In a world filled with visuals like billboards and social media, graphic design plays a huge role in creating pleasing content to the general public. For high school students, like myself, that are interested in pursuing a field of advertising or marketing, graphic design provides a space to be creative and communicate through the work being done.

But what exactly does a graphic designer do? What are the different branches someone can go into? As it turns out, the field is broader than people think.

There are many different branches for graphic design, but here are just a few…

Web Design

As more and more businesses move online, there is a growing demand for designers that can create user-friendly websites and appealing content. Graphic design is all about the creation of visual elements, but web design is all about organizing the visual elements for users.

To excel in the field of web design, you must have knowledge in coding, problem-solving skills, design software for creating websites, and working with screens 24/7.

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Brand Identity

This branch of graphic design focuses on creating a memorable visual representation of a brand. Brand identity creation involves developing logos, color palettes, and typography. When creators are developing a logo or brand, they have to think about not just how the visual art looks, but how it feels to others. Imagery is used to create a distinctive personality, message, and feel to the brand, logo, or website. The design of the brand sets the stage for the whole production.

This career requires skills of collaboration, creativity, illustration, research and analysis, brand plans, and time management. You must be able to communicate the brand’s visions and target audience to turn into a visual element of their liking.

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Advertising and Marketing Design

This branch focuses on creating visual assets to promote a product, brand, or service. Advertising and marketing design specifically aims to persuade an audience. Advertising design is more focused on immediate access like buying a product, while marketing design has the goal of building brand awareness and long-term awareness.

Skills needed for this pathway are graphic design, communication, innovation, and marketing principles like social media and email. 

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Print and Publication Design

This field works on designing appealing and effective layouts for printed materials like brochures, magazines, books, and newspapers. You must understand color theory, typography, image selection and placement, page design, and your target audience when working in print and publication design.

To be successful in the field, you should have a combination of technical skills, design knowledge, and soft skills. 

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UI/UX Design

UI (User Interface) design centers around the visual aspects of how a user interacts with a product or service. UX (User Experience) design includes the overall user experience by considering how users feel and interact with the product.

Key skills for this area include interaction design, prototyping, wireframing, research, and information architecture.

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Motion Graphics

This branch uses a form of animation and motion to create the illusion of motion for dynamic visuals. It incorporates design elements of text, icons, shapes, logos, and infographics to deliver a message. It is commonly used in video, film, websites, TV, apps, and advertising. 

Essential knowledge skills for the career would be in coding, animation, collaboration, storytelling, and software proficiency like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and other tools.

As a high school student, the best way to explore the field is to start creating. There are many free designer websites available to use, such as Canva, Figma, and Adobe, which is more industry standard.

To get some real-world experience, take a journalism class, join the yearbook team, art club, marketing class, or do an internship to help you figure out what path feels right for you.

Whether your passion lies in art, business, photography, or tech, there’s a branch of design waiting for you.