Summary of "15 Niches to Pursue in Graphic Design"

The video "15 Niches to Pursue in Graphic Design" explores a variety of graphic design niches, offering an overview of each niche’s characteristics, creative processes, recommended tools, and notable designers to follow for inspiration. It also provides resources for learning and developing skills in these areas.

1. General Graphic Design

Focus on foundational skills: typography, layout, color theory.
Career paths: freelance, in-house, agency, or studio work.
Advice: Being a versatile "jack of all trades" designer is valuable, though niching down can create specific opportunities.
Recommended designers: David Rudnick (acid graphics, Swiss style), Eric Hugh (typography), Gucci Maze (custom typography, Y2K style), Massimo Vignelli (classic design, grid systems), Saul Bass (movie posters), David Carson & Chris Ashworth (experimental typography).
Resources: Michael Beirut’s "How to" book, grid systems books, Skillshare, YouTube tutorials.

2. 3D Design

Combines traditional graphic design with 3D art.
Popular software: Blender (free), Cinema 4D.
Learning paths: online tutorials, animation/Visual Arts degrees.
Notable artists: Arch Fiend (abstract chrome shapes), Made by Yabra (character design), Japari & Obi (3D creatures + typography), Cadium (streetwear/hip-hop 3D art), Extra Wig (animated 3D human heads).
Resources: Ross Mason (Cinema 4D tutorials), Intranet Girl (Blender tutorials), Blender donut tutorial.

3. UI/UX Design

Focus on web and app design, user research, and psychology.
High demand and good pay, especially with remote work.
Tools: Figma (industry standard), bootcamps like General Assembly.
Recommended creators: Xander Whitehurst (bite-sized content), Frank Bach (product design insights), Tom I’m In (UI/UX content creator).
Resources: Book "Don’t Make Me Think," IDEO TED talks, LinkedIn for networking.

4. Type Foundry / Font Creation

Creating custom fonts and lettering for logos, titles, or commercial fonts.
Requires strong lettering skills and understanding of type design.
Designers to follow: James Edmondson (Oh No Type Co), New Form Type, Print Club (Sam Bledsoe), Daniel Schreier, Liam Maldonado.
Resources: Type specimen books, Jasmine’s font creation classes, typedesignschool.com.

5. Illustration

Artistic, hand-drawn or digital drawing skills.
Expands design opportunities into editorial, packaging, merchandise.
Designers to check: Samborghini, Antonio Ayalo (90s skate style), Paulina Almira (editorial), Dry Fists (imaginary creatures), Van Gogh (anime/streetwear style).
Resources: Digital art boot camps, Skillshare.

6. Album Art

Designing covers for music albums, often freelance.
Romanticized but sometimes low-paid niche.
Notable designers: Victor Hammerberg (Rosalia, Steve Lacy), Reid Miles (Blue Note), Dewey Saunders, Mahalo (Lil Yachty), Robert Beatty (psychedelic style).
Resources: Stones Throw label, Blue Note Records, Peter Saville’s iconic covers.

7. Music Industry Design (Merch, Posters)

Related but separate from album art, includes merch and festival posters.
Designers: Kel Lauren, HK (Brockhampton visuals), Julia Fletcher (post-punk style), Numbers Letters, Alex D NYC (hardcore/punk merch), Chase Shoebridge (typography/layout).
Resources: Pitch guides, podcasts with designers, Instagram accounts for music design.

8. Esports Design

Young niche focused on gaming branding, logos, motion graphics.
Mostly self-taught, networking online is key.
Designers to follow: George Nowak, Jedi Greg, Cesso HQ.
Inspiration from games like Valorant, Overwatch.
Skills overlap with logo design, typography, motion graphics.

9. Poster Design

Popular online niche, often freelance or selling prints.
Accessible for beginners, can be highly artistic.
Designers: Ram Overset Text (365 poster challenge), Toasted by Eli (illustration + typography), Caroline Detool (post-punk style), CEO Barando (typographic experimental), Concepcion Studios (Swiss design style).
Resources: Swiss design movement, Saul Bass posters, Rafael Codies’ movie poster project.

10. Streetwear Fashion / Merch Design

Designing for brands, clients, or own companies.
Important skills: printing knowledge, color separation, screen printing.
Designers: Jake Pressure, Bobby Hundreds (The Hundreds), Gavin South, Blazes (bootleg style), Mona Thomas (Huni brand), Worn Lotus (NBA collaborations).
Resources