Art and design are two of the most popular forms of visual communication. They are so closely linked that it’s common to wonder, even within the creative communities, is design art? or is art design?

In this article, we will understand if art and design the same thing, and if not, what makes them different? It’s a hotly debated question, so we’ll discuss the commonalities and differences between art and design and why they are not considered one and the same.

What Is Art?

Art is commonly defined as the expression and application of creative skill and imagination. There are seven common forms of art, but we refer specifically to the creative visual arts, such as painting, photography, or sculpture, when comparing art to design. 

The purpose of producing these artworks is to create something that we can appreciate primarily for its beauty or emotional impact. Artists aim to create something that expresses their vision, ideas, or feelings. 

Art uses creativity combined with technical proficiency to translate beauty, emotional power, or conceptual ideas into a visual format. The definition of art is broad and widely debated; it is also inherently inclusive. 

Art appreciation and interpretation can be highly subjective, and what one person considers art may not be perceived by someone else the same way. There is rarely an agreed definition of what constitutes art, and the perception of what art includes has changed over time.

What Is Design?

Design is defined as a plan or specification for creating an object, system, activity, or process. The design process aims to produce either a plan, prototype, product, or process. Users are always central to the design process. Designs strive to create solutions for people, systems, or physical items.