Choosing a Designer
Do I Need a Graphic Designer or a Web Designer?
Graphic design and web design are related but different disciplines. Here is how to work out which one your project actually needs.
Published 18 June 20265 min read
What graphic design actually means
Graphic design covers the visual communication elements of a business: logos, brand identity, print materials, social graphics, campaign artwork, packaging support, posters, brochures, event materials and digital assets for marketing. A graphic designer works in tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, producing files that work across both print and digital contexts. The emphasis is on communicating a message or identity through layout, colour, typography and imagery.
What web design actually means
Web design focuses on the design and build of websites — how they look, how they work and how users move through them. A web designer produces layouts for pages, decides how content is structured and considers how the site performs across devices. Some web designers only design (producing visual layouts), while others also build (writing HTML, CSS, JavaScript or working in platforms like WordPress, Shopify or Webflow). The distinction between web designer and web developer matters when you are hiring.
When do you need one versus the other?
If you need a logo, brand identity, print materials, social graphics or campaign artwork — that is graphic design. If you need a new website built, an existing site redesigned or page layouts updated — that is web design. If you need both — brand identity and a matching website — you may need someone who covers both disciplines, or two specialists working in coordination. The most common mistake is hiring a web designer expecting brand identity work, or hiring a graphic designer expecting a functioning website.
Does it matter if one person does both?
For small businesses, a designer with solid experience across both graphic design and web design is often the more practical option. It means your brand identity and website are developed together with consistent visual decisions applied across both, without the coordination overhead of briefing two separate people. The key is to check the portfolio carefully — can they show you both strong print and brand work, and well-built websites? The two disciplines require different skills and not every designer excels at both.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a graphic designer and a web designer?
- A graphic designer creates visual assets for print and digital marketing — logos, brand identity, printed materials, social graphics and campaigns. A web designer designs websites — planning page layouts, visual hierarchy and user experience for screens and mobile devices. Some designers work across both, but the core focus of each discipline is different.
- Can one person do both graphic design and web design?
- Yes, many senior designers work across both disciplines. For small businesses in particular, having one experienced designer handle brand identity, print materials and website design often produces a more consistent result and requires less coordination overhead. Always review the portfolio to confirm they can show strong work in both areas.
Work with Ross
Need help with design, websites or branding?
Ross Boag provides freelance graphic design, web design, brand design, print artwork, motion graphics and monthly creative support for businesses across Glasgow, Scotland and the UK.