Graphic Design: Who needs it?10 industries that need graphic design the most.
By Slavica Zlatar-Banika
Table of contents
Graphic Design: Who needs it?
→ 1. Beauty industry.
→ 2. Food + beverage industry.
→ 3. Luxury brands.
→ 4. Travel + hospitality.
→ 5. Luxury real estate.
→ 6. Art galleries.
→ 7. The performing arts.
→ 8. Elite education.
→ 9. Publishers. Authors.
→ 10. Entrepreneurs. Solopreneurs.
Who needs graphic design?
I find it funny that people sometimes forget everything we interact with is design.
Whether on purpose or by default. Someone — designed it.
The world — the universe itself — is a design. Created. By whom we can debate — but there is no denying it.
So, from the phone in your hand to the chair you sit on, to the clothes on your back — this blog — all of it.
Now, what about graphic design?
That, too, is sometimes ‘stealth’ in people’s lives. People aren’t always aware of it. It often goes unnoticed.
Yet, it is everywhere — on social media, signs, websites, packaging, and books. The list goes on.
Graphic design exists in every industry. And, for aesthetic industries, it’s crucial.
It is a game-changer in the luxury market, where expectations are high. It is a secret weapon.
Customers in these segments have high expectations. They want information — and seek inspiration.
Yes, graphic design is non-negotiable if you’re in one of the following industries.
So, read on.
1. The beauty industry.
www.drybar.com
In beauty and wellness, graphic design shapes the brand experience as much as the product.
Graphic design captures the imagination and evokes dreams and aspirations.
It makes the experience enjoyable and uplifting. Without it, the beauty industry would lose a lot of its magic.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Cosmetic brands
• Salons + spas
• Beauty product retailers
• Hair salons
• Nail salons
• Makeup artists
• Skincare clinics
• Beauty studios
• Fashion + beauty magazines
• Beauty influencers
• Fragrance brands
• Wellness brands
• Anti-aging + aesthetic clinics
Graphic design essentials for the beauty industry:
• Branding
• Logos
• Identity
• Packaging
• On-product graphics
• E-commerce support
• Website design
• Social media content
• Signage
Brand examples.
MAC Cosmetics. Edgy, vibrant packaging, showcasing a commitment to creativity and self-expression.
Drybar. This popular salon chain radiates fun with playful graphic design. The result — a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for clients.
Aman. Famed for luxury spas, it now ventures into lifestyle products with bath, skincare, and clothing lines. Graphic design holds it all together.
2. Food and beverage industry.
Detail from the campaign for Pusateri’s and Chuck Hughes.
Graphic design adds to the allure here. It’s similar to the chef plating his masterpiece.
The food is more enjoyable because of the artistic presentation. Graphic design serves a similar purpose.
Branding, menus, and packaging all work to enrich the gastronomic journey.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Fast food chains
• Coffee shops and cafés
• Bakeries and pastry shops
• Food trucks
• Breweries and distilleries
• Wineries
• Celeb chefs
• Catering services
• Beverage brands
• Specialty food retailers
Graphic design essentials for the food and beverage industry:
• Branding
• Menu
• Packaging
• Packaging
• E-commerce support
• Website design
• Social media content
• Signage
Brand examples.
Per Se. Elegant typography and high-quality imagery showcase the culinary offerings.
Louis XIII Cognac. Louis XIII Cognac employs intricate packaging design. High-quality graphics in promotional campaigns, maintain an aspirational and opulent brand image.
Pierre Hermé Paris. Pierre Hermé Paris uses graphic design for elegant pastry packaging. A stunning website, and printed materials convey its premium quality and uniqueness.
3. Luxury brands.
www.pucci.com
Luxury brands lean on graphic design to convey quality and prestige.
These deliverables are the tangible language of luxury.
Graphic designers become architects of aspiration.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Fashion houses
• Furniture brands
• Automobile brands
• Interior design firms
• Watch and jewellery brands
• Home décor brands
• Retailers
Graphic design essentials for luxury brands:
• Branding
• Logos
• Identity
• Packaging
• Signage
• Websites
• Videos
• Product graphics, patterns
Brand examples.
Tom Ford. This brand communicates modern elegance. And, quiet luxury.
Hermès. Hermès scarves tell unique stories with curated motifs and colours. They are iconic symbols of luxury.
Pucci. The Pucci brand uses vibrant patterns — on products and across all marketing. This creates a full 360-degree and distinctive brand experience.
4. Luxury travel + hospitality.
www.fourseasons.com
In luxury travel, graphic design helps tell the story and sell the dream.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Hotels and resorts
• Travel Agencies
• Private jet and yacht charter services
• Cruise lines
• Safari and adventure travel
• Bespoke travel experiences
• Airlines
Graphic design essentials for the luxury travel + hospitality industry:
• Branding
• Logos
• Identity
• Marketing materials
• Websites
• Signage
Brand examples.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Four Seasons’ graphic design showcases a sophisticated interplay of typography and imagery. Quiet luxury.
