Art vs. Design

Art and design are two intertwining subjects, never quite rid of each other, like pesky ivy that winds it way up the side of a house. In a traditional academic sense the two represent distinct realms, with schools offering a fine arts degree versus an “x” design degree. But, there is no reason to keep the two separate, as art adds to the understanding of design, while design adds to the understanding of art. The word design holds the connotation of planning and heading towards a goal, one that is wholly obvious to the audience. For example, a graphic designer looks to catch your eye with a clever or flashy advertisement and an industrial designer looks to make the chips within the bag look extra crunchy. In design, the goal (whether to sell, educate, or inform) is obvious; there is no guessing or abstract concepts to feel at. But it is the infusion of the intangible and indefinable “art” that brings an appeal to the particular audience. Though artists may scoff at designers who work towards commercial profits, there is always an element of unconscious design at work within art, with the artist working towards a goal that is not wholly obvious to the audience. By using the elements of the design, the artist allows their audience to feel our their own particular meaning. In art, the goal and feeling imparted is wholly subjective, depending upon the spectators. While one person may feel at peace looking at sharp angles and blocks of colors, for another, this stark landscape may cause distress. And this is where the essential similarity and difference between art and design lies.