How does Graphic Design Fit into the Fashion Industry?

One of the most important aspects of both marketing and the identity of a brand.

Graphics include everything from typography to imagery. It can make or break the image of a brand and it's a chance for the brand to demonstrate its identity to the consumer, without even having to read anything, it can be the difference between a purchase and no purchase. This also plays a huge part in the magazine world, it communicates to the reader what kind of magazine they are about to read. For example, Vogue has a more classic, sophisticated font, it's simple but effective. This demonstrates the actual content of their magazine too as it involves fashion editorials and interviews with industry professionals and celebrities making it quite a broad theme but adored!

The impact of graphic design in magazines...

Graphic design is a visual language that allows the brand to communicate to the consumer about their values and brand personality. It gives the reader a good idea of the content of the magazine before even reading a page.

This form of graphic design may include logos, promotional content and the all round visuals of the magazine.

For example, I think Pop magazine achieves this very well. Just by taking a glance at their covers, you can get a sense of their brand personality:

Their 'POP' Logo gives off this colourful, playful vibe. Even down to the style of the cover editorial, it shows a youthful feel with the backward cap.

Other covers from 'POP' magazine are rather eye-catching and the model or celebrity in the image is usually doing a crazy facial expression or pose.

I think it's a very 80s-inspired magazine that is heavily credited by graphic designers. With issues like Vogue and Elle, there's a clear focus on the image and it is rather simplistic whereas 'POP' tend to feel free to experiment with each issue they publish.

How to become a graphic designer in the fashion industry...

Skills you will need:

Being creative is one of the most important things in this career. Brands will hire graphic designers who they believe will aid them in reaching the next step in their company. If your ideas tend to be a 'repeat', then you won't stand out to the brand and they may not give your portfolio a second thought.

Therefore, its important to be inspired by other work but not to re-do it.

Being inclined to use technology is an absolutely crucial skill in order to carry out next-level designs.

What does a day in the life of a graphic designer look like?

Discussing your ideas with clients and coming to an agreement of what you both want the graphics to be.

Working out deadlines and costs.

Making rough markings and sketches of what you and your client agreed would be the best outcome.

Creating the graphics.

Presenting them back to your client and receiving feedback as well as a talk about the steps forward.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

National Careers Service (n.d.). Graphic designer | Explore careers. [online] nationalcareers.service.gov.uk. Available at: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/graphic-designer.

‌Walton, W. (2023). The Impact of Graphic Design on Fashion Brands. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@willw_52301/the-impact-of-graphic-design-on-fashion-brands-f86af9e5b425.

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