Graphic design in its simplest description as provided by Wikipedia is the process of visual communication and problem-solving through the use of typography, with the help of photography and illustration; by creating and combining symbols, images and text so as to form visual representations of an idea or message. It is art with a purpose!
In other words, it is the craft of creating visual content to communicate messages and to display components of interactive designs so as to enhance the user experience. A quality graphic design must be pleasing, applicable and expressive in its entire characteristic.
Graphic Design demands the conceptualization of emotions in art forms in such a manner that it expresses the core purpose of its message. This is important because emotions psychologically affect the precision of the design’s symmetry and balance; patterns; flows and every other consideration.
Graphic Designs and Brand Development
Graphic design plays a critical role in the development or restoration of a brand. Branding has increasingly become important in the range of services offered by graphic designers.
Branding is the first impression people will get of a company. Notable brand images are produced by creative-minded professionals with a potent skill in design and graphics. This makes it possible to easily communicate the significance and distinctiveness of any company. Branding can be defined simply as a mark that indicates ownership or distinction.
Branding is not just an element in business development; it is complete alignments of values that make a company stand out among its rivals.
Graphic designers use visual devices; illustrations, packaging, logos, fonts, and essentially all the visuals that allow you to create a profile for a company’s brand.
To this effect, there are many types of graphic design works that are integral corporate-branding such as;
- Visual identity graphic design.
- Marketing & advertising graphic design: postcards and flyers; info-graphics; brochures; menu lists; social media ads; banners and graphics; banner and retargeting ads; images for websites and blogs; signage and trade show displays; posters, banners and billboards etc.
- User interface graphic design (UI): visual experience and on-screen graphics element like web-pages; theme designs; apps and games interface.
- Publication graphic design: newspapers; newsletters; directories; catalogues; annual reports etc.
- Motion graphics.
- Environmental graphic designs: Signage; Wall murals; Office branding etc.
- Art and illustration graphic designs for: book covers; picture books; websites; t-shirt design; concept art etc.
Some Benefits of Quality Graphics to Brand Development
The benefits of fabulously designed graphics for a corporate image and its entire endeavour cannot be overstated. These are proven immediate effects of quality graphic designs on every corporate organization…
- A strong brand identity that is built on an impressive design commands attention. This helps to build the corporate image of a company by enhancing the brand recognition.
- Instantly identifiable brands based on strong graphic designs help endear the brands to consumers, thereby, building a level of trust and credibility in target markets.
- A quality graphic design helps in communicating the objectives and values of the company… and as a result, creates goodwill and consistency across all platforms.
- It influences perception across-board, thereby improving market standing, position and rank.
- Serving as a good form of introduction, a superior brand’s design markets itself.
- Companies save cost on re-building a poorly built brand identity and projects they might be working on.
- Finally and most importantly, a very strong corporate brand built by quality and professional graphic designers helps to promote the corporate image both externally and internally. It creates an ambience of unity within the workplace; enhancing efficiency and productivity owing to the pride of working with an established brand in any industry, and by extension improves staff loyalty.