Brand Designer vs Graphic Designer: What’s the Difference? -

As a writer who has worked closely with designers, I understand the importance of creating visually appealing materials that effectively communicate a message.

However, I've often found myself confused by the difference between brand and graphic design.

While both roles are essential in creating visual content, they have different approaches and skill sets that make them unique.

In my quest to understand the differences between a brand designer and a graphic designer, I've researched extensively and spoken to professionals in the field.

In this article, I'll share what I've learned to help you understand the nuances between the two and make an informed decision when it comes to hiring a designer. So, let's dive in and explore the distinctions between brand designers and graphic designers.

What is a brand designer?

A brand designer is a creative professional who specializes in building the visual identity of a brand. Their focus is on creating a consistent visual language that communicates the brand's values, personality, and unique selling proposition.

Brand designers take a holistic approach to design, considering the overall look and feel of the brand, the messaging, the target audience, and the brand's goals.

They work closely with the client to understand their vision and goals and then develop a visual identity system that reflects that.

What is a graphic designer?

On the other hand, a graphic designer is a creative professional who specializes in creating visual content for a wide variety of purposes.

They create designs for both print and digital media, including logos, brochures, packaging, websites, social media graphics, and more.

Graphic designers focus on the aesthetics of the design, such as color, composition, and typography. They use software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create their designs and work with a variety of mediums, including photography and illustration.

The differences between a brand designer and a graphic designer

As we have previously discussed, a brand designer and a graphic designer have different roles and responsibilities. In this section, we will explore the key differences between these two professions.

Focus

One of the main differences between a brand designer and a graphic designer is their focus. Brand designers take a holistic approach and consider the brand's values, personality, and message when creating a visual identity.

On the other hand, graphic designers focus on creating individual designs for specific purposes, such as a brochure or social media graphics. They do not necessarily consider the overall visual identity of the brand when designing.

Skillset

Brand designers require a different set of skills compared to graphic designers. Brand designers need to have a deep understanding of branding principles and how to create a cohesive visual identity.

They need to be able to develop a brand strategy and translate it into a visual language.

Graphic designers, on the other hand, need to be skilled in design software and have a good eye for aesthetics.

Process

The process of brand design is more involved than graphic design. Brand designers need to work closely with the client to understand their vision and goals.

They then develop a brand strategy and visual identity system, which includes a logo, typography, color palette, and other visual elements.

This process takes more time and involves more collaboration with the client. In contrast, graphic designers receive a specific brief and create a design based on that.

Deliverables

Another difference between brand designers and graphic designers is their deliverables.

Brand designers deliver a comprehensive visual identity system, which includes a brand style guide and all the necessary visual elements. This ensures that the brand's visual identity is consistent across all channels.

On the other hand, graphic designers deliver individual designs, such as a logo or brochures.

Goals

The goals of brand designers and graphic designers are also different. Brand designers' goals are to create a consistent visual identity that reflects the brand's values and messaging.

They aim to create a brand that is memorable, recognizable and resonates with the target audience.

On the other hand, graphic designers' goals are to create aesthetically pleasing designs that communicate a specific message. They aim to create visually appealing designs and effectively convey a message.

Collaboration

Brand designers and graphic designers both require collaboration with other professionals. Brand designers need to work closely with the client to understand their vision and goals.

They also need to collaborate with other professionals, such as marketers and copywriters, to ensure that the brand's messaging is consistent across all channels.

Graphic designers need to collaborate with the client and other professionals to ensure that the design meets the brief.

They also need to communicate effectively with the printer or web developer to ensure that the final product is of high quality.

Which one do you need?

Now that you understand the differences between a brand designer and a graphic designer, it's time to find out which designer is the right for your project.

Deciding between the two depends on your goals and needs. Here are some considerations to help you determine which type of designer is best for your project:

Brand designer

If you're looking to build a strong brand identity, a brand designer is your go-to designer. Here are four situations where you might need a brand designer:

You need to create a new brand or rebrand an existing one.
You want to ensure that your brand's visual identity is consistent across all channels.
You want to develop a brand strategy that includes a visual identity system.
You need to create a comprehensive brand guide to ensure consistent usage of brand assets.

Graphic designer

If you need a specific design for a project or want to enhance the visual appeal of your marketing materials, a graphic designer can help you achieve your goals. Here are four situations where you might need a graphic designer:

You need a specific design for a project, such as a brochure or social media graphic.
You want to create visual content that communicates a specific message.
You want to enhance the visual appeal of your website, social media channels, or other marketing materials.
You need a designer to help you create marketing collateral such as business cards, flyers, or posters.

It's worth noting that some designers are skilled in both brand and graphic design. If you have a project that requires both, it's important to find a designer who has experience in both areas.

Here are four additional points to consider when deciding between a brand designer and a graphic designer:

If you're just starting out, it may be wise to invest in a brand designer to ensure that you have a strong brand identity from the get-go.
If you already have a brand identity in place but need specific design assets, a graphic designer may be a better choice.
If you have an existing brand but need to refresh your visual identity, a brand designer can help you revamp your branding.
If you have a larger project that requires both brand and graphic design, it may be wise to hire a team of designers who specialize in each area to ensure that you get the best results.

