10 Common Misconceptions About Graphic Design

Graphic design has come a long way and is an ever-evolving art form. The more it evolves, the more myths appear around it. There are common misconceptions about graphic design that many designers and non-designers believe even today! They may discredit design value, so are better to be busted.

Why graphic design is often being misunderstood?

The term was first introduced by a famed typographer, illustrator, and book designer William A. Dwiggins in the early 20th century. Dwiggins is the most noted for coining the term ‘Graphic Designer’ back in 1922 which he used in reference to his works and design work style.

And the concept of graphic design has grown and changed a lot since the term first appeared in the 1920s. By the end of the 1950s, the term was widely used to describe the creation of visual materials such as posters, print ads, and user-friendly signage, etc. 

But as technology has changed over time, so has the application of graphic design. Now its use goes far beyond just printed materials, embracing the world of digital reality. With iterations of graphic design like this over the years, it’s no surprise that there are some serious mistakes as to what the term actually refers to. That is why it still remains much spoken and thus, heavily mystified. 

The greatest graphic design myths

The graphic design usage area has shifted a lot over the years and has evolved to match the changing technology and user behavior. And yet, these misconceptions still exist, which only spoils the reputation of this exquisite creative work. Let’s talk about the most common and incredible graphic design myths that need to be busted by a branded video production company once again.

Myth#1 Graphic design is all about branding

It’s common that a logo is the face of any brand that is designed for the target audience to interact with the brand through it. So it is definitely important that a professional graphic designer produces logos and is keen on branding.

Of course, logo branding is one of the important sections of professional graphic design. However, graphic design is about more than just creating designs of brand logos. Limiting logo design to the only thing that forms the basis of the whole graphic design industry is a big mistake.  

Today graphic design is the art of creating visual content to convey a specific message. Any message. This may be applied to a huge variety of media: be it posters, magazines, album covers, brand presentations, digital marketing infographic, etc.

Myth#2 Graphic design is all about fonts

The art of text layout is one of the key elements for creating a beautiful design. However, it’s not just about choosing a font that looks good. You have to think about what type of font is right to communicate your brand, values, and target audience, but typography isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to graphic design. 

It’s all about the interaction between text and other elements on the page, including images, graphics, shapes, lines, borders, and white space. To create a powerful design, they all need to work together in perfect synchronicity.

Myth#3 Graphics is for printed media only

So wrong! In the last decades, the world has been almost completely digitalized, the application of graphic design, in fact, is used more on digital platforms than on print media.

Website design, social media design, video design, email design, and more are just a few examples that can clearly debunk this graphic design myth. Whether it’s YouTube channel design, email headers, Facebook covers, or blog banners, every web or social media platform uses different graphic designs.

Myth#4 Graphic design has nothing to do with motions

Graphic design is no longer limited to regular images or graphics. And video continues to emerge as one of the most powerful advertising media out there. 

Animation and video are becoming an important part of the graphic design toolbox. This includes GIFs, graphics for YouTube videos, animated infographics, and social media ads with slideshows of images and graphics, etc.

Myth#5 Graphic design is all about creating 100% original designs

Uniqueness is important. It makes your brand stand out from the crowd and outrun the competitors. However, this does not mean that there’s a need to create designs from scratch each time you need typical visuals.

Even professional graphic designers create multiple templates to optimize the processes in case they have to create similar assets on a regular basis. It allows them to achieve consistency across all brand materials. That’s normal to use samples.

Myth#6 You don’t need to budget

In fact, this is one of the most misleading graphic design myths. Since graphic design, today has become an essential part of effective branding and marketing for any business, large or small, only experienced designers may understand the nuances and importance of using properly designed graphics. And this is already about the budget as they should be paid up.

Moreover, visuals today play a key role in creating a name for a brand and determine the success of a company, both on and off the digital platform. This is why it is also so important to create a graphic design budget for your business.

Myth#7 Graphic design is all about beautiful designs

One of the biggest common misconceptions about graphic design is that it simply makes things beautiful or aesthetically pleasing. However, this is not always the case.

The design challenge is not always to make the audience think, “Oh, this is beautiful!”

The beauty of the design is essentially a pillar that helps grab the attention of potential customers. Sometimes it shocks the viewer, makes them emotion, makes them think, or even makes them react & interact, etc.

Myth#8 Graphic design is all about following visual trends

Just like in product design, or any other creative industry, the trends in graphic design come and go quickly. In 2021, it was all about handwritten fonts, pastel colors, and textures or whiteboards. It’s more likely that 2022 will bring a new crop of visuals.

The job of graphic designers is to stay conscious but not become the slaves of changeable trends—all good what ends good.

Myth#9 You need to be talented to do graphic design

It’s common that the majority of graphic designers are people with a nice taste, and visual flair, which is why they gravitate towards this field. However, you don’t have to be a born creator to make up effective designs. Like any other activity, graphic design is a skill that can be mastered.

It’s not just about feeling or seeing something unique and magically bringing it to life. Graphic design is not only about art but about science. There is a method and technique for this that begins with an awareness of the various elements that make up a powerful and effective design. Talent is not a guarantee and you have to learn a lot to polish your skills.

Myth#10 Graphic designers know everything

The truth is that they are not prophets of your brand vision or business goals. It must be understood that for a design project to be successful, there must be utmost clarity between the designer and the client.

It is essential that you, as a client, be clear about your vision and expectations from collaboration. Providing a detailed brief and communication from both sides will provide a common vision of the concept, eliminate misunderstandings and increase chances for success with minimum iterations.

Along with these graphic severe design myths, some myths are just ridiculous but also need to be destroyed. These may include (but are not limited to): Graphic design being very EASY, Graphic design making your business strive and really fast, editing and fixing the design being a snap, or calling anyone with basic Photoshop skills or similar  – a professional designer, etc.

To Sum Up

Now you’ve reminded some of the most common graphic design myths. They have been around for a long time in the industry and must be debunked at all costs. While some may sound funny, all of these myths can have serious consequences if left unchecked by the clients before hiring the teams. Professionals may explain all the nuances to eliminate misconceptions of what does myth fulfill in graphic design.

You too have been a victim of some of these misconceptions until now? In that case, we hope you will learn to divide between reality and fiction in terms of designs and act according to your practical graphic design projects with exceptional realism.