7 Types Of Graphic Design: A Guide On How And When To Use Each

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Last updated April 10, 2025

7 Types Of Graphic Design: A Guide On How And When To Use Each

Graphic design offers a myriad of support for businesses looking to build a strong online presence. However, there are 7 types of graphic design that are more commonly used by many established brands. If you’re seeking to upgrade your marketing efforts, enhance your brand identity, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, read on to learn more.

How These Types of Graphic Design Help Businesses

Graphic design is more than just making your brand look good, it’s primarily about helping you communicate your vision and values better. Its main goals include making your business stand out and connecting with your target audience. Great design plays a significant role in your logo, website, product packaging, social media posts, and many other aspects. 
These types of graphic design can help your brand’s information easier to understand, your products to be more appealing, and for user experiences to be smoother. When you do graphic design right, it can help build trust, attract the right people, and ultimately grow your business.

Branding Packages

branding package types of graphic design

When to use it: You may need a branding package when launching a new product or service, rebranding an entire company, or aiming to create a consistent brand identity across all marketing platforms. It’s invaluable when you want your business to look polished and cohesive—whether online, in print, or in person. A typical branding package includes a logo, color palette, typography guidelines, brand voice, and other visual elements that ensure your brand is instantly recognizable and communicates the right message at every touchpoint.

Custom Illustration

custom illustration types of graphic design

When to use it: Brands are increasingly turning to custom illustrations to add personality and uniqueness to their marketing materials, websites, or products. They’re a great choice when you want to stand out or simplify complex ideas in a more engaging way. For instance, an educational app might use playful, custom visuals to break down complicated topics for users. A food delivery service might feature illustrated menu items to create a fun, approachable vibe on their site. Custom illustrations help reinforce your brand style while making content more memorable and visually appealing.

Website/App Designs

web/app ui/ux types of graphic design


When to use it: When launching a new website or app—or giving an existing one a refresh—businesses often invest in professional design to create a seamless, user-friendly experience. A well-designed interface not only looks good but also guides users smoothly through the platform. Designers focus on UX (user experience), UI (user interface), responsiveness across different screen sizes, and how well the design reflects your brand. This ensures the final product is both functional and visually aligned with your business identity.

Advertising Campaigns

ad campaigns types of graphic design


When to use it: Advertising campaigns are essential for promoting products, services, or brand messages. Whether you’re running print ads, digital banners, social media graphics, or video commercials, strong design helps capture attention and drive action. Each visual element is crafted to support a clear message, resonate with your target audience, and encourage them to engage—whether that means clicking, subscribing, or purchasing.

Packaging Design

packaging design types of graphic design


When to use it: Packaging design is key for any brand selling physical products. It’s not just about protecting the item; it’s also about standing out on shelves and catching the eye of potential customers. Effective packaging communicates your brand identity through labels, boxes, bags, or other containers, helping to differentiate your product from competitors and create an unforgettable first impression. Great design can turn a simple product into a memorable experience, encouraging customers to choose your brand.

Presentation Design

presentation types of graphic design


When to use it: Presentation design is essential for making a strong impression during internal meetings, client pitches, or industry conferences. Investing in professional design ensures your slides are visually engaging, easy to follow, and aligned with your brand’s identity. This can involve creating custom templates, selecting impactful images or graphics, and designing clear, organized layouts that highlight key information. Well-designed presentations help communicate your message effectively and keep your audience engaged throughout.

Animated Graphics

animated types of graphic design


When to use it: Animated graphics are perfect for grabbing attention and delivering messages in a dynamic, eye-catching way. They can be used across social media posts, website hero sections, email campaigns, and digital ads. For example, a clothing brand might use animated graphics to showcase its latest collection, making the post more engaging and interactive. A tech company could use animated infographics to break down complex product features, making them easier to understand on their landing page. These animations help capture your audience’s attention and convey your message in a bold, memorable way.

Get All of This & More with Penji

Whether you need eye-catching social media graphics, compelling advertisements, or cohesive branding materials, Penji has you covered with over 100 different design services. For businesses and agencies, having a 360-degree design strategy is essential. This ensures that every touchpoint is well-branded, helping customers recognize and trust your unique brand and what it offers.

With Penji, managing your design needs is simple and efficient. Just log into your dashboard and place a custom order whenever you need a design for any project. You can cancel or pause your service at any time, share in-progress designs with your team, and request revisions directly from your designer. Ready to get started? Watch a quick demo and see how it works.

About the author
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Brianna is a professional writer of 10+ years who specializes in branding, marketing, and technology content.

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