Ultimately, the choice between a brand designer and a graphic designer comes down to your specific goals and needs. Consider the scope of your project, your budget, and your timeline when making your decision.

By choosing the right type of designer, you can create a strong visual identity that relates to your chosen audience and helps you achieve your goals.

Tips for hiring a designer

Whether you need a graphic designer or a brand designer, finding the right designer for your project can be challenging.

Here are ten effective tips to help you make an informed decision and hire a designer who can bring your vision to life:

1. Check their portfolio

When it comes to hiring a designer, checking their portfolio is one of the most important steps you can take.

A designer's portfolio provides a glimpse into their past work and helps you gauge their experience and skill level. Here are four things to remember when checking a designer's portfolio:

Look for examples of work that are similar to what you need: If you're looking for a specific type of design, such as a website or a brochure, look for examples of that type of work in the designer's portfolio. This will give you a sense of their ability to create designs in that style.
Pay attention to the quality of the designs: As you browse a designer's portfolio, take note of the overall quality of the designs. Are they visually appealing? Do they look professional? Are they well-executed?
Evaluate the range of their work: A good designer should be able to work in a variety of styles and mediums. Look for a range of different types of designs in the portfolio to get a sense of the designer's versatility.
Assess their ability to showcase a consistent style: While a designer should be able to work in different styles, they should also be able to create a consistent visual identity for a brand. Look for examples of work that showcase a consistent style or aesthetic.

By carefully evaluating a designer's portfolio, you can make a more informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your project.

2. Read reviews

Another way to evaluate a designer is to read reviews from past clients. This will give you an idea and image of the designer's professionalism, communication skills, and ability to deliver on their promises.

When reading reviews, look for the following:

Professionalism: Did the designer behave professionally throughout the project? Were they easy to work with?
Communication: Did the designer communicate clearly and effectively throughout the project? Did they listen to feedback and respond in a timely manner?
Quality of work: Did the designer deliver high-quality work that met the client's expectations?
Timeliness: Did the designer deliver work on time, or did they miss deadlines?
Value for money: Did the client feel that they received good value for the money they spent on the project?

Reading reviews can help you avoid working with designers who are unprofessional or who don't deliver high-quality work.

Choosing a designer with a track record of satisfied clients can increase your chances of a successful project outcome.

3. Communicate clearly

Clear communication is essential when working with a designer. Here are four tips to help you communicate effectively with your designer:

Be specific about your goals: Clearly communicate your goals for the project, including any specific design elements you want to include.
Define your target audience: Who is your target audience? What do they respond to visually? Provide your designer with as much information as possible about your target audience.
Share examples: If you have specific designs you like or inspire by, share them with your designer. This can help them get a better sense of your aesthetic preferences.
Provide feedback: Throughout the project, provide feedback on the designs. Be specific about what you like and what you don't like, and be willing to work with the designer to make changes.

By communicating clearly with your designer, you can ensure that they understand your goals and preferences and create designs that meet your needs.

4. Set a budget

Design services can vary widely in price, so it's essential to set a budget for your project and be upfront with the designer about what you can afford.

Be realistic about what you need and what you can afford, and be prepared to negotiate on the price and scope of work to find a mutually agreeable solution.

5. Collaborate

Design is a collaborative process, so it's essential to be open to feedback and be willing to work with the designer to create the best possible outcome.

Set clear expectations, listen to their suggestions and ideas, and be willing to compromise when necessary to achieve your goals.

6. Ask for referrals

If you know other business owners or professionals who have worked with designers in the past, ask them for referrals.

Referrals are an excellent way to find a designer with a proven track record of success who can deliver the desired results.

7. Look for experience

When hiring a designer, look for someone who has experience working on projects similar to yours.

A designer who understands your industry, target audience, and marketing goals are more likely to deliver designs that resonate with your customers and drive results.

8. Consider their style

Every designer has a unique style and approach to design, so it's essential to find someone whose style aligns with your brand and vision.

Look at their portfolio to get a sense of their design aesthetic and see if it matches your preferences and expectations.

9. Review their process

Ask the designer to explain their design process and how they approach projects.

A well-defined process can help ensure that the designer understands your needs and delivers high-quality work that meets your expectations.

10. Assess their professionalism

Finally, assess the designer's professionalism and work ethic. Look for someone who is reliable, punctual, and communicates effectively.

A professional designer will treat your project with the attention and care it deserves and deliver designs that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a brand designer and a graphic designer are two different roles with distinct approaches and skill sets.

Brand designers focus on creating a consistent visual identity for a brand, while graphic designers focus on creating individual designs for specific purposes.

When hiring a designer, it's important to consider your goals and needs and to find a designer with experience in the required area.

Whether you're looking to create a new brand or enhance your existing visual identity, a skilled designer can help you achieve your goals.

With a clear understanding of the differences between brand and graphic designers, you can make an informed decision and find the right designer for your project.