Graphic design and Web designing have a few similarities yet they are different in specification. They both use creativity and combine artistry and text to communicate the message. Both require a good understanding of typography, graphics, and the principles of design.
However, there are 5 differences that can give you an idea on which career to choose:
1. Web design is dynamic medium
Graphic designing is designing print base with typos and image. The design is a form of art whether it is a print advertisement or a children’s book, it is used to communicate a message or to tell a story. The print or digital graphic design needs to have a logic and flow with artistic combination of images, text and other graphics.
Web designing is using design to visually represent a web site. It focuses to create an interactive platform by using visual elements like illustrations and iconography to give a good user experience. They design navigational elements, action buttons and other interactive elements to enhance user’s experience.
2. Web designers have to consider load times and file sizes
Huge file sizes are nightmare for the web designers. They have to optimize a file so that they are small enough to load quickly on all devices. Images, motion graphics, animations, and other graphics elements need to be visually effective and have clarity.
Graphic designers may have to consider file size only when they have to design a huge promotional banner.
3. Graphic designers have less to worry about typography
Graphic designers can use the various kinds of fonts and not worry about how it gets displayed whereas web designers have to consider how the text will display on different devices and browsers.
Web designers have to use CSS files to include various types of fonts, so they can get creative using the Adobe Typekit and Google Fonts for broader typography palette for variation.
4. Web designers should consider application of their design
Graphic designers create a design according to specification. They use tools like Pixlr, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator etc.
Web designers should not only create design but also should consider the application of their design for various medium and integrate into the website. They should also consider all the possible ways a site will be displayed and maintaining the quality of design. They use the tools like Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Bootstrap, Azure etc.
5. Web designers have to maintain the continuous service
Graphic designer’s creation will complete after the design is approved and submitted. They do not provide additional support for further maintenance or service.
Web designer’s creation needs to be updated periodically. Just like city planners, web designers need to adjust to the changes and accommodate the additional structure. They need to consider the functionality and usability of their design and be responsible for upkeep and service.
