Art vs Design
The difference between art and design is actually distinct though most people see them both as the same today. Art, as we all know, is the creation of human beings. It is a form of self expression and gives those with artistic leanings a way to satisfy their inner urge. In the process, they are able to create objects that either convey beauty or are able to provoke thought from others. Art has always been there, and all those objects that are admired by others and can be shared by others are classified as objects of art. One can include sketches drawn on the walls of caves, frescos, statues, ornamental jewelry, and even objects of daily use that have been designed in an artistic manner as works of art. This is why there has always been a debate as to whether there is a distinction between art and design or if they are one and the same.
Take the simple case of buying a mobile for yourself. Would you choose a mobile that looks very ordinary for your personal use or rather go for a set that looks exquisite as it has been designed in an artistic manner? Or for that matter, very ordinary looking furniture? If your answer is an overwhelming no, you know why there is so much of appreciation and admiration for things that are sleek and beautiful just like pieces of art.
What is Art?
Art is an opinion or an idea that takes place in the mind of the artist. The artist wants to express this idea to others. In order to do so, he creates art. Therefore, art communicates the message the artist wants to communicate. A typical art project begins with a blank canvass. Then, it becomes the art the creator needs. An artist creates something new. Art is the product of inborn talent. Art is also interpreted by different people in different ways.
David Roberts – The Giudecca, Venice
What is Design?
In contrast to art, design begins with a proper purpose. A designer knows where to begin. Also, the purpose of a design is to take the message or communicate about something that is in existence for a purpose. This purpose can be to buy something, find information, create something, etc. Designer does not create something new.
Designer cuckoo clock of Pascal Tarabay
Designers all over the world know the taste of end consumers which is why they keep coming up with designs that are not just useful, but also appeal to the aesthetic senses of the masses. Designers are all the time inspired by nature and, thus by correlation, with art. However, in their bid to make products beautiful, designers do not forget the efficiency part of the products.
What is the difference between Art and Design?
• Art is inspired by nature, but design is inspired by the aspirations of the end consumers.
• An artist is an innovator while a designer is not an innovator. The designer’s job is to make something better that is already there for a purpose such as to sell the product.
• Art can have several interpretations. A design can only have one meaning. If it conveys any other meaning, then the purpose of the design has not been met.
• Art to be considered good comes as a talent to the artist. That is to say, the artist is born with a talent in the case of good art. However, to be a good designer who creates good design what you need is skill not talent. That is to say, a good design is the product of learning, not inborn talent.
• An artist does not have any constraint, and he can paint the canvas in any way he desires giving wings to his imagination and using his skills.
• However, a designer is bound with the constraints of time, budget and, of course, the likes and dislikes of the management team that finally approves the design.
• Art has no secondary use and is a means of self expression whereas design makes use of art and combines it with efficiency to come up with a product that is most useful for the consumers.
• In conclusion, it can be said that designers are always attracted to design products in a way that they are aesthetically pleasing. But this certainly does not mean art and design do not have any differences.
Images Courtesy:
- David Roberts – The Giudecca, Venice via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
- Designer cuckoo clock of Pascal Tarabay by Diamantini & Domeniconi (CC BY-SA 3.0)
