Graphic designers often identify as visual communicators, creatives, or brand storytellers, reflecting their diverse roles and skills.
Understanding the Terminology Graphic Designers Use
Graphic design is a vast and dynamic field. Those who work in it don’t just settle for the straightforward title of “graphic designer.” Instead, they often adopt terms that better capture their unique skills, specialties, or the nature of their work. This variety in self-identification helps clarify their professional identity both to clients and peers.
Many graphic designers call themselves visual communicators, emphasizing how they use images, typography, and layouts to convey messages effectively. This label reflects a broader understanding of design beyond mere decoration—it’s about storytelling through visuals. Others might prefer titles like brand strategist, creative director, or digital artist, depending on their specific expertise or role within a company.
This diversity in naming isn’t accidental. It highlights how graphic design intersects with marketing, technology, psychology, and art. The term “graphic designer” itself can feel limiting for some because it doesn’t fully capture the strategic thinking and creativity involved.
The Spectrum of Titles Graphic Designers Choose
Graphic designers have a wide array of titles they might use professionally. These titles often reflect their specialization or the industry they serve. Here’s a breakdown of some common alternatives:
This title underscores a designer’s role in crafting messages visually. It’s popular among those who work on campaigns, infographics, or information design where clarity and impact are key.
Brand designers focus on creating visual identities for companies or products. They develop logos, color schemes, typography systems—everything that builds a brand’s personality visually.
User Interface (UI) Designer
Specializing in digital products like apps and websites, UI designers craft interfaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
User Experience (UX) Designer
Though UX design overlaps with graphic design less directly, many graphic designers transition into this role because it involves designing user-friendly digital experiences.
This title is often held by senior designers who oversee creative projects from start to finish. They guide teams and ensure the final product aligns with the client’s vision.
Digital Artist / Illustrator
Some graphic designers lean heavily into illustration or digital art, creating custom visuals that support branding or storytelling efforts.
The choice among these titles depends largely on what aspect of graphic design resonates most with an individual’s skills and interests.
The Impact of Self-Identification on Career Development
How graphic designers label themselves can significantly affect their career trajectory. A well-chosen title can open doors to specific industries or roles while clarifying one’s expertise to potential clients or employers.
For example, calling oneself a brand strategist might attract businesses looking for someone to develop cohesive brand identities rather than just create standalone graphics. Meanwhile, identifying as a UI designer signals proficiency in digital interfaces—a hot skill in today’s tech-driven market.
Moreover, self-identification influences networking opportunities. Attending conferences or joining online communities tailored to your specific title helps build relevant connections and keeps you updated on industry trends.
It also impacts how designers position themselves when freelancing. A freelancer calling themselves a “visual storyteller” might appeal more to clients seeking narrative-driven campaigns than someone who simply uses “graphic designer.”
The Evolution of Titles in Graphic Design History
The way graphic designers call themselves has shifted over time alongside changes in technology and industry demands. In the early days—think pre-digital era—“graphic artist” was a common term focusing mainly on print media like posters and magazines.
As computers became central tools for creatives during the 1980s and 1990s, “graphic designer” became dominant due to its broader applicability across print and digital platforms.
With the rise of web design in the 2000s came more specialized titles such as UI/UX designer or interaction designer. These roles required knowledge beyond traditional aesthetics—coding basics and user psychology became crucial.
Today’s graphic designers often blend multiple disciplines: motion graphics, animation, branding strategies—all wrapped under creative titles that reflect this hybrid skill set. This evolution shows how flexible self-identification must be to keep pace with industry innovation.
The Role of Personal Branding in Choosing Titles
Personal branding plays a huge role when deciding what graphic designers call themselves. Your professional title is part of your brand identity—it shapes first impressions before anyone sees your portfolio or meets you.
A strong personal brand requires clarity about what you do best and how you want others to perceive you professionally. For instance:
- If you’re passionate about storytelling through visuals: “Visual storyteller” might suit you.
- If you excel at crafting sleek digital interfaces: “UI/UX designer” sends a clear message.
- If your strength lies in conceptualizing entire campaigns: “Creative director” signals leadership.
Choosing an appropriate title also helps align your online presence—LinkedIn profiles, personal websites—with your career goals. Consistency here builds trust with clients and collaborators alike.
