Definition
- Art: Creative expression that primarily focuses on aesthetic beauty and emotional impact.
- Graphic design: Commercial art or visual communication that combines visual elements to convey a message.
Purpose
- Art: Expression, exploration, and artistic merit.
- Graphic design: To communicate, inform, and sell.
Medium
- Art: Includes painting, sculpture, photography, and other traditional or experimental forms.
- Graphic design: Digital or physical designs such as logos, brochures, websites, and more.
Process
- Art: Often involves subjective interpretation, personal style, and artistic experimentation.
- Graphic design: Follows specific design principles, such as hierarchy, balance, and color theory, to achieve clear communication.
Audience
- Art: Intended for appreciation by a public or private audience.
- Graphic design: Targeted towards specific consumer groups or demographics.
Commercial Value
- Art: Can have significant monetary value as collectibles or for artistic merit.
- Graphic design: Typically commissioned for commercial purposes and paid for its effectiveness in delivering a message.
Skills
- Art: Artistic ability, creativity, and technical proficiency.
- Graphic design: Design software literacy, typography, color theory, and visual communication skills.
Overlap
While art and graphic design are distinct disciplines, there can be overlap:
- Some graphic designers create work that is also considered art.
- Art can be used to inform graphic design principles, such as the use of color, shape, and texture.
Examples
Art:
- Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
- The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
- Guernica by Pablo Picasso
Graphic design:
- Nike logo
- iPhone packaging
- Coca-Cola advertising campaign