Is Brand Design Under Graphic Design?
The terms graphic design and brand design are often used together. But are they the same? Is brand design a part of graphic design?
The short answer is yes—brand design is a part of graphic design, but it has a special purpose. In this blog, we’ll explain how brand design fits under the umbrella of graphic design. We’ll also show what makes brand design unique and why it’s important.
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to communicate a message.
This can include:
- Logos
- Posters
- Flyers
- Social media posts
- Brochures
- Website layouts
Graphic designers use colors, fonts, images, and layouts to make things look nice and easy to understand. Their goal is to communicate ideas using visuals.
What is Brand Design?
Brand design is a type of graphic design focused on creating the visual identity of a brand.
This means everything that people see and recognize about a company, such as:
- The logo
- The brand colors
- The type of fonts used
- The style of images
- The tone of design
- Packaging look
- Business cards
- Website branding
In short, brand design helps create the “face” of the business.
How is Brand Design Different from General Graphic Design?
While graphic design can be for any visual project, brand design is more specific. It works with the core identity of a business.
Let’s compare them in a simple table:
| Feature | Graphic Design | Brand Design |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To create visual materials | To create a brand’s visual identity |
| Use Cases | Posters, ads, websites, social media | Logos, brand colors, typography, style guides |
| Focus | Looks and message | Looks, message, and brand personality |
| Timeframe | Short-term or single use | Long-term brand recognition |
| Consistency | Can vary by project | Must stay consistent across all platforms |
Why Brand Design is Important
Brand design helps people recognize your brand quickly. Think about brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, or Apple. You know them not just because of their name, but because of:
- Their logo
- Their style
- Their colors
- Their feel
That’s the power of brand design.
It helps with:
- Trust – A professional brand look builds customer trust.
- Recognition – People remember a good logo or color style.
- Consistency – A brand looks the same everywhere.
- Differentiation – You stand out from competitors.
How Brand Design Fits Into Graphic Design
Is brand design under graphic design? Yes, it is. Graphic design is a big field, and brand design is a special area within it. While graphic designers may work on different things, brand designers focus only on the branding part.
So we can say:
- All brand design is graphic design.
- But not all graphic design is brand design.
What Does a Brand Designer Do?
A brand designer works on the visual parts of a brand. This includes:
- Logo Design
The logo is the face of the brand. It needs to be unique, simple, and memorable. - Color Palette
Brand designers choose 2–5 colors that match the brand’s mood and message. - Typography (Fonts)
Fonts show a brand’s personality—fun, serious, modern, or classic. - Brand Style Guide
A brand guide shows how to use the logo, colors, fonts, and more. It helps everyone keep the brand look consistent. - Visual Assets
They create templates, icons, packaging, business cards, etc., that match the brand.
Where Do Graphic Design and Brand Design Work Together?
Many times, businesses need both brand design and other graphic design services.
Here’s how they work together:
- A brand designer creates the identity of the business.
- Then, a graphic designer uses that brand identity to make social media posts, posters, ads, or other marketing items.
So, both are important—but they do different things.
Common Confusion: Logo Design vs. Brand Design
Some people think logo design is the same as brand design. But that’s not true.
Logo design is one part of brand design.
Brand design includes:
- The logo
- The brand look and feel
- Colors
- Fonts
- Icons
- Rules for how to use all these things
So, logo design is just a piece of the whole branding puzzle.
Who Needs Brand Design?
Any business or individual that wants to look professional and build trust needs brand design.
Examples include:
- Startups and small businesses
- Personal brands (coaches, influencers)
- E-commerce brands
- Restaurants, shops, and local businesses
- Non-profits and NGOs
If you want people to remember your name, trust your service, and come back, you need good brand design.
Final Tip
If you are starting a business or thinking of rebranding, start with brand design first. Once you have a strong visual identity, it becomes easier to do other graphic design projects.
A good brand design today can save you a lot of confusion tomorrow!
Also Read:
- Exploring the Latest Trends in Graphic Designing Websites
- What Should a Graphic Design Intellectual Property Agreement Include?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brand design considered graphic design?
Yes, brand design is a special part of graphic design. It focuses on creating the visual identity of a brand, like the logo, colors, and fonts. While graphic design covers many areas, brand design is all about making a brand look unique, professional, and easy to recognize.
What is included in brand design?
Brand design includes everything visual about a brand. This means the logo, brand colors, typography, images, icons, and style guide. All these things work together to create a brand’s identity, helping customers easily recognize and trust the business over time.
How is brand design different from graphic design?
Graphic design is a broad field that covers many types of visual work. Brand design is a focused part of graphic design. It creates a consistent visual identity for a brand, while graphic design can also create one-time posters, ads, or social media posts without focusing on a full brand system.
Why is brand design important for businesses?
Brand design is important because it builds trust and recognition. A strong brand design makes a business look professional and memorable. It helps customers feel confident in choosing your brand over others. Without good brand design, businesses can seem messy or unreliable to customers.
Can a logo alone complete brand design?
No, a logo alone is not enough for complete brand design. A logo is just one part. Full brand design includes consistent colors, fonts, styles, and a visual guide for how everything should look. All these parts together create a strong, lasting brand identity customers can recognize.
