The Complete Graphic Designer

The Complete Graphic Designer

1212

Graphic Design

Is Not Art

Design identifi es companies or

organizations, giving them a unique

presence. For Theater Brava, bold

colors and shapes suggestive of

stage lights create immediately

recognizable signage on the build-

ing and street lamp banners.

Design: Shinnoske, Inc.

Graphic design is not the same as

fi ne art. It is true that designers

sometimes use the same tools as

the painter, sculptor, or photogra-

pher in the creation of their work,

and they may even include pieces

of art within a composition. Both

fi ne art and design are creative

endeavors; however, the purpose of

each is completely different.

Fine art is typically self-serving,

personally motivated, and expres-

sive. The true artist explores social

issues, makes a statement, or pres-

ents viewers with images of the

world around them. Although most

artists hope to sell their work to

people who connect with their art

“

Art [and design] represents a social necessity

that no nation can neglect without endangering

its intellectual existence.

”

—John Ruskin

on an emotional or visual level, the

art is usually created for personal

reasons rather than for a specifi c

buyer. Graphic design, on the other

hand, is a vocation involving the

creation of visual communication

on behalf of a paying client with

very specifi c needs. In this sense,

the designer must address the

needs and desires of the client fi rst,

which may at times mean making

design decisions that do not align

with their own. Whereas fi ne art

is purely subjective (“beauty is in

the eye of the beholder”) and open

to personal interpretation, design

must be completely objective with

clearly defi ned goals, objectives,

and measurable results.

TB

Provision-Complete Graphic Designer

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