A Closer Look: Common Titles Compared in Graphic Design
To better understand how these titles relate to each other in terms of responsibilities, skills required, and typical industries served, here’s a detailed comparison:
| Title | Main Responsibilities | Typical Industries/Clients |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | Create visual concepts for print/digital; layout design; branding elements. | Advertising agencies; publishing; corporate marketing. |
| User Interface (UI) Designer | Design interactive elements for websites/apps; focus on usability & aesthetics. | Tech startups; software companies; e-commerce platforms. |
| Brand Designer | Create logos & brand guidelines; develop cohesive visual identities. | Corporate brands; non-profits; product launches. |
| Creative Director | Lead creative projects; manage teams; ensure brand consistency. | Advertising agencies; media companies; large corporations. |
| User Experience (UX) Designer | Research & design user journeys; improve product usability & satisfaction. | Digital product firms; app developers; service providers. |
This table highlights how each title carries distinct expectations but shares overlapping skills such as creativity, communication, and technical proficiency.
The Influence of Freelancing on How Designers Identify Themselves
Freelancers have even more flexibility when choosing what to call themselves because they tailor services directly toward client needs. Many freelancers combine multiple roles under one umbrella title—for example: “Freelance Visual Designer & Brand Consultant.”
This approach allows them to showcase versatility while attracting diverse projects—from logo creation to social media campaigns.
However, freelancers must strike a balance between being broad enough to appeal widely but specific enough not to confuse potential clients about their core expertise.
Some freelancers opt for niche titles like “Packaging Designer” if they specialize exclusively in product packaging graphics—a clever way to stand out in crowded markets where generalist “graphic designer” might get lost.
The Role of Education Versus Experience in Title Selection
Educational background influences how graphic designers label themselves too. Graduates from specialized programs may prefer precise terms that reflect their training—like “Motion Graphics Artist” if they studied animation extensively—or “Interaction Designer” if focused on human-computer interaction courses.
Meanwhile, self-taught professionals often lean toward broader terms such as “Freelance Graphic Designer” until gaining enough experience or niche expertise to refine their title further.
Experience also shapes this choice significantly: after years working across various projects or industries, many designers evolve their professional identity by adopting new titles reflecting acquired skills or leadership responsibilities gained over time.
The Importance of Clarity When Choosing Your Title as a Graphic Designer
Clear communication begins with clarity about who you are professionally—and your chosen title says it loudest at first glance. Ambiguous or overly complicated titles risk confusing clients who want quick understanding before committing resources or trust.
Simple yet descriptive titles tend to perform best commercially because potential employers or clients immediately grasp what services are offered without needing lengthy explanations upfront.
For instance:
- Avoid: “Visual Solutions Architect” (too vague)
- Prefer: “Brand Identity Designer” (clear & focused)
Clarity also aids searchability online—important when people hunt for services via Google or LinkedIn searches using keywords aligned with job functions rather than abstract phrases.
Ultimately though: authenticity matters most. Choose titles that honestly represent your strengths while resonating with your target audience’s expectations.
Key Takeaways: What Do Graphic Designers Call Themselves?
➤ Graphic designers create visual content for communication.
➤ Visual artists emphasize creativity and artistic skills.
➤ Brand strategists focus on brand identity and messaging.
➤ UX/UI designers specialize in user experience design.
➤ Creative directors lead design projects and teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Graphic Designers Call Themselves in the Industry?
Graphic designers often refer to themselves as visual communicators, emphasizing their role in conveying messages through imagery and design. This broader term highlights the storytelling aspect of their work beyond just creating visuals.
Why Do Some Graphic Designers Avoid the Title “Graphic Designer”?
Many graphic designers find the traditional title limiting because it doesn’t fully represent their strategic thinking and creativity. They prefer titles that reflect their specific skills or roles, such as brand strategist or creative director.
What Alternative Titles Do Graphic Designers Use for Their Specialties?
Depending on their focus, graphic designers might call themselves brand designers, UI designers, or digital artists. These titles showcase their expertise in areas like branding, user interfaces, or illustration.
How Does Calling Themselves Visual Communicators Benefit Graphic Designers?
Identifying as visual communicators helps graphic designers clarify their professional identity to clients and peers. It emphasizes their ability to use typography, images, and layouts to create meaningful messages.
Do Senior Graphic Designers Use Different Titles Than Entry-Level Designers?
Yes, senior graphic designers often adopt titles like creative director to reflect their leadership role. They oversee projects and guide teams to ensure that the final design aligns with a client’s vision and goals.