Distinction Between Art & Design

Drawing a line between art and design might create some confusion if it's your first time to hear this. Art and design have the same output which is an artwork but still remain distinct with each other. We also generalize individuals who are working in the field of visual arts and call them "artists." A graphic art student aiming to be an excellent artist focuses on mastering the graphic software he loves but won't bother to read the principles of design nor look at the details of Van Gogh's painting. These are the common pitfalls that the artists and designers are unaware of. An individual could declare himself an artist but  he's just actually a designer.

To set apart art and design clearly, let us discuss the goals of each concept. An art is very subjective. Regardless of its technicalities like perspective, techniques, texturing and toning, an artist is free to express himself on his canvas or monitor. An art especially if it is famous will surely invites wanted and unwanted criticism. Others are even given psychological interpretations which are usually negative and associated with the behaviors of artists. One of the most controversial artists is the expressionist Vincent Van Gogh who cut his ears due to its imperfection according to him. He is said to be a madman and his suicide supported the diagnosis after his death that this great artist was mentally ill. Prior to his unfortunate death is the creation of "Wheat Field with Crows," his last work. The murder of crows, dark blue sky, and melancholic wheat field signifies the way Van Gogh took his own life. But whatever the true meaning this painting portrays, let's leave it to the artist who created this timeless work of art.
Graphic design, since it belongs to visual communication, it follows certain guidelines and standards or else, it will fail to project the message of the design to its audience. For example, you are a graphic designer creating a t-shirt print design for children's clothing. The design you will create must be appropriate to the product. It must be something cute, colorful, cheerful and highly attractive to children. On the other hand, if the design is intended for teen fashion, expect that it will be rebellious, wacky, and emotional in order to suit the identity crisis teenagers are experiencing. A graphic design as a powerful advertising tool must please the market in order to sell the products. Other examples of graphic design are posters and skyscraping billboards along boulevards.
Perhaps you can now trace the difference. Art with all its subjectivity and nonchalance opposes the practicality of graphic design. Despite their variation, both requires talents and skills in creating a masterpiece.

Wheat Field with Crows, 1890 by Vincent Van Gogh