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Sep 20 / Daron Simon

Good & Bad Typography

Sep 4 / Daron Simon

Art’s Little Brother

After reading this article, I’m still coming out with the same question I had going in…why does it matter? Why does it matter if graphic design is art or if graphic design is ‘design art’ or if graphic design is ‘art’s little brother’ and so on. Art is relative. Who’s to tell you what you’re making isn’t art if you think that it is. Some argue that design is not art because it works through other people for other people. You’re given clear instructions and are asked to plan, problem solve, edit and create the best possible product for your customer. That’s business. But it’s business that involves creativity and it’s a vehicle for personal expression, to generate your own style, etc. Design is playing a role in contemporary society, it’s the 21st century and I think it’s a little ridiculous for this to even be a debate. Apples to can’t compare the two so why bother, there’s always going to be someone else to disagree. Nothing art related is set in stone anyways, people will always have their own opinion. I think anything that’s pretty is art and I’ve seen some gorgeous design work, typefaces and colors. “We seek retinal pleasure, things to run our eyes over, colours, lines, textures and shapes to explore and inhabit, and design has no hesitation in supplying these experiences.” says Poynor. That to me is art. The best art I’ve ever seen is my dad’s landscaping, and that’s a business. But a form of art, as well.


If a graphic designer think they’re an artist, then they are. If they think they’re a businessman, then they are (most likely).