The influx of users on social media has brought easier access of knowledge and information. On social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook users can read headlines and captions, however graphics are also an important way to communicate visual messages. Using professional graphic designer can become a part of the creative content building process in which everyday influencers can entertain each other instead of leaving that up to specialists such as magazines and newspapers. Sharing information through meaningful imagery can engage your target audience, especially on visual platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr. Using graphic design to add quality to your social media account could influence your followers and create long-lasting impressions. In this article we’ll share both the pros and cons of using graphic design on social media.
Social media enforces a short attention span because it is fast pace, so we need beautiful graphics to catch our attention and cause us to pause on a post. According to a report from Microsoft Canada, the attention span of an average consumer on social media has reduced from 12 seconds in the year 2000 to 8 seconds in 2015. Graphic design can grab the viewer’s attention better than an advantage cell phone photo because it’s artistry helps the image stand out. However, you also run the risk of inspiring someone that might copy your graphics. It’s way easier to copy and change branding such as fonts and colors on graphic design than to re-create a photo and get away with calling the idea your own.
I don’t like the idea of something being pure. It means we have to be perfect, I don’t want to be perfect.
– Angelique Kidjo: Beninese singer-songwriter, actress and activist
Due to the expansive nature of technology, many users have access to a camera on their smartphones, however as of this post, graphic design is a niche tool that only specialists can offer to help images stand out from the masses. Using graphic design can be innovate, however it’s also time-consuming. The size, imagery, details, and the target market should always be considered when it comes to making an effective post on social media.
Graphic design will always have a role to play with social media. It helps users boost relationships and improve the appearance of professionalism. Stay abreast of changes and consider using graphic design to help you stand out from the rest.