10 Types of Graphic Design, Examples, and Career Options

Table of Contents

1. Advertising design
2. Environmental graphic design
3. Publication design
4. Motion design
5. Corporate design
6. UI design
7. Web design
8. Packaging design
9. 3D design
10. Information design

<p>In school, you'll often learn that graphic design is all about making things look pretty.</p>  <p>However, there's more to graphic design than creating something visually appealing. Graphic designers, in a nutshell, are creative problem-solvers. Graphic design is often thrown around as an umbrella term, but the variations of design beneath that umbrella require a slight variation in skillsets, knowledge, and <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/graphic-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank">graphic design software</a>. </p> <div class="lh-featured-snippet"> <h2>What are the 10 types of graphic design?</h2> <p>The 10 types of graphic design are:</p> <ol> <li>Advertising design</li> <li>Environmental design</li> <li>Publication design</li> <li>Motion design</li> <li>Corporate design</li> <li>UI design </li> <li>Web design</li> <li>Packaging design</li> <li>3D design </li> <li>Information design</li> </ol> </div> <p>Whether you're a company looking to hire your first designer or an aspiring graphic designer thinking about specializing in a particular type, this article will help you understand graphic designers' roles in various industries. </p> <p>If you're interested in starting your career as a full-time or <a href="/becoming-a-graphic-designer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">freelance graphic designer</a>, becoming familiar with some of the different types of <a href="/what-is-graphic-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank">graphic design</a> will be valuable to your job exploration.</p> <p>Keep reading to learn more about the different graphic design types, examples, and what the deliverables for each type look like. You'll also learn about the various job titles for each category, average salary, and career outlook. </p> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4><strong>TL;DR: <span>Understanding the types of graphic design</span></strong></h4> <ul> <li><strong><span>What is graphic design? </span></strong>Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to communicate messages effectively.</li> <li><strong>What are the main types of graphic design?</strong> The 10 key types are advertising, environmental, publication, motion, corporate, UI, web, packaging, 3D, and information design.</li> <li><strong data-start="501" data-end="537">What does advertising design do?</strong><span> Creates visuals like ads, brochures, and social media graphics to promote products or services.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is environmental design?</strong> Designs signage and branded spaces to help people navigate and experience places.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is publication design?</strong> Focuses on layouts for books, magazines, newsletters, and eBooks.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is motion design?</strong> Produces animated graphics for videos, GIFs, and digital media.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is corporate design?</strong> Develops brand identity elements like logos and business cards.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is UI design?</strong> Designs user-friendly interfaces for apps, websites, and devices.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is web design?</strong> Creates the visual look and layout of websites.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is packaging design?</strong> Designs product packaging that attracts customers and protects goods.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is 3D design?</strong> Creates 3D models and animations for games, VR, and product visualization.</span></li> <li><span><strong>What is information design? </strong>Visualizes data and information clearly through infographics and signage.</span></li> </ul> </div> <a id="advertising-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>1. Advertising design </h2> <p>Marketing and advertising professionals would be nothing without their graphic designers. Creative directors and art directors are responsible for things as small as <a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/brochure-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank">brochure design</a> concepts for designing small marketing materials like brochures and business cards, and large projects like entire advertising campaigns. </p> <p>Visual content is engaging, and companies rely on effective graphic design in order to tap into the buying decisions of consumers. </p> <p>These types of designers work with various mediums in order to effectively meet the needs and wants of their clients. While graphic design in the advertising and marketing industries has traditionally been print-centered, it's rapidly expanding to include digital assets.</p> <p>Understanding how to design for both print and digital is crucial for designers looking to break into advertising so that they can confidently meet the needs and wants of any client.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/example%20of%20adveritisng%20design.png" width="600" height="572" loading="lazy" alt="example of adveritisng design" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><br><em>Source: </em><a href="https://epiic.com/blog/advertising-design" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Epiic</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Social media graphics, <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/email-marketing-services" rel="noopener" target="_blank">email marketing</a> templates, and content marketing are just some of the digital uses of marketing and advertising design.