How to Structure a Graphic Design Dream Team

Graphic design teams are pivotal in our ever-evolving business landscapes. Their expertise shapes visual communication, driving brand impact.

Crafting such a team requires careful thought. This involves understanding roles, coordinating skills, and fostering collaboration. I speak from experience from running my own marketing agency, GrantSpark.

But first, let's talk about the Graphic Design department structures you have to choose from.

Structuring Graphic Design Department

There are two main types of department structures based on company size and resources.

• Graphic Design department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Graphic Design department structure by function
  • Org Type: Employees are grouped by activities and objectives
  • Best For: Small to Medium Sized Business (SMB)

Let’s go in-depth to each one of them.

1. Graphic Design Department Structure by Discipline

Discipline-based structure involves building teams centered around various marketing disciplines. For example, SEO, Content, Market Research, and Product Strategy could each form separate teams within a department.

Discipline	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Branding	Brand development, Identity design, Visual strategy, Logo design, Color theory	Brand Designer, Brand Strategist, Creative Director
UI/UX	User research, Interaction design, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability testing	UI Designer, UX Designer, Interaction Designer
Illustration	Digital drawing, Concept development, Storyboarding, Character design, Visual storytelling	Illustrator, Concept Artist, Art Director
Print	Layout design, Typography, Color management, Print production, Prepress knowledge	Print Designer, Packaging Designer, Production Artist
Web Design	HTML/CSS, Responsive design, Content management systems, Graphic design, Cross-browser compatibility	Web Designer, Front-end Developer, Web Developer
Motion Graphics	Animation, Video editing, Storyboarding, 3D modeling, Visual effects	Motion Designer, Video Editor, Animator
Typography	Font design, Layout skills, Typesetting, Legibility, Understanding of readability	Typography Designer, Font Designer, Layout Designer
Photography	Image composition, Photo editing, Lighting, Color grading, Digital photography	Photographer, Photo Editor, Art Director

2. Graphic Design Department Structure by Function

Another approach is structuring by function, where teams are formed based on the different functions they perform. For example, promotion, launches, and relationship management could all be separate teams.

Function	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Concept Development	Creativity, Critical thinking, Visualization, Storyboarding, Sketching	Creative Director, Art Director, Visual Designer
Project Management	Organization, Time management, Leadership, Communication, Problem-solving	Project Manager, Design Manager, Art Director
Quality Control	Attention to detail, Knowledge of design standards, Critical thinking, Problem-solving, Communication	Quality Assurance Specialist, Senior Designer, Design Manager
Client Relationships	Communication, Empathy, Customer service, Problem-solving, Business acumen	Account Manager, Client Services Director, Design Consultant
Design Strategy	Market research, Trend analysis, Brand awareness, Creative thinking, Communication	Design Strategist, Creative Director, Brand Manager
Technical Execution	Proficiency in design software, Technical drawing, Prototyping, Coding skills, Adaptability	Technical Designer, Production Artist, Graphic Designer

Graphic Design Team Size versus Business Scale

To achieve successful marketing outcomes, you need to align the team size with your business's scale – a strategic approach that helps optimize resources and drive targeted growth.

Business Scale	Ideal Department Size	Explanation
Start-up	1-2	Minimal design needs, limited budget.
Small-Medium Business	3-5	Diverse design needs, balanced team for budget.
Large Enterprise	6+	Complex design needs, large budget available.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a Graphic Design Department Structure

1. Team Skills: Ensure the team has a diverse skill set. This encompasses various aspects of graphic design such as typography, color theory, and user interface design.
2. Team Size: The size of the team should align with the scope and scale of your projects. Bigger isn't always better; a small, efficient team can often deliver more effective results.
3. Communication: Good communication is crucial for team efficiency. Establish clear lines of communication and make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
4. Project Management: Effective project management is key to meeting deadlines and ensuring quality. This includes setting realistic timelines and using project management tools.
5. Creative Environment: Foster a creative and inspiring work environment. This encourages team members to think outside the box and produce innovative designs.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Market Research Team Structure
• Marketing Analytics Team Structure
• Marketing and Business Development Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a Graphic Design team structure. From the essence of the team and key roles, to structuring and optimizing; every aspect tailored to achieve success on your business blueprint.