Visuals should fit your need, not the other way around. Make graphics a solution.
What makes good Graphic Design?
Graphic design is often thought of as simply, "making graphics," but that mistake leaves out the most important part: the design. Designing is about problem solving, and the best designs are a solution to the challenge, "how do I most effectively communicate my message to a target audience?"
It's not about making a pretty picture.
Graphic designs should be goal oriented and focused on creating a connection or building an experience with the audience. That doesn't mean that every design needs to call attention to itself, it just means that every opportunity for a visual is an opportunity to say something meaningful. Don't betray your audience's attention with graphics that don't say anything.
Icons created for SF Media
Graphic design is everywhere
When it's done right inherently aligns with your market strategy and builds your brand. Here are the most common uses for smart graphic design:
- Apparel
- Decals and Stickers
- Exhibition stands, signs and banners
- Newsletters
- "Leave-behinds," "Freebies," and "Swag" (anything free with a perceived value. E.G. pens, hats, mugs, usb drives etc)
- Advertisements
- Packaging
- Stationary
- Posters
- Web-Graphics
- Press Kit
- Shareable Media (for viral or content-marketing campaigns)
