The terms graphic design and website design are often used in the same conversation. But while they possess fundamental similarities, they’re distinct areas of visual design. Their differences appear in their skillsets, interactiveness, constraints, and more. Nevertheless, professional website design services leverage both for their work with businesses and individuals.
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Below, we describe web design and graphic design then outline their key similarities and differences:
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design involves using typography, imagery, and art to create visuals that capture attention and convey a message. Although graphic designers traditionally focused on logos and print design, they now apply their skills and expertise to designing digital materials for the web, email marketing, and apps. Graphic designers must master key aspects of design, such as typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.
What is Website Design?
Website design entails designing a website’s visual appearance and impression. Thus, a web designer outlines a website’s user interface (UI) by planning the user experience (UX), wireframing the layout, and arranging content and graphics. Web design also incorporates the basics of typography, color, layout, and hierarchy.
The Similarities Between Graphic Design & Web Design
Graphic design and web design both fall within the general “visual design” field and so have many similarities, including:
- Fundamentals: Despite the difference in medium, both areas revolve around visual design principles. Thus, both require at least basic design knowledge. Furthermore, graphic and web designers must stay up-to-date on the latest design trends.
- Creative Problem Solving: Whereas art should elicit an emotional response, design may have other objectives. Whether they aim to reposition a company via a new logo or create a user flow that converts, graphic and web designers must use creative problem solving to achieve their objectives.
- Storytelling: Additionally, the “creative” part in “creative problem solving” provides room for telling a story. Graphic and web designers convey a message through their designs, which support a discussion or marketing objective. Storytelling helps target audiences connect with a message, empathize, and undergo an emotional response.
The Differences Between Graphic Design & Web Design
Despite their similarities, graphic and web design still have some fundamental differences, including:
- Skillset: The primary difference between graphic and web design is the skillset. Graphic designers need a comprehensive understanding of design principles, whereas web designers must learn and use website software as well as standard graphic design software.
- Interactiveness: While web design is interactive, graphic design tends to be static. In other words, users on a website can click buttons, scroll through web pages, or even interact with user-triggered animations. On the other hand, digital graphic design may be viewed or clicked but not interacted with to the extent web design can.
- Constraints: Graphic and web designers also encounter different constraints. The former must adhere to the constraints that come with printing graphics, such as producing higher DPI as well as working with fixed print sizes. Yet the latter must optimize images for better site speed and SEO, navigate typography constraints presented by different browsers, and ensure site responsiveness for different screen sizes.
- Permanence: In general, graphic design elements retain their original settings whereas web design requires continual tweaks and changes. For instance, you can no longer edit the graphics in a brochure once you print it. However, your web design is dynamic and changes with passing trends and your company’s evolving brand.
KME.digital Offers Expert Website Design Services to Businesses in McLean, VA
KME.digital provides professional website design services to businesses in McLean, VA, and beyond. We offer both graphic design and web development services, including ad creatives, print media design, UX design and development, and responsive design. Take your business’s digital presence to the next level and contact our team today at (703) 585-3321.