Difference between visual designer and graphic designer

Are all design jobs the same? Of course not, but it is normal to get into confusion, and surely you have been a victim of it at some point. Therefore, below we will fully explain the differences between a visual and a graphic designer, in addition to knowing about visual and graphic design trends.

You will see that, on the surface, they may seem the same, but while there are many things in common between both types of designers, there is much more behind that differentiates them in the world of design. So do not stop reading to know all this important information.

What does a visual designer do?

This career is a little unknown in the media, but in reality, a visual designer can be your problem solver. Visual design is a mix graphic design with user interface design, so they can do a lot of work-related to aesthetics.

The goal of these designers is to create a unified image for a brand through digital communication platforms. In other words, their main responsibility is to determine this image, to build the design strategies of an organization, without communicating a specific message.

So, visual designers should all be experts on the following points:

•     Graphic design.

•     Identity design.

•     Branding.

•     Communication skills.

•     And they must be able to convey something through the visual.

Our Branding Identity project with SAVON company. SAVON company is a textile company in Shanghai for over 20 years. They have chosen us for their new rebranding and packaging projects.

Must Read: What qualifies as great content?

What is a graphic designer?

This counterpart of design has been very well known for several decades, and it is that a graphic designer usually tries to communicate a specific idea through their designs. For this, they make use of digital tools, illustration, drawings, figures, among others, and translates them in some digital or physical format.

That is why graphic design is almost always related to the use of prints, posters, invitations, business cards. But it is also related to the design of interfaces, icons, logos, and everything necessary to build a consistent brand.

Therefore, this class of designers must be able to:

•         Design through digital and traditional platforms.

•         Know about the theory and psychology of color.

•         Know how to deliver a message through the different platforms.

•         Know layout.

Visual and graphic design trends

To learn more about what this type of professionals do, we can also take a look at the visual and graphic design trends. Since it will give us a proper context of how these types of designers work in real life. So keep reading, so that you know what is fashionable in the world of design.

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Trends on graphic designers

Graphic designers today are experimenting with designs inspired by abstract psychedelia. This artistic style has its roots in the 1960s, thanks to its aesthetics and psychedelic music. But that is no deterrent for today's designers to revive these intricate colors and image abstractions.

Another trend that came to stay within graphic design is seamless surrealism, in response to an aesthetic escape from the harsh reality imposed by the 2020 pandemic. In this case, designers are opting for the expression of ideas through more surreal everyday life, offering the viewer illusions and impossible combinations.

Likewise, social movements and the representation of protests against injustice will always be a trend in the graphic arts. That is why you have to be attentive to world events because a graphic designer is always attentive to this kind of situations.

Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

Trends on visual designers

On the other hand, to understand the visual design we can also search among its most current trends, remember this profession is more in charge of the attributes than offering a message. In this sense, a vibrant trend is the use of muted color palettes and solid colors without gradients.

The above trend is usually combined with geometric shapes, classic and heavy fonts, solid icons and illustrations, as well as simple data representations. So it seems that visual design is moving away from graphic design thanks to its minimalism at this time.

But not everything is minimalist and visual designers know it, because they are not afraid to add eye-catching, fun, and aesthetic elements to the visual impact of their works. As we can see that thanks to the inclusion of emojis to achieve empathy with younger consumers. Or even designs inspired by nature to give a more artistic touch to the visual.