An Introduction to Environmental Graphic Design Part One

Environmental graphic design is a field that combines the principles of graphic design with elements from architecture and landscape design to create signs, maps, and other visual elements that people use to navigate their surroundings.

The types of environmental graphic designs are Signage, exterior building displays, wayfinding systems, retail store design, museum exhibits, and exterior design elements such as fountains and sculptures. Environmental graphic designers must be able to not only understand the principles of good graphic design but also have an understanding of what makes excellent architecture or landscaping. 

One can become an environmental graphic designer by having a background in graphic design, taking architectural or landscape design classes and learning about environmental graphic design. 

Graphic Designers need to know how to make signs that are readable at different distances and work with colour theory (this is also true for interior designers). Many graphic designers specialise in environmental graphic design, such as Ross Lovegrove, Elizabeth Nittman, Thomas Puchegger or Abram Games.  

One can also become an environmental graphic designer by volunteering for organisations that need help with projects related to creating navigation designs, exterior building displays, wayfinding systems, retail store design or museum exhibits (ex. BSA Space). 

If you are not a graphic designer but are interested in environmental graphic design and want to learn more about it, there is no better place than the internet. The internet offers many online courses on how to become an environmental graphic designer.

Online video platforms such as YouTube offers free tutorials and training on environmental graphic design.

Which Industries Call For Environmental Graphic Designers? 

The industries listed below hire professional environmental graphic designers on a contract basis. 

• Architecture 
• Corporate or company branded environments 
• Events, fairs and exhibitions that are held outdoors.  
• Film Industry - Background design for outdoor scenery (e.g. the Grand Canyon)   - Special effects for weathering surfaces in settings such as desert sandstorms and dusty planet surface scenes.