</p> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Advertising graphic design examples:</h4> <ul> <li>Brochure design</li> <li>Newspaper and magazine advertisements</li> <li>Social media graphics</li> <li>Digital advertisements</li> <li>Email marketing templates</li> <li><a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/infographic-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Infographic design</a></li> </ul> </div> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in advertising </h3> <strong>Illustrators:</strong> <a href="https://www.twine.net/blog/example-illustration-project-brief/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">Illustrators</a> are responsible for conceptualizing and creating images that represent a story or idea and can later be used in advertising content. Illustrators can use a variety of methods to get the results they want, from pencils and paint to digital tools and software. <br> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in advertising and marketing </h3> <p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</span></a><span style="color: #000000;">, the median annual wages for graphic designers in advertising and marketing is $61,300 as of May 2024.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. It could be higher or lower depending on the job description, years of experience, and location. </span></p> <p><a href="https://www1.salary.com/Graphic-Designer-Salary.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span>Salary.com estimates</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> the salary range of a marketing graphic designer in the U.S.A. typically falls between $56,065 and $164,238. </span></p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;">Career outlook for graphic designers in advertising and marketing </span></h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The current job market </span><span style="color: #000000;">may lead to more demand for graphic designers in <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;" href="/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a>. However, the need for graphic designers in advertising and corporate branding </span><a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/graphic-design-services/1412/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">may experience a slump</a><span style="color: #000000;"> in the coming years.</span></p> <a id="environmental-graphic-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>2. Environmental graphic design</h2> <p><a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/environmental-graphic-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Environmental graphic design</a> embraces elements from multiple disciplines in order to connect people to the places they visit. This may sound idyllic, but by combining graphic, architectural, interior, landscape, and industrial design, environmental graphic designers are able to enhance a person’s experience. Improvements are typically done by making the environment more memorable, informative, or easier to navigate.</p> <p>Wayfinding, which includes signage or visual cues to indicate where people are and where they should be going, is the core purpose of environmental design. However, its uses go beyond that, such as acting as a communicator for organizations to tell a story or relay a meaningful message to visitors.</p> <p><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/example%20of%20environmental%20graphic%20design.png" width="600" height="225" loading="lazy" alt="example of environmental graphic design" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></p> <p>In order to create designs with this level of sophistication, those who have environmental design jobs must have an understanding of and experience with both graphic design and architecture.</p> <h4>Job titles for graphic designers in environmental design</h4> <p><strong>Associate designer: </strong>Associate designers for environmental design are entry-level graphic designers. This position is a great place for recent graduates to get their feet wet in the world of environmental design.</p> <p><strong>Draftsman: </strong>Drafters work to convert the designs that associate designers, architects, and engineers into drawings. This job becomes a little more technical than the typical graphic design job and requires specialization in architectural, electrical, or mechanical drafting.</p> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Environmental design examples</h4> <ul> <li>Signage</li> <li>Office Branding</li> <li>Murals</li> <li>Stadium Branding</li> <li>Exhibitions</li> <li>Event Spaces </li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in environmental design </h3> <p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm#:~:text=%2439%2C810-,The%20median%20annual%20wage%20for%20drafters%20was%20%2456%2C830%20in%20May,percent%20earned%20more%20than%20%2487%2C720." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</span></a><span style="color: #000000;">, the median annual pay for drafters is $65,380 per year, or $31.44 per hour. </span></p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;">Career outlook for graphic designers in environmental design </span></h3> <p><span style="color: #0e101a;">The employment of urban and regional planners is expected to </span><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm#tab-6" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">grow by 4 percent</a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> from 2022 to 2032. Recent events have provided an excellent opportunity for environmental designers to take transformative actions towards creating resilient, sustainable urban areas. </span></p> <a id="publication-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>3. Publication design</h2> <p>Publication design traditionally refers to print medium– such as books, magazines, newspapers, etc. However, like many other subsets of graphic design, technological advances have led to new opportunities for its potential use.</p> <p><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/example%20of%20publication%20design.png" width="600" height="350" loading="lazy" alt="example of publication design" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://visme.co/blog/graphic-design/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">Visme</a></p> <p>Digital publication design utilizes traditional <a href="/elements-of-art" rel="noopener" target="_blank">elements of art</a> such as color, typography, and space. Publication designers are able to thoughtfully combine these elements to create content that is able to be perceived visually, on a digital platform. This includes eBooks, email newsletters, <a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/magazine-layout" rel="noopener" target="_blank">magazine layouts</a>, and more.</p> <p>Most people who have a publication design job work for a publishing company, as a freelancer or as a part of a <a href="https://www.whitepeakdigital.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-web-design-agency/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">creative agency</a>.</p> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in publication</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Production artist:</strong> A technical and creative profession, the job title assigns paste-up, or layout work to the position. Production artists work with the designer and art director in an agency to ensure that everything is in the right place. This position often requires extensive knowledge of print production, design software, and creativity.   </li> <li><strong>Layout artists: </strong>A layout artist is responsible for designing the structure of images and texts in a format that is pleasing to the eye, primarily for printed media. This includes magazines, posters, books, and brochures. </li> <li><strong>DTP artist:</strong> DTP (desktop publishing) artists are responsible for translating the designs of illustrators and art directors into a digital format in preparation for print or online publication. Typically, DTP artists are skilled in multiple design and <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">desktop publishing software</a> programs. </li> </ul> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Publication design examples</h4> <ul> <li>Books</li> <li>Magazines</li> <li><a href="/newsletter-examples" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsletters</a></li> <li>Catalogs</li> <li>Newspapers</li> <li><a href="/how-to-make-an-ebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">eBooks </a></li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in publication design </h3> <p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/desktop-publishers.htm#:~:text=%2434%2C670-,The%20median%20annual%20wage%20for%20desktop%20publishers%20was%20%2445%2C390%20in,percent%20earned%20more%20than%20%2478%2C190." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> the median pay for desktop publishers is $53,620 per year, or $25.78 per hour. <br></span></p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;">Career outlook for graphic designers in publication design </span></h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As companies hire fewer desktop publishers and hire other graphic designers with other specialties, such as web designers, to do desktop publishing tasks, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for desktop publishers will decline by around 19 percent from 2019 to 2029.</span></p> <a id="motion-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>4. Motion design</h2> <p>If you're not involved in the field of graphic design, you must be asking yourself “<a href="https://www.twine.net/blog/what-is-motion-graphics-guide/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">what is motion design?</a>” However, this fairly new graphic design style is much less confusing than its name suggests and has become a versatile style choice for graphic designers. </p> <div class="hs-embed-wrapper" data-service="youtube" data-responsive="true" style="position: relative; overflow: hidden; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 0px; max-width: 600px; min-width: 256px; display: block; margin: auto;"><div class="hs-embed-content-wrapper"><div style="position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;" data-mce-style="position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;"><iframe width="256" height="144.64" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJAJppVaOXc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen title="2D Motion Graphics | Inspiration Series" style="position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;" xml="lang" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJAJppVaOXc?feature=oembed" data-mce-style="position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;"></iframe></div></div></div> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://youtu.be/YJAJppVaOXc?si=ihToLXa_8TZ-DuFL" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">Francis.J Motion Design</a></p> <p>Motion design is the generation of pieces of digital graphics, which create the illusion of motion or rotation. You can find traditional uses of motion design the opening of movies, television shows or news productions. Today, <a href="https://www.yumyumvideos.com/blog/best-motion-graphics-video-examples/" rel="noopener">examples of motion design</a> are found across all digital platforms, such as in GIFs, apps, website design, and more.</p> <p>Within the last ten years, motion design has increased in popularity as our society continues to digitize. Technological advancements have given designers the opportunity to explore the value that this medium has to offer. Be sure to stay on top of the latest <a href="https://venngage.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">design trends</a> to keep one step ahead of the competition.</p> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in motion design</h3> <p><strong>Motion graphics designer:</strong> These designers are trained in traditional graphic design and integrate other elements into their existing knowledge of design. <span>They may also come from a background in filmmaking or video production, with the ability to use 2D or <a href="https://www.b2w.tv/blog/how-to-make-3d-animation-videos" rel="noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">3D animation video</a> styles to enhance static graphics.