The design business is as exciting now as ever before. As digital platforms take over communication and branding, two creative jobs are distinguished, namely UI/UX design and graphic design. Although they both are design oriented, their goals, abilities, and professional results are highly dissimilar. You may be a student or maybe a professional thinking of working in the field of design and you must understand what differentiates these two areas before making a decision.
What is Graphic Design?
All about graphic design is visual storytelling. A graphic designer creates graphics that enable brands to express themselves and pass the message across. Their works influence how an individual views a brand, whether through posts on social media or the design of packaging.
Graphic design is very much dependent on creativity, composition and aesthetics. It can be the creation of a company logo, a computer-based ad, or a front cover of a magazine, but whatever the case the principle remains: to make information visually attractive and easy to digest.
What is UI/UX Design?
UI/UX design does not just only deal with visuals and goes further to deal with the way individuals engage with technology.
UI (User Interface) Design entails the appearance of digital products- layouts, buttons, icons, and typography.
- UX (User Experience) Design refers to being usable, that is, to ensuring that apps, websites, and software are easier to use, comfortable and pleasing to touch.
- A UI/UX designer makes sure that digital products do not only appear good but also address the issues and contribute to the increased satisfaction of the users.
Core Skills You’ll Need
For Graphic Design
- Proficiency in design applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and CorelDRAW.
- Good knowledge of typography and layout, as well as color theory.
- Capability to design graphics on print and online.
- A proper sense of creativity and aesthetic balance.
For UI/UX Design
Expertise in wireframing and prototyping software, e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch.
- User research expertise and testing.
- Knowledge of interaction design and user flows.
- Problem solving through creative thought.
Career Opportunities
Careers in Graphic Design
The graphic designers may be employed in advertising firms, branding firms, publishers, and corporate marketing departments. Some also opt to work as freelancers which enable them to work with various industries. Categories of popular job titles are Visual Designer, Brand Designer, and Creative Director.
Careers in UI/UX Design
The field of the UI/UX designers is in great demand within the technology sphere, e-commerce firms, and start-ups that are product-oriented. With the move to online businesses, the demand for professionals capable of developing user friendly apps and websites is just growing. There are UX Designer, UI Designer, Interaction Designer and Product Designer roles.
Salary Outlook
The salary of Graphic Designers is usually moderate, yet in case of the experience in branding or art direction, the income potential increases dramatically.
The average pay of UI/UX Designers is usually higher because their services are needed in the sphere of creativity and technology, which is highly demanded and sought in the world market.
So What Career to Select?
Your choice is based on interests and your strengths:
- When you are more creative in a visual sense, like in branding, and communication, graphic design may be the best fit.
- UI/UX design can be the choice in case you are more interested in user behavior, in digital products, and in enhancing user experience.
Final Thoughts
UI/UX and graphic design are both dynamic and future-proof careers. The graphics design is centered on things that look attractive whilst the UI/UX design is centered on uninterrupted digital experiences.
In case you are fond of creating amazing pictures, you should go to graphic design. However, in case creativity combined with problem-solving on the digital sphere is your passion, UI/UX could become your profession. Finally, both disciplines have opportunities that are exciting and you can influence how people perceive brands and technology.
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