When it comes to visual communication, graphic design comes into play. The concept of graphic design goes beyond the aesthetic element. It helps businesses in many ways, including building brand identity, improving visual communication, and creating a pleasant user experience. It seamlessly communicates messages, ideas, and beliefs to the audience. With engaging and creative designs, graphic design companies in India assist businesses in reaching the appropriate audience and maintaining their interest. Ultimately, it serves as a great tool for businesses aiming to target new markets and reach new customers while enhancing brand visibility and awareness. In this article, we will help you explore 13 unique graphic designs with examples. Let’s get started…
First off, let’s understand what exactly is graphic design. Read on…
Understanding Graphic Design – What Is It?
Graphic design is the art of using visual elements, such as colours, shapes, textures, images, and typography, to communicate ideas and messages. It focuses on aesthetics and functionality to add to the visual interest of viewers. Some common graphic design examples include magazine layouts, posters, websites, social media graphics, etc. There are numerous industries, including IT, gaming, advertising, entertainment, and news media that use graphic design tools to make their content engaging and worthwhile. That is why they hire graphic designers to boost their business and brand visibility. If you are thinking of making a career in this domain, then read the upcoming section for different graphic design styles that you must be aware of to be successful in this field.
13 Most Popular Graphic Design Styles
Here are some of the most popular graphic design styles that you should be aware of. Take a look…
1. Modern Design
In the early 20th century, modern graphic design emerged. This caused a paradigm shift from traditional beliefs to modernism in graphic design. Designers started to shift their attention towards simple, clear, and functional styles. The intricate and hand-drawn styles became less popular.
So, what’s so special about modern graphic design?
Modern graphic design reflects the spirit of current trends. Digital advancements in technology have made it more abstract and functional. Let’s understand it with a few key features:
Geometric lines and shapes help create a futuristic feel.
Often features the grid system to ensure simple and clear designs.
It enhances the visual impact.
Bold and contrasting color combinations allow designers to fill the space with visual interest.
Clean and clear sans-serif typography is preferred over ornamental and intricate styles. It emphasizes modernity.
Examples of Modern Graphic Design
Swiss Style
IBM by Paul Rand
The Bauhaus School
2. Classic & Retro Design (Retro, Art Deco, Art Nouveau)
Image Source – Artiss
Classic and retro design encompasses Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Originating in France, the Art Deco style evokes the charm of the early 20th century. It features rich and vibrant colours against a dark background, along with decorative motifs and images. On the other hand, Art Nouveau flourished between 1890 and 1910. The flowing lines and repeating rhythms are still popular in graphic design. Take a look at its examples…
The minimalist movement, which began in the 20th century, popularised the concept of minimalist and clean design. This movement emphasizes a clean and organized appearance over intricate and ornamental patterns. It focuses on using clean geometric lines or shapes and monochromatic colour shades. It limits the use of colour palettes and extra details to add more visual interest and reduce distractions.
Some of its characteristics include using white space and clean lines to achieve a clean visual hierarchy. It also allows simple textures and patterns to convey a powerful message. Minimalist and flat designs are popular with legendary companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Incorporating minimalist and flat designs allows them to create more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
Then came Experimental & Abstract Designing. Experimental design is a broad concept that encompasses abstract and psychedelic art. Abstract art connects people to images through storytelling. For this, it does not do the actual depiction of visual reality. Instead, it uses effective colour patterns, materials, typography, etc., to achieve optimal outcomes.
Originating in the 1960s in San Francisco, psychedelic art is a unique art form. It features the use of intense colours and free-flowing lines. Kaleidoscopic patterns are used to achieve the visual effect.
Given that the experimental design encompasses various facets, it is essential to possess a diverse skill set. If you are curious to create mesmerizing interior and architectural designs, then this form of graphic design is your best bet. In addition to that, as an experimental graphic designer, it is essential to have communication skills, knowledge of signage printing, exhibition design, branding, blueprints, and proficiency in digital files.
The typographic design comprises type and print design. Type design uses unique font styles to add visual interest to images. Some graphic designers prefer combining this style with illustrations, while others prefer pairing typography with other contemporary designs to achieve an optimal look. However, unique fonts are the primary concern in this type of design.
