In the world of digital design, two job titles often confuse beginners: Visual Designer vs Graphic Designer. While both roles involve creativity and design skills, their responsibilities, tools, and goals are different.
If you’re planning a career in design or want to hire a designer, you might ask:
“Visual Designer vs Graphic Designer — which one should I choose?”
This article breaks down everything in simple terms, perfect for non-native English speakers or beginner designers. You’ll learn the differences, similarities, career paths, required skills, and how to pick the proper role for your future.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Graphic Designer?
A graphic designer’s main role is to bring ideas to life by creating visuals that people can easily understand. They work on both print and digital content, using things like layout, color, and fonts to share messages clearly.
Main Responsibilities:
- Designing logos, brochures, business cards
- Creating ads, flyers, posters, and banners
- Making social media graphics
- Designing packaging
- Choosing fonts, colors, and layout for print or web
Tools Used:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Canva
- InDesign
Goal:
To communicate a message clearly through visuals, often for marketing or branding purposes.
What Is a Visual Designer?
A visual designer works on more advanced, digital-first projects. They combine graphic design, user interface (UI) design, and branding.
Main Responsibilities:
- Designing websites, apps, and digital products
- Creating user-friendly interfaces
- Maintaining brand consistency across platforms
- Working with developers to improve UI
Tools Used:
- Figma
- Sketch
- Adobe XD
- Photoshop and Illustrator (sometimes)
Goal:
To enhance the user experience with appealing and functional visual elements across digital interfaces.
Visual Designer vs Graphic Designer: Key Differences
Let’s break it down side-by-side to make it easy to understand:
FeatureGraphic DesignerVisual Designer
Focus on Print and digital content Digital interfaces (web/apps)
Output Logos, flyers, posters, ads, Websites, apps, dashboards
Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD
User Experience Not a primary focus Strong focus
Collaboration Works with marketers and clients Works with UX designers and developers.
Skill Level Entry to mid-level Often more technical and strategic
Similarities Between Visual and Graphic Designers
Despite the differences, both roles share some common skills and goals.
- Both use design principles like balance, contrast, and alignment.
- Both work with typography, color, and imagery.
- Both contribute to brand identity.
- Both need creativity and attention to detail.
Which Career Is Right for You?
Choosing between a visual designer and a graphic designer depends on your interests and career goals.
Choose Graphic Design If:
✅ You love print design or marketing
✅ You enjoy making posters, logos, and ads
✅ You want to work in advertising or branding
✅ You’re starting your career and want to learn core design skills
Choose Visual Design If:
✅ You like designing for websites, apps, or software
✅ You want to focus on digital user experiences
✅ You’re comfortable using design tools like Figma or Sketch
✅ You want to work closely with developers or UI/UX teams
Career Opportunities and Salary
Graphic Designer Career Options:
- Branding Designer
- Marketing Designer
- Packaging Designer
- Social Media Designer
- Print Designer
Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 (based on country and experience)
Visual Designer Career Options:
- UI Designer
- Web Designer
- Product Designer
- Mobile App Designer
- Creative Lead
Average Salary: $60,000 – $90,000 (can be higher in tech companies)
Skills You Need to Succeed
Essential Skills for Graphic Designers:
- Layout design
- Typography
- Color theory
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Creative thinking
Essential Skills for Visual Designers:
- UI design and wireframing
- Responsive design
- Figma or Sketch
- Brand design for digital platforms
- Communication with developers
Education & Learning Paths
You don’t always need a college degree, but learning from the right sources is essential.
For Graphic Designers:
- Take online courses (Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare)
- Practice by redesigning real-world items
- Build a print and digital portfolio
For Visual Designers:
- Learn UI/UX basics
- Practice with Figma and Adobe XD
- Build a digital design portfolio (web, app UI, etc.)
Design Trends to Follow in 2025
Staying updated with trends can help you grow in either role.
- Bold typography
- Minimalist design
- Dark mode UI
- 3D graphics on the web
- Motion design & micro-interactions
Combining Skills: Be a Hybrid Designer
Some companies prefer designers who can do both print and digital. These designers are called hybrid designers.
They can:
- Design logos and websites
- Create business cards and UI mockups
- Work across teams (marketing, dev, UX)
Being a hybrid designer can increase your job chances and salary.
Freelancing as a Designer
Both visual and graphic designers can work as freelancers. Here’s how:
Where to Find Clients:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Behance
- Dribbble
Tips to Get Clients:
- Create a strong portfolio
- Offer fixed-price packages
- Respond quickly and professionally
- Ask for client reviews
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Visual Designer vs Graphic Designer in the Job Market
Who’s in Demand More?
- In print-heavy industries (magazines, packaging), graphic designers are needed.
- In tech companies, startups, and software firms, visual designers are preferred.
Can You Switch from One to the Other?
Yes! Many graphic designers upgrade their skills and become visual designers by learning digital tools and UX principles.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a visual designer and a graphic designer is important whether you’re choosing a career or hiring for a project.
Graphic designers are great for visual storytelling, branding, and marketing materials.
Visual designers create user-friendly, digital-first designs that enhance user experiences.
Both roles are essential in today’s creative economy. The best choice depends on your goals, skills, and what you enjoy doing.
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FAQs About Visual Designer vs Graphic Designer
Q1. What is the main difference between a visual designer and a graphic designer?
Graphic designers focus on visual content for print and marketing, while visual designers create digital designs for websites and apps.
Q2. Do visual designers earn more than graphic designers?
Yes, visual designers often earn more because their work involves digital strategy, UI, and technical skills.
Q3. Can I be both a visual and graphic designer?
Yes. Many professionals learn both skill sets to become hybrid designers.
Q4. Is UI/UX part of visual design?
Yes, visual design is closely related to UI design. It improves how users interact with digital products.
Q5. Which role is better for remote work?
Both roles can work remotely, but visual designers may have more digital-based job offers in remote tech roles.