With so many worries in the world and the ongoing advent of COVID-19, many people across many industries have been asking about the future of graphic design. First things first; graphic designers were needed many years ago, still needed today and will be needed for many years to come across all industries.

For most of us, we are inundated from the moment we wake up and check our phone notifications, emails, apps, and news with information from magazines, social media and more. As an evolving human race, our attention spans are getting shorter because of it. To capture customers attention for a few seconds, companies have had to adapt their marketing efforts. This is where the role of a graphic designer comes into play, images are the perfect solution to capture a customer’s attention. Images have the power to communicate complex messages much faster than words can. Graphic designers can help your business successfully transition into a new era of concise and high-speed communication.

GRAPHIC DESIGN IS THE FUTURE

Robots and automation systems can take over our day-to-day responsibilities, but graphic design is protected to a large extent, as it requires human input. Learning how to develop apps, web design, or designing the latest advertisements requires human input on the colours used, the typography for the design, or the branding ideas is something that a machine could never do. In a way with an in-house or an outsourced graphic design team, a company will be future-proofing their business decades to come.

Graphic design is creative and required human-led intelligence and ideas to respond to trends, style and thinking out of the box from what has already been done before. We here at Apple Print & Creative continue to remain at the forefront of recruiting and retaining highly skilled graphic designers in the company.

We here at Apple Print & Creative estimate that with the competitive rise in online businesses and the digitalisation of the world, more graphic designers will be needed more than ever. In our opinion, the evolution of graphic design seems to be largely connected with the growing focus on user experience. Designs will become more personalised and interactive as time goes on.

The future of graphic design will be elevated to new heights by integrating with Augmented Reality (AR) and eventually with 3D printing. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences allow people to be fully immersed in the experience whether it’s for occupational purposes, educational or recreational. Graphic designers will oversee designing these spaces for people to join.

THE FUTURE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

Here is what our AP&C graphic design team had to say…

Jannel: What originally made you want to become a graphic designer?

Jo: “Print is something that’s always been around in my life. My Mum ran the local school’s reprographic department, and I remember summer holidays helping collate school diaries! I’ve always enjoyed finding ways to present information and understand how people look at information. I found what I really love is being able to help people visually represent their message. Also getting creative with print material and creating a piece of print that’s out of the ordinary!”

Chris: “I always had a keen eye for art & design from a young age and particularly enjoyed product design during my school years. Unfortunately, graphic design wasn’t a subject choice at both GCSE & A-Level so after gaining these qualifications in product design, I decided to take a foundation course in Graphic Design which then led onto the organic path of doing a graphic design course at the University of Westminster before landing my first design role.” 

Jannel: How would you describe your approach to design?

Jo: “I always try to take a methodical approach. Design is about creating a clear message, so it’s important to understand what that is and how it’s going to be communicated. Understanding the client and their needs are also super important, so I try to take that all into consideration before throwing things on a page.”

Chris: “First and foremost, it’s important to understand the client’s needs, who is the target audience and what the design needs to communicate. This then creates a basis to develop concepts and ideas which in turn evolve to create the outcome.”

Jannel: What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on the most?

Jo: “I love a project that involved a bit of everything. Being able to design a range of materials that all worked together seamlessly to create a fun user journey is always good. Knowing that a unique piece of print work will be landing on someone’s doorstep or desk taking them through to a website and follow up emails and social that all work together is a nice feeling! I also love pushing the boundaries with print technology such as heat reveals, interesting folds or different paper stocks.”

Chris: “I particularly enjoy working on the more open briefs where a client put their trust in me to bring their ideas to life and thought processes to life. It’s particularly rewarding to see a design right through from the initial design to the final product and know you’ve put your own stamp on it.”   

Jannel: In your opinion, what makes a winning graphic design for a company?

Jo: “Trends in design are consistently changing, so I don’t think there’s one style that makes a winning design. But when a company has a look that works through all the communications, whether social media, printed brochures, office branding, and create a recognisable brand, that’s what makes a design a winner.”

Chris: “To me, successful design is a simple one. It should be innovative and evoke a positive response from the user. Design should be eye-catching and portray the message in a clear and concise manner whilst not being afraid to push boundaries or challenge the norm!” 

Jannel: What future graphic design trends do you see becoming dominant from 2022 onwards?

Jo: “After the last couple of years, we’re all looking forward to a brighter time ahead, and I hope this is reflected in the world of designs. With brighter colours, bolder typography, and a more human focus look.”

Chris: “In all honesty, I try not to follow design trends too closely. I believe design gives the opportunity to show uniqueness and individuality so I prefer not to follow the latest fads which in a year’s time could be out-of-date. Plus, who wants all their designs to look the same. However, I’d say moving forward many brands are evolving to have a more playful nature, using bold colours and design styles whilst moving away from the corporate monotony. In my experience of working with some major brands, I feel this makes them more friendly and approachable which in my eyes can only be a good thing!”

So, there you have it, it is essential for every business, big or small to incorporate professional graphic designs across their business touch points. It is important to consider working with a professional graphic designer who can incorporate features such as logo design, responsive designs, and motion graphics in your design to boost your user experience. We here at Apple Print provide graphic design services, so if you are in need of help, please contact us through our contact form or give us a call to set up an appointment.