Graphic designers specializing in creating visual marketing content work closely with a company’s owners or the marketing team to create different forms of web media and print media graphics.

    These professionals are expert at designing various types of marketing collateral such as infographics, postcards, flyers, brochures, presentations, email marketing templates, create logos, website and blog-images, vehicle wraps, magazines, signage, social media ads and banners, corporate stationery, business cards, corporate gifts, etc.

  • Print and Publication Designs

    Print Designs

    Graphic designers who specialize in publication design work in collaboration with publishers and editors to design layouts of books, catalogs, newspapers, newsletters, directories, magazines, annual reports, etc. These designers are expert at both print publishing and digital publishing, and they can creatively use typography and artwork including illustrations, photos, and graphics to create awe-inspiring layouts.

  • Packaging Design

    packaging design

    Product packaging is an important marketing and branding tool. Packaging designers have thorough knowledge of print and industrial design and they have expertise in creating designs for product labels as well. They are champions at working on other branding assets such as photography, visual identity, and illustrations.

  • Environmental Design

    Environmental design is a multifaceted approach that combines graphic design, architecture, interior design, signage, exhibitions, spatial graphics and other disciplines to enhance user experiences within physical environments.

Top 10 highest paying graphic design jobs

Graphic designers are those who convey a brand message or advertisement through visual arts. If you love visual art or graphics or want to build a career in a domain like marketing, website design, or advertising field, graphic design could be the future for you.

Why would one choose to be a graphic designer?

Choosing graphic design as a career has several benefits, such as the freedom to showcase creativity with flexible hours for oneself. Because of the unique features of this job and the great market value of graphic designers, they may also expect to make high wages. They have a lot of opportunities to create visually impactful designs, especially in this post-pandemic era.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor (updated as of 2025):

Top 10 highly paid creative design jobs

  1. 3D designer

    Salary Range: $73,930 to $131,877 per year

    Role: A 3D designer develops 3D visuals of a picture or a product for development purposes. A 3D designer builds a prototype of any product or object to present its features in a very short time span. 3D designers also develop animations and photo-realistic 3D representations for digital platforms such as websites and video games.

  2. Video game designer

    Salary Range: $127,000 per year

    Role: Video game designer develops games that anyone can play on desktop, laptop or mobile. Video game designers can create any character or animated backdrop components like wildlife or greenery. Video game designers can collaborate with a content writing team to craft a storyline for a video game’s design.

  3. Industrial designer

    Salary Range:  $679,450 per year

    Role: An industrial designer develops the concepts for manufacturing products like vehicle, appliances from scratch. An industrial designer should have a background of art, graphic design, business, and engineering, which they apply to each phase of the product design process. An industrial designer helps to improve the usability, and commercial appeal of any product.

  4. Design technologist

    Salary Range:  $1,25,261 per year

    Role: A design technologist works for websites, applications, or other digital products, in collaboration with both the design and development team. Design technologists employ visual design skills to improve a digital product’s user experience to maximize efficiency and user satisfaction.

  5. Visual designer

    Salary Range:  $77,000 to $85,000 per year
    Role: A visual designer works for individual clients or a particular company and plans design elements for a project.  They work for creating company names, or logos with clients’ specific demands. Having ample knowledge or experience of a specific market or industry will lead you as a visual designer.

  6. Creative manager

    Salary Range:  $91,000 to $159,000 per year

    Role: A creative manager also known as creative service manager basically works in marketing agencies, advertising firms, or other major business entities. They interact with clients to plan the layout of a marketing or brand development campaign. After setting a basic strategy, the creative manager instructs a team of designers to fulfill production targets while staying under budget.

  7. Art director

    Salary Range:  $111,040 per year

    Role: An art director oversees the visual aspects of media productions such as films, television shows, and print and digital publications. Their work focuses on project elements that users will see and interact with, such as page layouts, embedded graphics, and set designs.

  8. Concept artist

    Salary Range:  $88,120 per year

    Role: Concept artists are frequently hired by organizations that make digital products for use on the internet, such as magazines or desktop games. They mainly develop the first portrayal of a visual design of any project. Concept artists regularly work on video games, assisting in the creation of detailed characters and dynamic backgrounds for gameplay.

  9. Creative director

    Salary Range:  $114,000 to 216,000 per year

    Role: A creative director handles all marketing campaigns, brand development, and product design undertaken by an organization. Many creative directors work for publications such as magazines or publishing companies, where they focus on cover art, illustrations, and page layout.

  10. User experience designer

    Salary Range:  $102,000 per year

    Role: A user experience director designer shapes a product or app in such a way that creates a positive user experience whenever the user will use it. They guide a team for designing and development of products that are user friendly. Their focus is on functionality and usability so the user’s needs are met and the experience is enjoyable. This also has expertise to develop a few features such as mobile game’s playable interface or the option to click links on a webpage.

Skills and Tools Every Graphic Design Beginner Needs

  • Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, Canva
  • Portfolio platforms: Behance, Dribbble, personal website
  • Soft skills: Creativity, communication, problem-solving, adaptability

Professional Validation

Consider joining the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) or pursuing Adobe’s certifications through the Adobe Certified Professional for credibility.

Latest Trends in Graphic Design for 2025

  • AI-assisted design: Plenty of design tools and software these days come with generative AI that helps quicken up workflows.
  • Sustainability: Many companies are leaning towards minimalism in their design and logos, the latest example of which is car company Jaguar. Another trend is eco-friendly packaging.
  • 3D and AR/VR design: Using 3D design technology to create immersive branding and retail experiences.
  • Motion-first branding: Creating dynamic logos and social media graphics.

So what is graphic design in its very essence?

By now, you must have realized that graphic design does not have one-size-fits- all character. You can use graphic design in innumerable ways to address diverse requirements or to create non-commercial outcomes that would inspire others.

Whether you have realized or not, graphic design is all about understanding the emotions of people. Even though graphic design has assumed its present-day digital makeover, it still remains as an application of tried-and-tested principles. Identifying the psychologies of different individuals and delivering designs that relate to their emotions is the key to becoming successful in this field.

A graphic design degree is not necessary in all cases. Many designers are self-taught or complete short courses/workshops to gain knowledge and expertise. Most times, a strong portfolio is what you need more than a degree.

Graphic design focuses on visuals. UX design is more about user experience, usability and interaction with the product, app, website, etc.

Graphic designers are in high demand in marketing agencies, tech companies, publishers, retail, and startups.

Start with practice projects, redesigns, and freelance gigs, and post them on Behance, Dribbble, or a similar platform.