What a difference an artist and a designer

[reebi]

Hmmm. Well, there was talk of our positions being called "Graphic Consultants", which was very quickly stamped into the ground by us. Being called a consultant is certainly a slap in the face I think. With our profession having so many lines blurred these days, I find it hard to distinguish between hacks and "designers" anymore anyway.

[nuaryrevenge]

Artist use brush to make art painting and designer use mouse to create design..

[TitanTitan]

Well... not all graphic designers use computer graphics all too readily... for my personally they are the last step in my process, which starts with sketches on paper that are brought forward into more complete sketches, then finally scanned and reformed again using digital tools.

But, the main argument, and my solution to it, being both an artist and a designer, but constantly finding my way to keep each separate, is that a designer is a visual medium between a business and it's target audience. As to say, we are not only creating designs based on how a business would like to present itself, but how to best represent the business to its target market. Such as it is common sense for most designers not to include roughly sketched flowers in a logo for a longstanding dependable bank.

Now our opposite definition, being that of an artist, has one thing that makes it completely different. An artists projects come out of SELF-expression. Simply put, the designer expresses the interests of the client, which can be the designer him/her self, while the artist is unbounded. By then again, we all know that unbound condition comes at the price - "starving artist".

[chio_tg]

I don't know if you've seen this...time ago I found this ad series who explains in simple phrases the differences between 'good art and good design'..

I don't know the author but I really like them

Here the links

Good art vs good design 1

Good art vs good design 2

Good art vs good design 3

Good art vs good design 4

Good art vs good design 5

[Rage of Reason]

An artist's works often are paid for after (s)he has died, while designers try to get paid before they pass to different dimensions.

[Davidwilson]

design = useful, means to an end, practical
art = useless, timeless, poetic

[Chung Dha]

artist are people who dont work and do what ever they want and get funded by the government to do their arty stuff cause they got a diploma from a art academy. There are few who are the lucky ones that come up with designs they can sell when they are still alive. Just make something pretty, mostly everyone intrepid their own idea what message is behind their piece of work, but mostly they dont have a idea behind most stuff and just listen what other say and what sounds the best he just repeat it telling others.

Designer are people who really have to work for their bucks either freelance alone or with a whole crew at an office. We have to provoke or make the correct message in the design work and everything is well thought. Work hours in brainstorming and discussions before even starting to design stuff.

[Jradical]

wow very inspirational and in depth thread thanks everyone!

[jecrt]

wow - you really think so?

I know a few people who make their living from selling art pieces. They hold shows and have to work VERY hard to get into galleries, art magazines, newspapers, etc. I'm not aware of any that are government funded. I think a full-time "artist" has it MUCH more difficult - because, unless you're commissioned - you're creating art with no seller in mind.

Speaking in terms of artist v designer - I think they are one in the same. We usually define artists as being "emotional" or making things for themselves, etc. But weren't the "heavy hitters" of the art world - the ones we refer to as "true artists" all working for clients, having to please clients, etc.? I mean - most renaissance artists were working on commission from a wealthy patron. What's the difference between being hired to paint the Sistine chapel and being hired to design a logo? (that might be a stretch, but at the time...not so much).

It's being said that graphic design is art with a purpose. To inform, persuade or both. What about a band poster? I've made a ton of posters and while they did inform, it wasn't often the primary function. Or what about a stationery designer? They're designing a product to be consumed. What's the difference then?

I think that graphic designer and artist are one in the same, and that the term "graphic designer" is much more akin to a term like "painter" or "sculptor" as it labels the generic processes that each uses, rather than what category each belongs to.

artist are people who dont work and do what ever they want and get funded by the government to do their arty stuff cause they got a diploma from a art academy. There are few who are the lucky ones that come up with designs they can sell when they are still alive. Just make something pretty, mostly everyone intrepid their own idea what message is behind their piece of work, but mostly they dont have a idea behind most stuff and just listen what other say and what sounds the best he just repeat it telling others.

Designer are people who really have to work for their bucks either freelance alone or with a whole crew at an office. We have to provoke or make the correct message in the design work and everything is well thought. Work hours in brainstorming and discussions before even starting to design stuff.

[jecrt]

But, the main argument, and my solution to it, being both an artist and a designer, but constantly finding my way to keep each separate, is that a designer is a visual medium between a business and it's target audience. As to say, we are not only creating designs based on how a business would like to present itself, but how to best represent the business to its target market. Such as it is common sense for most designers not to include roughly sketched flowers in a logo for a longstanding dependable bank.

Now our opposite definition, being that of an artist, has one thing that makes it completely different. An artists projects come out of SELF-expression. Simply put, the designer expresses the interests of the client, which can be the designer him/her self, while the artist is unbounded. By then again, we all know that unbound condition comes at the price - "starving artist".

I think you can still be a designer and utilize a sense of "self-expression". In my opinion (famous words), the designer that is only creating what the client wants - without offering any suggestion for improvement, etc. - is a hack. Anyone can do that - you aren't designing, you're using software. It's the ideas that separate designers - if we all only listened to client, we'd all be the same. Think about popular graphic designers - aren't they known because of the sense of personal style they inject into each of their projects?

[WCBusch]

Design is created to advance a purpose, a message or sell a product. It is, by definition, as commercial art form.

Art is just art. Although I hate the stupid Art vs art argument.

[stlphotogirl]

I would consider myself both a designer and an artist. Although I find that I practice less and less "art" and more and more "design". It seems like I am always stuck in a box.

[zaqsyak]

designer is part from artis
because artis can be (musician,designer and so on)

[stlphotogirl]

Well... not all graphic designers use computer graphics all too readily... for my personally they are the last step in my process, which starts with sketches on paper that are brought forward into more complete sketches, then finally scanned and reformed again using digital tools.

I had a teacher, once upon a time, who always taught us to start by sketching out as many different ideas/brainstorms as we can before ever going to the computer. For the most part I still practice that. I find it therapeutic. But I must admit there are times I go straight to the computer.

[Ogalde]

We are all the same; we all go through the same creative process, either way if you are in front your canvas, your Photoshop or your music instrument. A little bit of inspiration, artistic eye or ear and be willing to work the hours.

[kubicheck]

The designer has a purpose. The artist hundreds

[koalakev]

The designer has a purpose. The artist hundreds

For someone who likes ilustration as well as graphics i would say that a designer is an artist as a problem solver rather that doing art merley to entertain. Its advertsing and marketing and its commercial.

[koalakev]

I don't know if you've seen this...time ago I found this ad series who explains in simple phrases the differences between 'good art and good design'..

I don't know the author but I really like them

Here the links

Good art vs good design 1

Good art vs good design 2

Good art vs good design 3

Good art vs good design 4

Good art vs good design 5

it illustrates the point beautifully

[mmhide]

FOr me, artists work for expressing themselves, designers work for clients!

[NITAgabriel]

i would say about this...a designer must keep up with tehnology,even see further.An artist does not have this kind of constrains