Graphic art and graphic design are two closely related, yet distinct creative disciplines. Graphic art is defined as the creative practice of visual expression through painting, drawing, or sculpture. Graphic design, on the other hand, is the organized and systematic use of visual elements like color, type, images, and symbols to communicate a message. It is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas. Understanding the difference between these two creative disciplines is essential for anyone seeking to pursue a career in either graphic art or graphic design. This comprehensive guide will provide the necessary knowledge and insight to help you gain a better understanding of the differences between graphic art and graphic design.
What is Graphic Art?
Graphic art is any artistic creation that uses visual elements to communicate a message. It includes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork and is often seen in the form of paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It is important to note that graphic art does not have to be visually representational since it can also be abstract, non-figurative, and geometric.
Furthermore, graphic art does not have to be created on paper or on a canvas. It can also be created on walls, floors, or any other architectural surface. Graphic art is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of different artistic mediums, including painting, illustration, printmaking, photography, and digital art. It can also refer to artwork created using a combination of multiple mediums, such as mixing painting with printmaking.
What is Graphic Design?
Photo from: mockitt
Graphic design is the process of designing and arranging visual elements, such as images and text, to convey a message or tell a story. It is the art of using creativity and intuition to translate ideas into meaningful, effective, and creative visuals. In other words, it is the process of taking an idea and transforming it into something visual that can be understood by an audience.
It can include the design of logos, websites, advertisements, and other visuals that are used to promote products and services. Graphic design is also used in non-commercial applications, such as in cultural contexts, as an expressive form of self-identity. It is also used to communicate information, ideas, and emotions to a wide range of audiences.
The Relationship Between Graphic Art and Graphic Design
Graphic art and graphic design are often used interchangeably since they are both creative disciplines that rely on visual elements. However, they are distinct professions with their own set of skills and career paths. Graphic art is a creative practice that can be applied to a variety of creative disciplines like commercial design, editorial design, and brand identity design. It is also used in non-commercial disciplines like fine art and children’s art.
On the other hand, graphic design is a specific kind of commercial design that focuses on creating visual elements like logos, websites, and advertisements. It is important to note that not all commercial design is graphic design. Therefore, it is important to understand the distinction between graphic art and graphic design.
Graphic Art Tools
Canvases
Canvases are traditional blank surfaces used for painting and drawing. They come in a variety of different sizes and textures which can be determined by the artist’s preference. Some canvases are already primed, meaning that they have been prepared with a special surface to help the artist achieve a specific look. Other canvases require special priming before painting.
Sketchbooks
Sketchbooks are commonplace tools used by artists to create visual representations of their ideas. They are not only used for sketching images, but also drawings and diagrams. Sketchbooks come in a variety of different sizes and binding types, allowing for a personalized experience. Some individuals prefer hardcover books which are more durable, while others prefer soft cover books which are easier to transport.
Pen and pencils
Pen and pencils are two of the most basic and essential tools used by artists. Pencils are used to create visual representations of ideas through sketches. They come in a variety of different tip sizes, lead types, and hardness levels to facilitate different types of drawings. Pens are used to create visual representations of ideas through written words.
Canvas boards
Canvas boards are stiff boards made of either wood or fiberboard. They are often used as support surfaces for paint and other mixed media art pieces.
Brushes
Brushes are used to apply paint to surfaces, such as canvas boards. They come in a variety of different types, sizes, and shapes. Brushes can be made from a variety of different materials, such as animal hair, synthetic bristles, and sponges.
Rollers
Rollers are used by artists to apply paint to a surface, such as a canvas board or wall. They come in a variety of different sizes and textures according to the artist’s preference. They can either be hand-held or mounted on a wall, depending on the project.
Stencils
Stencils are two-dimensional pieces of plastic, wood, or metal with a design cut out that can be applied to a surface using paint. They are often used to create repetitive patterns, lettering, and words on a surface.
Canvas
Canvas is a large piece of fabric that is stretched and mounted on a wooden frame for painting. It comes in a variety of different colors, weave types, and sizes. Canvas is an essential tool used by artists to create painted artwork.
Graphic Design Tools
Computers
Computers are essential tools used by graphic designers. They are used to create visual designs, manipulate images, and edit photographs. They consist of both hardware and software components that facilitate creative design processes.
Software
Software is a set of programmed instructions that can be used to perform various tasks. It is essential in the creative design process, facilitating tasks such as image editing, web design, and creative ideation.
Design software
Design software is a specific set of programs that are used in the creative design process. They are designed to help individuals communicate their ideas visually through concept visualization, image editing, and design composition.
Image editing software
Image editing software is a set of programs that are used to edit photographs, images, and videos. They are used in the design process to manipulate images and create visual representations of ideas.
Illustration software
Illustration software is a specific set of programs that are used to create visual designs. They are often used to create diagrams, flow charts, and illustrations.
Web design software
Web design software is a set of programs that are used to create visual designs for websites. They come in a variety of different types, depending on the specific task, such as wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.
How Graphic Art and Graphic Design Differ
Graphic art and graphic design are two closely related, yet distinct creative disciplines. While they are both concerned with the visual representation of ideas, they operate in different contexts and have different purposes. Some of the key differences between graphic art and graphic design are outlined below.
Context
The context in which graphic art is used is primarily non-commercial. It is used to represent ideas in cultural contexts and is seen in fine art, visual arts, and children’s drawings. On the other hand, graphic design is used in commercial contexts. It is used to promote products and services, and can be seen in logos, websites, and advertisements.
Purpose
The primary purpose of graphic art is to express ideas through visual representations. It can be used to depict cultural ideas, emotions, or concepts. On the other hand, the primary purpose of graphic design is to communicate information and ideas.
Process
The creative process of creating graphic art is more intuitive and expressive. It is focused on the artistic expression of ideas and the discovery of new concepts and ideas. On the other hand, the creative process of creating graphic design is more logical and analytical. It is focused on communicating a message to an audience through visual representations.
How Graphic Art and Graphic Design Work Together
Graphic art and graphic design work together to facilitate the creation of visual representations of ideas. While both disciplines use visual elements, they are primarily concerned with different aspects of visual design. Graphic art is focused on visual aesthetics, such as color, shape, and composition, while graphic design is focused on visual functionality, such as readability and legibility.
Graphic art is concerned with the aesthetic elements whereas graphic design is concerned with both aesthetic and functional elements. Despite these differences, it comes without saying that these two disciplines work together in a complementary way. Graphic art provides the original inspiration for graphic design, while graphic design takes that inspiration and brings it to life. Graphic art gives graphic design its aesthetic, while graphic design provides the framework for how the artwork will be used to convey a message.
For example, a graphic artist may create an illustration that is then used by a graphic designer to create a logo. The graphic artist provides the raw material for the logo, and the designer then arranges it in a way that conveys the right message. Together, they create a powerful combination that helps businesses communicate their brand to the world.
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