Design vs. Art

Though at times, design can be art and vice versa, each has its own distinct characteristics. I believe that design has more of a practical function. The design of an ad for a new product for example serves the function of getting people to buy that product. Though art can bring about pleasure or happiness, what is exclusively art does not have as much of an active use; it does not prompt people to do things. Actually, many times, it is because of what people do that art comes about. Despite its more useful nature, design can sometimes be art. I believe that something like the design of freeways can be considered art when it is designed particularly well. Also, I think that design has less to do with personal preference. The design for the ad is still a design whether one likes it or not. Art, on the other hand, while still critiqued on technique and quality, has much to do with one's opinion of it. If people like a piece or if people react to it, it can be considered art. Lastly, art can sometimes be used in a design and the art can have a design in it but it cannot become a design. When one designs, one has a goal of making something for a specific practical function. Art, on the otherhand, does not have this purpose.