What is Visual Communication

Most of the time when I tell people I am a graphic designer, they get that deer in the headlights look. Their eyes sort of glaze over. They may nod in understanding, however, it is obvious that they really have no idea what graphic design is, or have only a vague recognition, much less see the need for hiring a graphic designer. I am here to tell you that, basically, graphic design is visual communication.

What is visual communication you ask? Graphic designers/artists use images to get a message across and evoke emotions to the viewer. Or as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Human beings remember images much better than words. Images tend to stick in our minds. This is the reason logos are so important. People may not remember your business name, but having an icon associated with it, can make it much easier for them to remember you and your business. There is also a better chance of people remembering your logo when you use it consistently and repeatedly throughout your marketing efforts.

The same goes for having a common business theme in all of your marketing material. People will be able to recognize your business before they even read the content. Think about some of the major businesses you know. What do their logos look like? What about their marketing materials, such as postcards, flyers, advertisements, etc.? You can probably recognize what company it is from, before you study it more closely. You know who they are, what they do, and what they stand for. You may even feel a certain way about them and their product or service, just at a glance. Used wisely, this marketing tool can help promote your business. This is the power of visual communication.