Throughout the entire history of the human race, at least to some extent, art and design naturally co-exist in the life of various nations and societies. Moreover, these two spheres appear to be so close that some individuals tend to perceive these two terms as synonyms. From one perspective, the existence of such opinion is not surprising due to the fact that it is indeed very difficult to set a straight borderline between art and design because they share much common (“Do you know what are the differences between art and design?” 2017). However, the purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the differences that make art and design to be distinctive spheres of human activities.
First of all, it is essential to notice that the notion of art is itself very extensive as it includes music, literature, cinematography, et cetera. However, for the purposes of this paper, it is decided to focus on a more narrowed sphere of the arts. Particularly, by “art” in this essay, visual arts are meant, for the sake of easier comparison with graphic design. It is apparent that both artist and designers create pictures, images, paintings, and other objects that could be consumed visually (Trochut, 2016). Accordingly, what is the difference then?
It is argued that the overall purpose of creating visual objects is different for artists and designers. As formulated by Trochut (2016), the design is solving the problem, while art raises the question. This statement is of particular importance for the discussion because, in my opinion, this formulation determines the fundamentals of art and design. For example, in some of its forms and expression, the art can have no sense or meaning whatsoever, and it will still be the work of art (“6 important ways that design differs from art,” 2014). However, the end product of the designer’s work always has a clear and concise purpose that the created object should serve. Evidently enough, designers usually strive to create utility things that simultaneously have an aesthetic value. Vice versa, an artist also can make an effort to transform their art into something that serves other purposes than being observed and admired. However, the fundamental difference between art and design is in the purpose of the final product.
Since the primary distinctive characteristic was discussed, it is also important to mention other aspects in which art might differ from design. Evidently enough, it is possible to add to the statement of Trochut (2016), which was cited previously, that design is very conclusive when it creates something. Nobody in their right mind would discuss the “meaning” or “the idea behind” a table or a chair. On the contrary, the work of art is open for the discussion of its meaning, and it is also open to interpretation (Duvall, 2018). Products of design are very functional, and usually, they are functional in a very strict and concise way. Unlike the works of art, the products of design could not be interpreted due to their utility.
Accordingly, what conclusions could be retrieved from this discussion? Evidently enough, art and design have very much in common. However, the most relevant conclusion is that it is essential to understand the intention behind the production of the visual work. Artists strive to express their view of the world as well as of their imagination, while designers shape the view of the real world, making things that facilitate our interaction with this world. This is the principal difference between art and design.
References
6 important ways that design differs from art. (2014). Web.
Do you know what are the differences between art and design? (2017). Web.
Duvall, A. (2018). Design vs art – The difference and why it matters. Web.
Trochut, A. (2016). The difference between art and design. Web.