Visual communication isn’t only about designs. It’s the visual elements that we see on video and movement. But there’s a specialized sub-set of visual communication about design concepts. A visual communication designer is an expert in this field and ensures that your business relays your brand identity visually. But what can they do for your business? Plus, know where you can hire visual communication designers.
Before we discuss that further, visual communication is also interchanged with graphic design. Are they the same?
Is visual communication design the same as graphic design?
[insert is visual communication]
They have similar concepts. However, visual communication focuses on the structure of the visuals appearing on branding and marketing assets. It covers broader design or production concepts, like video advertisements and other entertainment forms. Meanwhile, graphic design deals with producing visuals to solve problems.
Examples of Visual Communication Designers
- Graphic designers
- Branding designers
- Social media designers
- Illustrators
- Artists
- Motion graphic designers
- Presentation designers
- Data visualization designers
Visual Communication Designs
When working with visual communication designers, here are the design examples they can create for your business:
- Logo
- Business cards
- Web design
- Social media posts
- Online ads
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Presentations
- Infographics
- GIFs
How Can Visual Communication Designers Help?
Make Your Branding Message Clear
Imagine the Coca-Cola, Apple, and McDonald’s logos. You can do it without searching for it on any search engine, right? Additionally, when you think of these companies, you have made an impression about them and associated it with the brand. Aside from memorable branding, a visual communication designer can create a logo that personifies and encompasses your brand. They can simplify your logo into one cohesive image or wordmark. They are very detailed oriented but ensure that your brand’s identity isn’t lost in translation.
Aside from your logo, other branding assets require a visual communication designer’s expertise. For example, they need to determine typography, color, iconography, and other elements that make up your whole brand.
Convey Message or Meaning
Image Credit: Ads of the World
Visual communication masters know how to present a design to relay meaning. Some visual communicators may work hand-in-hand with other designers to ensure that meaning is presented in one glance. In some cases, they need to team up with marketers and other creatives to ensure that messaging or meaning is consistent in various channels. It can be difficult, especially for complex designs like marketing and advertising designs. But when they design it, it shouldn’t look complicated.
For example, this ad for Norwegian Airlines shows that you don’t need multiple flags to present destinations. Although the creatives could have been lucky, considering that the Norwegian flag can represent various flags.
Create Design Assets and Variations
You can rely on visual communication designers to produce design assets and variations for future use or reference. They don’t get stuck in ideation or creating one design only. Some designers can create templates that businesses can use in the future.
For example, when they create social media posts or ads, they will develop ads of various sizes and designs but stick to one theme and target the right audience.
Another example could be logo design variations. Your logo could appear differently on the website, while it would look another way on print or video.
Organize Data or Layouts
A visual communication designer is an expert at organizing and structuring data. This ensures that the data presented can be understood in one glance without the need for further explanation. This works for presentations, infographics, and other charts you show to stakeholders or online users.
Meanwhile, a communication designer can also organize layouts! This way, readers or online visitors can view or navigate without confusion. For example, a visual communication designer can organize your website’s design. They ensure that your site has the necessary elements on the front page for optimal viewing. Plus, they can browse smoothly.
Animate Designs
Static images aren’t enough to convey what you need. That’s why some visual communication designers turn to animation to express your business message. For example, they can use GIFs or short videos with no sound to present your message to the world. Visual communication experts could do this or join forces with animation or motion designers.
Where to Find Visual Communication Designers?
1. Freelance Platforms
You can find tons of visual communication designers on freelance platforms. They can help you with your design projects. Rates start at $5, depending if it’s a per project or hourly basis. However, one hurdle you’ll encounter is finding the best visual communication designer for your project.
After all, you must take time to browse various portfolios and profiles before landing on the right candidate. This is the ideal path if you have a low design demand and can only work with designers on a short-term basis.
Freelance sites:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Peopleperhour
- Toptal
- Guru
2. Design Contests
Although design contests don’t let you hire freelancers immediately, you can still receive help and amazing designs from them. When choosing this option, expect that the quality of work is based on how much you pay for it. Plus, you can't guarantee various designs too. This is ideal if you have a set budget and want to see how designers can interpret your prompt.
Design contest sites:
- 99designs
- Designcrowd
- DesignHill
- Logo My Way
- Hatchwise
3. Agencies
You can expect expert visual communication designers to be part of agencies. After all, agencies ensure they provide excellent work to clients. However, agencies charge higher rates than other services. You can rely on their strategy and process to make your business stand out. Make sure that you can allot a large budget when working with agencies.
Agencies:
- Pentagram
- Landor
- Wolf Ollins
- Huge
- Firstborn
4. Graphic Design Companies
Graphic design companies or services are the middle ground between freelancers and agencies. Unlike freelancers, graphic design companies can provide you with services without worrying about hiring. Meanwhile, unlike agencies, graphic design companies are much more affordable. These companies work on subscription-based models or one-off designs. But you can save money in the long run with these companies, especially if you have a high design demand.
Graphic design companies:
- Design Pickle
- Penji
- Kimp
- Flocksy
- The Netmen Corp
