In the world of visual arts and technology, graphic design and digital art represent two creative fields that focus on crafting visual imagery and graphics using computers and digital tools.
While they share some similarities in producing visual content, graphic design and digital art have distinct purposes, processes, tools, and audiences.
Understanding the nuanced differences between graphic design and digital art provides insight into these evolving artistic disciplines.
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is the craft of visual communication and problem-solving through the careful selection and arrangement of:
- Typography
- Photography
- Iconography
- Illustration
The ultimate goal and purpose of graphic design is to communicate a specific message to a target audience in order to influence, inform or persuade.
Graphic designers work to find solutions to communication challenges using visuals.
Common graphic design projects include the design of logos, brand identity systems, marketing materials like brochures/flyers/posters, product packaging, advertisements, websites and mobile apps, publications like books and magazines, signage and more.
Graphic designers typically use specialized software programs to create and manipulate visual elements like:
- Adobe Photoshop for image editing
- Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and logo design
- Adobe InDesign for typographic layouts and multi-page publications
What is Digital Art?
Digital art refers to artistic works and illustrations that are made by artists entirely on digital platforms and software rather than traditional mediums.
Digital art includes creative fields like:
- Digital painting
- Computer animation
- Digital sculpture
- llustration
The focus is on making visually appealing imagery, animations, and artworks using digital tools.
Digital artists may use common design software like Adobe Photoshop but often also use specialized digital art programs like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Corel Painter that provide digital brushes, canvases, palettes and other tools tailored for drawing and painting.
While graphic design serves a purpose and function, digital art is more open-ended.
And focuses on creative expression, imagination, and experimentation.
Digital artists make visual artworks for themselves or for public exhibition and appreciation rather than clients.
Key Differences
- Purpose: The purpose of graphic design is to communicate a message for a client through visuals that inform, educate, persuade or engage a target audience. Digital art serves the purpose of imaginative self-expression and creativity without necessarily trying to convey an intentional message.
- Process: Graphic design typically follows an organized process from research and conceptualization to presenting finished visuals that solve a communication problem. Digital art is a more open-ended creative exploration without a defined process or end goal.
- Tools and Software: While there can be overlap, graphic designers more commonly use software like Adobe Creative Suite applications tailored for layout, photo editing, typography and visual communication. Digital artists are more likely to use digital painting, drawing, animation and specialty art programs.
- Audience: Graphic designers create visual communications targeted at specific user groups and demographics. Digital artists produce works for themselves, public exhibition, or broad appreciation rather than a particular audience.
The Takeaway
While graphic design and digital art exist in the same sphere of digital visual media, they serve very different purposes.
Graphic design's functionality is to communicate ideas while digital art seeks to deliver creativity and self-expression.
Both play an important role in the world of visual communication and technology.
Understanding their nuances provides valuable perspective on these continually evolving artistic fields.
