The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

What separates Visual Art and Graphic Design? This fine line has been mulled over for a very long time. And even though both compose visuals and have a shared toolkit and knowledge base, there is still a distinct difference. Pinpointing the exact difference is where things become a little tricky.

Primarily, Graphic Design is for creating designs involving graphics, such as advertisements, posters, CD covers and magazines. Visual Arts is broader, as it involves drawing, painting, sculpting and animation.

Engineers and Designers require a detailed set of instructions, based on current trends and influences, while artists are never given any because their emotions and soul dictate the movement and impulse of the hand. So, where is the distinction? .... Let’s take a quick look at the defining motivation and intentions of both.

Perhaps the most fundamental difference between art and design is their purpose, and the establishment of the strongest emotional bond between the artist and their audience. Typically their process starts with nothing (a blank canvas), as it stems from an artist’s opinion or feeling. Art shares feelings and permits viewers to relate, learn or be inspired. Artists do not always create their work to sell or promote a service; they create it solely as a means of self-expression, so that it can be viewed and appreciated by others.

Good art is interpreted while good design is understood: Another difference between art and design is how the messages of each are interpreted by their audiences. Art connects with people in different ways because it is interpreted differently. For example, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa has been interpreted and discussed for many years, and viewers ask: Why is she smiling?

Sceptics say she is in love, while scientists explain that it is an illusion created by our peripheral vision. None of them are wrong, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that is the most fascinating facet of this medium.

Art is judged by opinion, and opinion is governed by taste: Meaning it is more about likes and dislikes, rather than the message viewers take away from a drawing. No art director will yell at an artist for producing something completely unique, and that is what makes an artist an artist and not a designer.

Design has an element of taste, and when a designer sets out to create a new piece, there is always a fixed starting point; whether an image, an idea or an action. The designer’s job is not to invent something new, but to communicate something that already exists for a purpose.

That purpose is always to motivate the audience to carry out a task, purchase a product, use a service or visit a location. If your design does not communicate its intended message, then it might not have fulfilled its task.

Designers do not have to be great artists to be a great designer, but they should be able to achieve the design’s objective. We are not only paid to make things pretty, but to make things work.

Some of the most esteemed designers in the world are best known for their minimalist styles, as they do not use much colour or texture, but pay attention to size, positioning and spacing - all of which can be learned without innate talent.

Take these valuable points from this article. Good art sends a different message to everyone, while good design sends the same message to everyone. Good art inspires while good design motivates. Until we meet again, fill your life with priceless memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and always stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas