Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design are two concepts that are often confused and used interchangeably. However, in design work, it is important to recognize the differences between the two to ensure that you are using the appropriate techniques and tools in each project.
Visual Communication Design is a broad term that covers all visual communication activities, which include branding, advertising, packaging design, typography, illustration, web design and more. This type of design focuses on conveying a message or story through visuals.
It requires an understanding of how visuals can be used to create an impactful message that resonates with an audience.
Graphic Design is a more specific field of design focused on designing logos, creating layouts for magazines or websites, arranging images and text on posters or flyers, or designing album covers or book covers. It involves understanding the fundamentals of color theory and typography as well as how they can be used together to create visually appealing designs.
The main difference between Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design is the scope. Visual Communication Design encompasses a wide range of activities while Graphic Design focuses more specifically on visual elements like typefaces, images and layouts. While both disciplines require an understanding of color theory and typography as well as how visuals can be used to convey a message, Visual Communication Design puts more emphasis on storytelling while Graphic Design leans towards creating aesthetically pleasing visuals.
In conclusion, Visual Communication Design and Graphic Design may appear similar at first glance but they are actually quite different disciplines with different focuses and goals. Visual Communication Design focuses on communicating a message through visuals while Graphic Design concentrates on creating aesthetically appealing designs. Understanding these differences will help designers create effective designs that accurately reflect their clients’ needs.