Blog: Why good design is essential to good PR

Reputation is built not only on what you say, but on how you look when you say it. In today’s fast-moving media landscape - where attention spans are short - standing out visually can mean the difference between your message cutting through or being lost in the noise.

Graphic design plays a powerful role in shaping perception. A consistent visual identity builds recognition, communicates professionalism and reinforces credibility - all key to maintaining trust with stakeholders, clients and the public.

Good design could mean the difference between a message getting lost and one that connects with its intended audience. For example, cohesive and eye-catching social media graphics can elevate a campaign into one that captures attention, strengthens brand recognition and drives engagement. Likewise, a thoughtfully designed annual report can turn an overload of information into a compelling, on-brand, easy-to-navigate document that stakeholders actually want to read.

When PR and design work hand in hand, reputation is managed holistically. Strong messaging is supported by clear visual storytelling, and an organisation’s brand identity evolves strategically as its reputation grows or pivots. That might mean developing a new visual style to better reflect a company’s future direction, or modernising an existing brand to bring greater clarity or confidence to its public image.

Being consistent across every visual touchpoint - from a company brochure to a social media campaign or corporate website - reinforces trust. A website redesign, for example, not only enhances user experience but ensures that what people see aligns with what they’re being told, communicating credibility and growth.

At Hughes, we see design as more than decoration - it’s reputation management in visual form. Great design ensures that what people see aligns perfectly with what they’re told, creating trust and strengthening connection at every turn.

Zoe Drummond

Hughes | Graphic Designer