What is the difference between Art and Design?

What is the difference between Art and Design?

There is a lot in common between art and design, but they’re not the same. At times, the lines between the two disciplines become blurred, but the distinctions remain and are important to understand. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, art and design were blended in beauty, purpose and craftsmanship. During that era, the two disciplines separated. Design remained practical and commercial while art for art’s sake allowed for the pursuit of creative expression as a singular goal and took off in another direction.

Despite their differences, we need to acknowledge what these two disciplines have in common:

-They’re both visual and belong to the broader category of visual art.

-They both incorporate the aesthetic principles

-Practitioners in both fields need knowledge of history, past movements and current trends.

-Both are highly creative activities involving processes that require time, observation and thinking.

The dividing line between art and design is drawn by the purpose of each:

-Art allows for self-expression. The artist decides what he or she wants to evoke and works toward that end. It is self-satisfying.

-Design is communication and function in visual form, created for the general population or a segment of it. Design addresses stated needs and solves problems.

-Art can rely entirely on aesthetics alone, and artists embark on journeys of exploration and experimentation. Design marries aesthetics with function to achieve a purpose.

-Art is open to interpretation by the viewer.

-Design cannot be interpretive but must communicate specifically and clearly to its intended audience.

-Art is elitist, meaning that it is viewed in galleries and museums, exhibited away from the mainstream of everyday experience. One looks at art and may or may not have a significant experience.

-Design is seen and experienced by just about everyone in the course of a day. One uses design. Web sites, packaging, billboards, print advertising, newspaper layouts, fashion, signage, interior spaces, smart phone apps, products and appliances all have been designed for both visual appeal and practical use.

-Art exists for itself. It’s innovative, expressive and sometimes shocking.

-Design is practical and carefully crafted. It supports business, commerce, marketing, entertainment, journalism, communications and causes.

-Artists stand in front of their work and get to put their signatures on it in plain view. Designers stand behind their work and remain unknown for the most part.