The Minimalist Photographer

The Difference Between Art and Design

Although some people now regard art and design as the same thing, I do not. I hold the traditional view that a work of art has no purpose outside of itself (pure art), whereas with design the aesthetics always serve another cause, usually, although not always, to sell something (applied art). The thing being sold may be anything from consumer goods to an idea. I will concede that on rare occasions what starts out as design can end up as art. This is not to say that I regard design as inferior to art in any way; they just serve different functions. In fact, I will go as far as to say that I am as likely to be drawn to a design piece as to an art piece.

Have you ever noticed how a pop song can sound wonderful ...