While it’s true that all designers share some similar design habits, it is also true there are many different realms of graphic design. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive list to profile the many “species” of graphic designers that include characteristics they have according to the industry they are serving.

So, which type are you, what do you identify as? This give you some perspective and the ability to more easily determine your specialty based on your personality and design traits.

1- “The Design Informants of Information Graphics”

Design Informants are meticulous, detail oriented people. When it comes to laying out information on the canvas, they have inherent organizational skills that one can always rely on. They are very complex and know how to present vital information visually to the target audience, whichever that might be. They always end up making the information more flexible and easy to read. Their color palette is usually matched with meanings or codes. Mostly, these designers are illustrators and genuinely believe that the weights of stroke marks can communicate ideas and feelings to the reader.

2- “The Public Designer of Publications”

These types of designer’s design for the public. Their work can be found within newspapers, books and magazines and circulated written documents. So, one wonders what’s their specialty? Words, words, words! which ultimately means typography; choosing the right fonts for an article. This kind of design involves a lot of body copy and the knowledge of print production processes is a must. DPI’s and CMYK’s are their allies. Their greatest skills are kerning and leading.

3- “The Visual Sellers of Advertisements”

The Visual Sellers aid their clients in selling a product, service, and/or event as part of the job description. They may vary in their talent by designing for ads that are placed indoors, in publications, outdoors and in digital forms all over. Their realm of designing ultimately lets them utilize the trio software’s including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Depending on what their client wants, they may do their own illustrations, photo manipulation and layout/composition and not always rely on others. Their knowledge of typography can range in size, especially when designing for the outdoors. Visual Sellers know how to market their ads. They are excellent marketers and know how to sell the client’s product/service without speaking a word to the consumer.

4- “The 3-Designers of Package Design”

Those involved in package design have a far more intricate level of design because they always must think inside and outside the box all at the same time! They design according to shape of the product, and therefore the box as well. They are required to design on the computer and make mock-ups to view the design at all angles. Bar codes and nutrition facts are their best friends. Their weapon of choice can vary from a mouse, a Wacom tablet and Adobe Illustrator. The 3D designers have must be aware of the color of the product, especially if it’s a food placed within a transparent container. The packaging should not only represent the brand’s colors, but also not clash with the color of the food/product.

5- “The Webster’s of Web Design”

Along with designing a clean design, web designers must have the knowledge of and should enjoy dealing with code. Websites are meant to inform the target audience and entice interaction, which is why they must make their designs functional. Navigation and order is essential to their design. Photoshop and Illustrator are their main sources of workspace. They speak in RGB and think in pixels.

6- “The Simple Branders”

Brand designers love identifying their client and then deigning according to what their client wants. They like taking designated colors and logos and expand their reach to stationary and marketing materials, eventually creating a presence for their clients. They take extra care in the consideration of the positive and negative areas and believe that minimalism is the best solution to just about any design related problem. They can be often seen chanting the “less is more” motto.

And, they also have the most intricate creative processes. It’s a reality that the development of logos involves a lot of sketching and experimentation. Their client’s Graphic Standards Manual is their BIBLE, which they religiously follow no matter what, at all times. Color theory and symbolism are their assistants in creating a logo and brand. Adobe Illustrator is their forte.

Although there are a lot of separate categories and specialties within the graphic design industry, one thing all designers must do is master the trait of having an eye for design. Even though we all have our differences, making us all unique in our own might. All graphic designers (no matter shape or size) share the same passion: to communicate visually!