Emirates Airlines. Iconic logo, typography, and evocative images enhance the brand’s perception.
Ritz-Carlton. The graphic identity is synonymous with ‘old-money’ luxury and exceptional service.
5. Luxury real estate.
www.sothebysrealty.com
Graphic design is essential to differentiate from the competition in high-end real estate.
The clientele is affluent with a refined aesthetic, and — has high expectations.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Real estate developers
• Condo developers
• High-end real estate agencies
• Luxury vacation property developers
• Real estate investment firms
Graphic design essentials for luxury real estate:
• Identities
• Brochures
• Websites
• Marketing materials
• Signage
Brand examples.
Sotheby’s International Realty. Leverages the ‘old-money’ classic aesthetic built on trust, and heritage.
The Trump Organization. “The most globally recognized brand in luxury real estate, golf, hospitality, wine and entertainment.”
Christie’s International Real Estate. Christie’s has a luxury, classic vibe that evokes trust and stability.
6. Art.
www.moma.org
People who have a well-developed aesthetic sense love beauty and the arts.
They ‘take in’ design, art and culture regularly — so expectations are high.
Graphic designers can help target this demographic.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Contemporary art galleries
• Traditional art galleries
• Specialized galleries
• Public and private galleries
Graphic design essentials for the arts.
• Branding
• Logos
• Identity
• Websites
• Posters
• Catalogues
• Promotional materials
• Visual experiences
• Signage
Brand examples.
Gagosian Gallery. The Gagosian Gallery has striking exhibition designs. Bold and impactful graphic design contributes to the full experience.
Tate Modern. Tate Modern’s graphic elements create a modern and dynamic vibe. This aligns with its reputation as a cutting-edge art institution.
MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art leverages graphic design at every touchpoint — including the MoMA Design Store.
7. The performing arts.
www.cirquedusoleil.com
Graphic design in the performing arts helps excite audiences about the upcoming performance.
It also contributes to the overall experience.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Theatre Companies
• Dance Companies
• Opera Companies
• Circus and Acrobatics Shows
• Live Music Venues
• Music Ensembles and Orchestras
Graphic design essentials for the performing arts:
• Branding
• Logos
• Identity
• Posters
• Programs
• Environmental design, stage sets
• Signage
Brand examples.
Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil creates breathtaking performances. Each show possesses a distinct identity beyond the company’s logo.
The Royal Shakespeare Company. Captivating productions and a strong brand identity through graphic design.
New York City Ballet. NYC Ballet’s graphics make for a cool brand. The ballet’s dedication to modern art shines through.
8. Elite Education.
www.ocadu.ca
Graphic design shapes high-end education. It must inform and inspire.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Elite Private K-12 and Prep Schools
• Universities and Colleges
Graphic design essentials for elite education:
• Branding
• Logos
• Identity
• Course materials
• Information
Brand examples.
Harvard University. Harvard projects an image of academic excellence and tradition.
The Dalton School K-12. The school’s clean website design reflects a focus on clarity and simplicity in conveying information.
OCAD University. When I was at OCAD, I used to overhear passersbys love and/or hate on its architectural redesign. That iconic architecture is now core to its brand identity.
9. Publishers.
www.phaidon.com
‘Never judge a book by its cover’?
Publishers do and should. Graphic design is vital in all publishing.
Graphic design is essential for:
• Publishing Houses
• Authors
• Magazines
• Retailers
Graphic design essentials for publishing:
• Book covers
• Marketing
• Websites
Brand examples.
Penguin Books. The Penguin brand is easily recognizable and has a timeless appeal.
Vogue Magazine. The magazine covers feature bold typography, striking visuals, and artistic layouts that convey style and elegance.
Phaidon. Phaidon is known for its art and design publications. Commitment to quality is evident.
10. Entrepreneurs. Solopreneurs.
www.marieforleo.com
Entrepreneurs and solopreneurs thrive on visual distinction.
Graphic designers bring ideas to life, shaping powerful identities and driving success in a competitive landscape.
Graphic design is essential for:
• E-commerce entrepreneurs
• Coaching and mentoring
• Tech startups
• Youtubers
• Influencers
Brand examples.
Marie Forleo. Marie Forleo uses graphic design for a vibrant online presence, conveying her empowering brand message with clarity, extending to her books.
Pat Flynn. Pat Flynn has a cohesive, relatable brand. His messages are clear across his podcast, website, social media, and books.
Jordan Peterson. Dr. Peterson’s brand emphasizes a modern and intellectual aesthetic. Authentic to him at all touchpoints.
Conclusion.
In industries where aesthetics matter, the question of ‘Graphic Design: Who needs it?’ finds a resounding answer.
As architects of visual narratives, graphic designers breathe life into brands — with logos, packaging, branding, and websites.
Their creations elevate aesthetics and become instrumental in industry success.
Their deliverables, whether logos, packaging, branding, or websites, go beyond visual aesthetics — they are tangible keys, unlocking doors to success in realms where beauty is a language spoken fluently.