</span></p> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Motion design examples</h4> <ul> <li>Video games</li> <li>Apps</li> <li>GIFs</li> <li>Animated texts</li> <li><a href="/what-is-advertising" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Advertisements</a></li> <li>Title sequences and end credits</li> <li>Internet banners</li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in motion design </h3> <p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> the median pay for motion designers is $97,940 per year.</span></p> <h3><span style="color: #000000;">Career outlook for graphic designers in motion design </span></h3> <p><span style="color: #0e101a;">Demand for animators and special effects artists is projected to grow <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202022.-,Job%20Outlook,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">four percent</a> (about as fast as other jobs) from 2023 to 2033. Projected growth is due to increased demand for visual effects in video games, TV, and films. </span></p> <a id="corporate-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>5. Corporate design</h2> <p>Corporate design is utilized by organizations to express the relationship between a brand and its audience. The visual elements of a <a href="/brand-identity" rel="noopener" target="_blank">brand identity</a> act as the company’s face for communicating its tone, personality, and essence. <a href="https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/the-basic-elements-of-design--cms-33922" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Intangible design elements such as color, shapes, and imagery</a><a href="/nonprofit-website-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> </a>all elicit certain feelings for an audience and dictate <a href="https://www.fullstory.com/blog/customer-sentiment/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">how a consumer perceives the brand</a>. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/example%20of%20corporate%20design.png" width="600" height="398" loading="lazy" alt="example of corporate design" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><em>Source: </em><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.wix.com/blog/brand-identity-examples" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Wix</a></span></p> <p>Keeping a brand consistent is essential to corporate design, since consumers respond to recognizable visual media. Typically, within corporate identity design, designers collaborate with brand stakeholders to create products such as typography, logos, color palettes, and illustration libraries.</p> <p>Then, designers will create a corporate design guideline, to ensure that the <a href="https://www.easel.ly/blog/visual-brand-identity-examples/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>visual brand identity</strong></a> is applied consistently throughout all current and future applications. </p> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in corporate design</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Brand identity designer: </strong>When a company is just getting on its feet, visual representation of their products and services are essential in order to relate to an audience, no matter who that audience may be. Brand identity designers may work within an advertising agency to make sure that a client has a sturdy visual brand identity by updating the logo, typography, color palette, and assets.</li> <li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Logo designer:</strong><span style="font-size: inherit; background-color: transparent;"> The responsibilities are right there in the title. A logo designer is responsible for going through the </span><a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/logo-design-process" rel="noopener" target="_blank" style="font-size: inherit;">logo design process</a><span style="font-size: inherit; background-color: transparent;"> with a client and ultimately delivering a logo that aligns with the brand. Logo designers often work for advertising agencies but can also work as freelancers. </span></li> </ul> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Examples of corporate design</h4> <ul> <li>Logo design</li> <li>Business cards</li> <li>Stationery</li> <li>Business newsletters</li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in corporate design</h3> <p><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/united-states-corporate-designer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,32.htm" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">According to Glassdoor</a>, the average base pay for corporate designers falls between $45,000 and $83,000 annually.</p> <h3>Career outlook for graphic designers in corporate design</h3> <p>Like graphic designers, demand for corporate designers is projected to slump down to four percent from 2019 to 2029, mainly because of tight competition for available positions.</p> <a id="ui-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>6. UI design</h2> <p>Think about the last time you used an app on your phone. From the moment you open your phone, access the app, and close your phone, you just came across what <a href="/ui-design" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">user interface (UI) design</a> is all about. </p> <p>In a nutshell, user interface (UI) design focuses on the aesthetic and style of a user interface, whether it's a hardware device (mouse, trackpad, keyboard, printer, and more) or a software application (app, browser, and more). </p> <p>UI designers are concerned with the layers of interaction that appeal to the human senses (sight, touch, hearing, and more). For UI graphic designers, every visual element that a user will potentially interact with must be thoughtfully designed to optimize an interface's usability. These include screen graphic elements like buttons and menus. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/ui%20design%20example.png" width="600" height="515" loading="lazy" alt="ui design example" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://maze.co/collections/ux-ui-design/ui-design-examples/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maze</span></a></p> <p>UI designers tend to adhere to certain design principles and usability to balance aesthetic appeal and functionality. Graphic designers who focus on UI design tend to specialize in web apps, mobile apps, and games. </p> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in UI design </h3> <ul> <li>UI designer</li> <li>Visual designer</li> <li>Product designer</li> <li>Brand designer </li> </ul> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Examples of UI graphic design </h4> <ul> <li>App design</li> <li>Dashboard design</li> <li>Game interface design</li> <li>Web page design</li> <li>Theme design (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)</li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in UI design </h3> <p><a href="https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ui-design/how-much-will-i-earn-as-a-ui-designer/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">According to CareerFoundry,</a><span style="color: #0e101a;"> the average annual salary for UI graphic designers is $77,962 in the USA; €46,392 in Germany; and Rs 4,61,410 in India. </span></p> <h3>Career outlook for graphic designers in UI design </h3> <p><span style="color: #0e101a;">With the rise of big data, artificial intelligence, VR, and AR, UI designers will have a growing demand. They play a critical role in ensuring that user interfaces are accessible, usable, and aesthetically appealing.</span></p> <a id="web-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>7. Web design</h2> <p>Page layout, choosing images, and deciding on the best typography for a website are all part of <a href="https://www.nirmal.com.au/website-design-cost/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">web design</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/web%20design%20example.png" width="600" height="326" loading="lazy" alt="web design example" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.g2.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">G2</span></a></p> <p>Web design ties closely with UI design and UX design, which aims to create an interface that balances aesthetic appeal on the front end page with optimal usability. <span>Well-executed <a href="https://10web.io/blog/graphic-design-website-examples/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">graphic design website examples</a> often highlight how thoughtful layouts and visual hierarchy contribute to overall user experience.</span></p> <h4>Job titles for graphic designers in web design</h4> <p><strong>Web designer:</strong> these people employ concepts of graphic design in order to create a responsive web design that has a cohesive <a href="https://www.g2.com/glossary/web-user-interface-definition" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">web user interface</a> through the use of UX and UI design. </p> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Examples of web design </h4> <ul> <li>Landing pages</li> <li>Website home pages</li> <li>Hub pages on websites </li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in web design </h3> <p><a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/web-designer/salaries" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">According to Indeed.com's survey</a>, the average annual salary of web designers in the U.S. $55,956. Graphic designers with six or more years of experience in the field can qualify for senior-level roles, where the salary bumps up to $101,931.</p> <h3>Career outlook for graphic designers in web design </h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Employment of web developers and designers is projected to </span><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm?view_full#tab-6" rel="nofollow noopener">grow eight percent </a><span style="color: #000000;">(much faster than other occupations) from 2019 to 2029. </span><span style="color: #000000;">The immense growth can be attributed to the rise of e-commerce, online shopping, and the increase in mobile device usage. </span></p> <a id="packaging-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>8. Packaging design </h2> <p>When you look on the shelves of any retailer, grocery store, etc., nearly every item comes in some sort of packaging. While this packaging serves as protection for merchandise, companies also recognize the opportunity that product <a href="/packaging-design" rel="noopener" target="_blank">packaging design</a> presents.</p> <p>Through strategically implementing color, shape, and typography, packaging becomes a way for companies to communicate their brand's personality and story directly to their consumers.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/packaging%20design%20example.png" width="600" height="475" loading="lazy" alt="packaging design example" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://thedieline.com/blog/2017/6/17/45-awesome-coffee-packaging-designs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: normal;">Dieline</a></p> <p>Retail, makeup, and food packaging design are just a few of the countless industries where this style of design is a valuable marketing tool. Effective packaging design has the ability to give a product “shelf impact,” which can greatly boost sales for a company. For packaging designers, this means it is crucial to have a keen understanding of not only graphic design, but also successful product marketing tactics. </p> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in packaging design </h3> <ul> <li>Graphic designer </li> <li>Branding designer </li> <li>Brand identity designer </li> </ul> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Examples of packaging design</h4> <ul> <li>Cereal boxes</li> <li>Makeup package containers</li> <li>Other food and item boxes, packages, etc. </li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in packaging design</h3> <p>The average annual salary for a graphic designer specializing in packaging design in the U.S is <a href="https://www.celarity.com/job-description/packaging-designer/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$79,500</a>.  </p> <h3>Career outlook for graphic designers in packaging design </h3> <p>Like graphic designers who specialize in marketing and advertising, recent events may slow down the demand for packaging designers for the next couple of years. Prospects will be best for designers who <a href="https://www.envato.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">keep up with the latest design trends</a>, tools, and techniques. </p> <a id="three-d-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>9. 3D design</h2> <p>3D graphic design involves creating three-dimensional visuals that add depth and realism to digital content. Unlike traditional 2D design, <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-design" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">3D design</a> allows objects to be viewed and manipulated in three dimensions, making it essential for industries like video games, film, product visualisation, and virtual reality (VR).</p> <p>3D graphic design uses specialised software to model, texture, animate, and render objects and environments. This field requires a blend of artistic skills and technical knowledge to bring ideas to life with realistic lighting, shadows, and movement.</p> <h3>Job titles for graphic designers in 3D design</h3> <ul> <li aria-level="1">3D artist</li> <li aria-level="1">3D Modeler</li> <li aria-level="1">Visual Effects (VFX) Artist</li> <li aria-level="1">3D Animator</li> </ul> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4 style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Examples of 3D Design</span></h4> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">3D models for video games</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Animated characters</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Product prototypes</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Architectural renderings</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Virtual reality environments</span></li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in 3D design</h3> <p>According to recent data from Indeed, the average base salary for a 3D designer in the United States is approximately <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/3d-designer/salaries" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$115,489 annually</a>. Salary ranges from  $58,945 on the low end to  $226,274 for experienced specialists.</p> <h3>Career outlook for graphic designers in 3D design</h3> <p>The demand for 3D graphic designers is skyrocketing, driven by increased use of <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/ar-vr" rel="noopener" target="_blank">VR/AR</a>, video games, films, and e-commerce product visualization. Careers in this niche require continuous learning of evolving software and technologies, but offer strong entertainment, advertising, and industrial design opportunities.</p> <a id="information-design" data-hs-anchor="true"></a> <h2>10. Information design </h2> <p>The goal of information design as a practice is to help people make sense of data. </p> <p>The Society for Experiential Graphic Design defines infographic design as a way of presenting information that makes it most accessible and easily understood by users. </p> <p>From designing street signs to restaurant menus to patient record systems, information designers are likely to put the audience or user first instead of aesthetics or the quality of its appearance.  </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/operating%20system%20basics.png" width="600" height="6721" loading="lazy" alt="information design example" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.g2.com/articles/operating-system" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">G2</span></a></p> <p>Information design requires expertise and skills from a wide range of disciplines like visual design, <a href="https://www.easel.ly/blog/what-is-an-infographic/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span>infographic design</span></a>, data visualization, technical writing, editing, and usability. </p> <div class="lh-callout"> <h4>Information design examples </h4> <ul> <li>Brochures</li> <li>Manuals</li> <li>Infographics</li> <li>Websites</li> <li>Restaurant menus</li> <li>Airport signs</li> <li>Yellow pages</li> <li>Wayfinding visuals </li> </ul> </div> <h3>Average salary for graphic designers in information design </h3> <p>The average annual salary of information designers in the U.S. is <a href="https://6figr.com/us/salary/information-designer--t" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$103,000</a>, and the salary range typically falls between $87,000 and $145,000. </p> <h3>Career outlook for graphic designers in information design </h3> <p>Employment of information designers in print is projected to decline significantly. In contrast, career outlook for information designers in the digital space is projected to be more positive than their print counterparts.</p> <h4>It's only the beginning</h4> <p>With a better understanding of where your graphic design skills can take you, it's not a bad idea to start taking a look at what opportunities are out there for you. Becoming a graphic designer in any of these areas is an unparalleled opportunity to leave your mark on the world.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ready to elevate your publication projects? Check out our curated list of the <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">best desktop publishing software</a> to find the perfect fit for your needs.</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></p> <p><em>This article was originally published in 2023. It has been updated with new information. </em></p>

Kai Tomboc

Kai Tomboc is an experienced content designer and writer on all things healthcare, design, and SaaS. She used to be a nurse and a telemarketer in her past lives. She lives for mountain trips, lap swimming, books, and conversations over beer.

10 Types of Graphic Design, Examples, and Career Options

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