With intentional aesthetic elements printed on the paper, the typography-based print design conveys a strong message to viewers.
Examples of Typography-Based Design
Peter Strain’s Posters
Janis Joplin Posters
In It Together by Graffiti Arts
6. 3D & Isometric Design
Another widely recognized graphic design style is 3D and isometric design. 3D and Isometric design brings flat design elements or two-dimensional spaces to life. With the help of natural lighting and overshadowing, it creates an illusion of reality. It is worth noting that graphic designers often use depth and volume design elements in their projects to make them look more captivating. Therefore, they always appear the same whether you place them on the canvas or see them while standing. In short, 3D and isometric design brings realism to ordinary designs, adding visual interest.
Examples of 3D & Isometric Design
Infographics
Illustrations
Website designs
7. Illustrative & Hand-Drawn Design
Then came the time for illustrative and hand-drawn designs. Without a doubt, illustrative and hand-drawn designs have a wide scope. It often varies with cutting-edge techniques like photorealism, animations, and 3D designs. The best thing about this style is that it allows you to have your own drawing style. This graphic design style allows you to have limitless opportunities to convey your ideas, messages, and narratives in a unique way. Unlock the doors of creativity and go beyond your comfort zone to make impossible illustrations possible. You can achieve excellence in your creativity with constant and consistent efforts. With this design style, you can inspire your viewers by offering them unique illustrations. This style allows you to add warmth and personal touch to every project.
Examples of Illustrative & Hand-Drawn Design
Catchetejack’s unique style
Airbnb’s Belong Anywhere
Draw a logo design as a mascot
8. Grunge & Distressed Design
Image Source – Vecteezy
Are you looking for a graphic design style to bring your negative emotions, such as anger and frustration, to reality? If so, then look no further! You have grunge and distressed design for it. Yes, you read that right. This design style allows you to brilliantly portray negative emotions.
It allows users to utilize muted and neutral colour palettes like brown, deep earthy tones, and greys to do dark and sombre illustrations. The specific colour scheme helps portray negative emotions effectively.
This design includes irregular lines, shapes, and distressed elements. Gritty, weathered, and strained backgrounds are the most sought-after elements for the grunge and distressed graphic style. Often, graphic designers pair these elements with gothic and punk styles to evoke a sense of nostalgia and vintage vibe. The design style creates an innovative visual appeal to attract modern viewers.
Examples of Grunge & Distressed Design
Yellowed scotch tape
Dog-ears
Coffee rings and dirty elements
9. Futuristic & Cyberpunk Design
At number 9, we have Futuristic & Cyberpunk Design. Graphic designers often use futuristic and cyberpunk design to create a sense of energy and movement. Futuristic design style includes the use of bold colours and geometrical shapes. So, the primary idea of this unique style is to focus on present movements while rejecting the past.
Apart from this, cyberpunk design breaks the conventions of the modern design. It includes the usage of fierce colour schemes and irregular layouts in conjunction with digitally modified typography. Often, graphic designers prefer incorporating elements like neon signage, cybernetic enhancement, and holograms to create a moody atmosphere.
Examples of Futuristic & Cyberpunk Design
Shadowrun series
Deus Ex
Cyberpunk 2077
10. Cultural & Ethnic Design
Image Source – Vecteezy
Then came Cultural & Ethnic Design. This form of graphic design allows designers to incorporate artistic elements into their projects. You may come across different cultures and values. Consequently, you can generate more enriching, inclusive and innovative designs. You can even take inspiration from the cross-cultural designs done by the British Indian designer Malika Faver. She usually blends elements, such as colours and patterns, from Indian folk art with a modern, minimalistic design. This way, she creates unique and innovative designs. With her utmost dedication, she has gained recognition in campaigns for legendary brands like the New Yorker and Bombay Sapphire.
