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Key Takeaways
- If your project involves visuals like logos, ads, or branding assets, hire a graphic designer. If you’re building or improving a website’s layout and user experience, you need a web designer.
- Graphic designers focus on static visuals and brand storytelling, while web designers create interactive, user-friendly websites that work across devices.
- You can outsource design work, bring in freelancers, or hire full-time at a sustainable cost by looking beyond the US—making top-tier design talent accessible for any budget.
Websites aren’t just about looking good. They also need to work smoothly. And that’s where the graphic design vs. web design confusion starts setting in. Websites have a lot of moving parts, and if you’re not clear on who does what, it’s easy to hire the wrong person for the job.
A common mistake is expecting one person to do it all. You might end up with a website that looks absolutely spectacular, but it won’t work on a mobile device. You could get a site that is optimized perfectly but looks like it’s from the days of Netscape Navigator.
In this guide, we’re clearing up the confusion. You will learn exactly what each role brings to the table and how to decide who you actually need. When you get this right, your design projects move faster, your team communicates better, and your final product looks and functions just the way it should.
What Do Graphic Designers Do?
Graphic designers are visual problem solvers. They take ideas and turn them into something people instantly understand and remember. Think logos, packaging, ads, social media graphics, pitch decks, and branding guides. If it’s static and represents your business visually, it probably started with hiring a graphic designer.
Their strength lies in visual storytelling. A great designer knows how to use color, typography, and layout to send the right message, without saying a single word. They’re the people who make your brand recognizable, whether it’s on a billboard, a ad, or the side of a coffee cup.
Despite the trend of using AI generative image tools (which just can’t seem to get it right yet), graphic designers are still in demand.
What Do Web Designers Do?
It’s no secret that users are drawn to visually appealing websites. In fact, Adobe found that two-thirds of users prefer spending their time on a website that is “beautifully designed” rather than simple and plain.
Web designers create websites that are easy to navigate, visually engaging, and optimized for every device. Their focus isn’t just on how things look, but on how users interact with a site, how fast it loads, and how well it performs.
They blend creative and technical skills. They think about layout, color, and branding the same way a graphic designer does, but they also deal with structure, navigation, and user interactions. Web designers map out the user journey, structure content for clarity, and apply responsive design principles so your site works seamlessly on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Some web designers work primarily with tools like Figma or Adobe XD to create mockups and hand them off to developers. Others are skilled in no-code or low-code platforms like Webflow or WordPress. A few may write HTML and CSS, but most modern teams pair web designers with front-end developers to turn designs into live websites.
If your website isn’t pulling its weight or if you’re starting from scratch, it might be time to hire a web designer to get things moving in the right direction. Choosing someone with the right mix of skills can mean the difference between a site that visitors click away from and one they stick with.
Graphic Design vs Web Design: 7 Key Differences to Consider
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between graphic design and web design:
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Similarities between graphic designers and web designers
While graphic designers and web designers have distinct roles, there are plenty of areas where their work overlaps. Both are visually focused and need a deep understanding of design principles like color theory, typography, and layout.
For example, a web designer might need a graphic designer’s branding assets, like logos and imagery, to create a cohesive digital experience. Both roles can influence the user experience, although web designers tend to focus more on interactivity and usability.
The tools used by both types of designers reflect their respective focuses. Graphic designers rely heavily on software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create stunning visuals. Meanwhile, web designers focus on how a website looks and feels, often working with design tools like Figma or Sketch. While some have basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, they typically collaborate with developers who use those languages—along with JavaScript—to bring the site to life.
When to Hire a Graphic Designer vs. a Web Designer
Knowing when to hire a graphic designer versus a web designer can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Here’s when each role shines.
Hire a graphic designer when:
- Launching or rebranding a business: Graphic designers are experts in crafting visual identities, from logos to complete branding systems.
- You need marketing materials: Flyers, posters, brochures, and even business cards all fall under a graphic designer’s domain.
- You’re focusing on logos or visual identity: If your goal is to create a unique, memorable brand look, a graphic designer is the one you need.
Hire a web designer when:
- Building or redesigning a website: Web designers focus on creating functional and visually appealing websites. Whether you’re starting from scratch or overhauling an old site, they’re key to making your site user-friendly and modern.
- Improving usability or conversion rates: If your website isn’t converting visitors, it might be time to hire a web designer to improve the user experience (UX) and make navigation smoother.
- Developing mobile-optimized designs: In a world where mobile apps and browsing dominate, web designers make sure your site works seamlessly across all devices.
While their roles are distinct, their work often intersects—especially on brand-driven digital projects where cohesive visuals and seamless user experience are both essential.
Hiring Design Talent: Full-Time, Freelance, or Outsourced?
Most businesses don’t need full-time graphic or web design help every day. Design needs tend to spike around specific projects—like a rebrand, product launch, or website overhaul. That’s why many companies choose to outsource these roles or bring in freelancers as needed.
But if you do need consistent support, hiring full-time doesn’t have to be out of reach. Looking beyond the US opens up access to highly skilled designers in regions where the cost of living—and salary expectations—are lower.
That means you can often afford experienced, dedicated professionals without stretching your budget. It’s a smart way to bring great design in-house, even if you’re a startup or mid-sized company.
Final Thoughts
When deciding which designer you need, carefully consider your project’s goals. If you’re building a new brand or marketing materials, a graphic designer is likely the right choice.
If your priority is designing or optimizing a website, a web designer is the way to go.
At Near, we help businesses find and hire top remote web designers and graphic designers from Latin America. It’s a cost-effective way to get high-quality work without compromising on skill or reliability.
If your next project calls for a graphic designer, start with our guide on how to hire a graphic designer remotely. Need a web designer instead? We’ve laid out the platforms and key steps to help you hire with confidence.
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