No website is complete without custom graphics.

Graphic design is basically visual problem solving using text and/or graphical elements. The aim is to create something that is pleasing to the eye, and gets the attention of the viewer. But things can't just look cool. They have to work as well. How effective is a great looking restaurant menu if you can't for the life of you find beverages, or it's hard to tell which price is for what?

So what do graphic designers actually do? Certainly most people can name at least a few things, but the graphic design spectrum is perhaps broader than you think. In short, designers create the distinctive elements that identify and separate your business from others, your company "branding".

Designs can be included in brochures, posters, magazine covers, magazine layouts, tickets, business cards, T-shirts, signs, logos, book layouts (typesetting), importing advertisements into a newspaper, website, cd cover, dvd interactivity elements, Internet banners, flash animation, web interfaces, Powerpoint presentations, and more. When your graphics are designed to fit your marketing campaign and are used consistently, your clients will always know when they see anything you publish.

About.com defines graphic design in this way:

"Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today's graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals."

Did you know?

Many of those who are in design are actually self-employed. 25% of graphic artists consider themselves self-employed or freelancers.