Examples of Cultural & Ethnic Design
Islamic geometric patterns
Nike Huarache Sabuku collection
Adidas website
11. Geometric & Pattern-Based Design
Here is another popular graphic design, Geometric & Pattern-Based Design. This visual graphic style is based on clear and organized geometric shapes. It allows graphic designers to efficiently showcase the relationship between points, angles, and lines. It is pretty popular with designers for its minimalistic and clear approach. This allows designers to balance shapes, edges, and straight lines to achieve harmony in composition. More often than not, this graphic design style is paired with sans serif typefaces. Additionally, designers use varied color schemes and images to create visual interest and rhythm. Sometimes, designers use bold and contrasting colors in geometric patterns to make them stand out.
Examples of Geometric & Pattern-Based Design
Rotated DY
3D-Y Shape pattern
Simple Isometric cube
12. Maximalist & Psychedelic Design
Maximalist design is the opposite of minimalism and clear design. Unlike the minimalistic style, it focuses on filling the entire page and emphasizes layering the texture and pattern. It uses traditional erratic layouts that lack harmony and balance in composition. Both maximalism and psychedelic design styles use bold colors, patterns, and textures to create a visually striking experience.
Psychedelic design, also known as op-art or optical art, is characterized by its bold, bright, and often vivid colors, swirling patterns, and the use of optical illusions. This style became popular in the 1960s; however, it has started to gain traction once again. This unique style emphasizes self-exploration and freedom of expression. The designed shapes are fluid in nature and have no negative appearance.
Examples of Maximalist & Psychedelic Design
13th Floor Elevators poster art
The Public Theater posters
Hypermagic Mountain album art
Carlton Bookcase
SRT Car Care T-shirt
Enigma Vapor label design
13. AI-Generated & Generative Design
Image Source – Autodesk
Last but not least is AI-generated & Generative Design. AI-Generated & Generative Designs are trending in this era. And why not? AI or artificial intelligence has become pretty popular. This technology is rapidly gaining popularity due to the numerous advantages it provides to designers and others. AI-Generated & Generative Design uses trained algorithms. Based on the trained algorithms, AI technology creates real-like images. It ensures the automation of the repetitive process. This reduces a lot of work for designers. That is why AI-powered design styles are considered less resource-intensive.
Moreover, they are cost-effective design styles as they allow designers to save a lot of money that they would otherwise spend on resource-intensive designs. To be an expert graphic designer in this domain, you should acquire both knowledge and skill sets of AI-generated and generative designs. As a result, you will be able to make those creations possible, exceeding everyone’s imagination.
Examples of AI-Generated & Generative Design
Moon lander
Hyundai Elevate concept
The Ending Note
So, these are the different types of graphic design styles that every graphic designer should be aware of. Whether you believe it or not, graphic design is essential to a business’s marketing strategy. With unique visual designs, businesses can communicate their brand’s message to their audience. Choosing the right style may seem challenging at first; however, with the right knowledge and skill sets you would be able to pick appropriate design style based on your project’s need. No matter what design style you choose, make sure to be proficient in it. Also, with patience, practice, and perseverance, you can create stunning designs that exceed your client’s expectations.
Let’s now take a look at the frequently asked questions pertaining to building career in graphic designing field. Here we go…
Q1. Do I need a degree to start a career in graphic design?
While a degree is not compulsory to become a graphic designer, you should possess a strong portfolio that showcases your unique skill sets and experience. Make sure to acquire knowledge and expertise in the field to grow.
Q2. What types of graphic design careers are in high demand?
Among various graphic design career options, UI design, web design, motion graphics, packaging design, digital design, brand identity design, marketing, and advertising design are in high demand.
Q3. How long does it take to learn graphic design?
The time it takes to learn graphic design usually varies depending on your educational background, understanding level, experience, and goal.
Q4. Can I specialise in multiple types of graphic design?
Yes, you can possess specialisation in many types of graphic design. In fact, this is the best thing you can do to progress in this domain. Mastering various forms of graphic design will enhance your chances of excelling in this industry.
Q5. How much can a beginner graphic designer earn?
The salary of a graphic designer varies greatly based on their experience, knowledge, and expertise. A beginner graphic designer can earn somewhere between 1.8 lakh and 2.3 lakh every year. Your salary increases as you gain experience.
