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Are Visual Communication and Graphic Design The Same Thing?

A common mistake that people make is assuming that visual communication and graphic design are the same things. Although they have similarities and may be easy to confuse, they also have clear differences. The beginner may not be able to distinguish the two immediately, but with some knowledge, you’ll be able to in no time. Here’s the difference between visual communication and graphic design. 

Visual Communication

Visual communication means the use of conveying something based solely on visual communication. Visual communication involves anything that can help convey the message or information through sight through the use of gestures, postures, or signs. Visual communication is communicated through the help of anything visual, including reading or seeing which is used to help grasp the idea or information. 

Graphic Design 

Graphic design, although similar, isn’t the same as visual communication. Graphic design, as a profession, has been around longer than visual communication has. Graphic design didn’t initially start with as many fields included as we now see today. Graphic designers used to only design print publications, which included magazines, newspapers, and the like. 

In the 1990s, when web design began to be a form of communication, graphic designers were eager to hop on and start creating. Nowadays, nearly all graphic designers are capable of specializing in a wide range of areas within their profession. With all the technology we now have, many designers create the same amount, if not more, digital work than they do print. 

The main aspect of graphic design that is critical to remember, and where it especially differentiates from visual communication, is that graphic design often is creating key elements for larger projects. Graphic design gives information, tells stories, gives instructions, or entertainment through art. 

The Main Differences Between The Two 

It’s true that since both graphic design and visual communication focus on aesthetics, so it’s easy to see how the two get confused. This leads to the question of why it’s important to call yourself a visual designer or graphic designer. Don’t the two work interchangeably? The answer is no. 

It’s incredibly important that you call yourself correctly, regardless of how blurred the lines may be when it comes to whether you’re a graphic designer or visual designer. The two have different focuses, different salaries, and use different tools to get jobs done. It’s important that, before deciding to go with one career, you’ve done your research and know which is the choice for you. You may find that you have more passion for one than the other. 

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