Ofttimes people use graphic designer and graphic artist interchangeably. And although we know a web designer works designing web pages, people may believe a graphic designer is well equipped to be a web designer too. But that is not always the case.
Let's take a moment and check out the some of the differences:
Let's take a moment and check out the some of the differences:
| The Graphic Designer A graphic designer is a person who uses media comprised of artwork, photography, and typography to communicate a message or a call to action. A graphic designer communicates a message via a visual format such as can be seen in the advertisement to the right for a bridal company. Graphic designers typically attend a 4-year college to study such things as drawing, mixed media, photography, basic HTML code, design fundamentals, composition, typography, color harmony, and art history. Most graphic designers are taught to use programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. It is a misconception to think that you need to have artistic skills to become a graphic designer. Although it is, indeed, helpful, it is not necessary. It is helpful, however, to have an eye for composition. |  Example of an advertisement created by a graphic designer...namely me! |
 Visit www.digitalartistdaily.com to see examples of work by graphic artists. | The Graphic Artist A Graphic artist is typically a fine artist who uses graphic or digital media to create artwork such as found in the magazine, "Digital Artist" shown to the left. Graphic artists may or may not have any schooling. Some graphic artists are self-taught while others may get a certificate from a trade school or work towards a degree in Fine Arts. Graphic artists may also be well versed in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Corel Draw,, all of which allow the artists to paint their art in a digital format. They will, most likely, also have experience in traditional media such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, and paint. Think of a graphic artist as a person who designs to evoke emotions, while a graphic designer is a person who designs to solve communication problems. |
The Web Designer
I think this is pretty self-explanatory. However, some of you may think being a web designer is all a matter of putting a few pictures and words together. True, this sounds easy in theory but is much more complex. Web designers have an in-depth knowledge of HTML code. Like the curves of a lover, the web designer needs to know HTML intimately and understand how the code functions to create a harmonious layout. HTML is the C++ for web designers.
Web designers also typically attend a 4-year college to study HTML coding, color theory, hierarchy, balance, and flow. They also need to have killer copy skills to help communicate their clients' message to the visitor. Organizational skills are a must as these designers need to link complex web sites to different elements within the site. Think of a highly complex flow chart. Web designers use these to help them organize their web pages. They also need to know how to include complex databases within the HTML structure. Think of Amazon.com, its shopping cart, and its crazy amount of products. Each page you visit is a part of Amazon's site structure. Web designers are hired to help guide visitors to the site in a seamless fashion allowing for easy flow and navigation.
Unless a graphic designer is schooled in web design, they are not web designers. They are able to help design web sites using CMS (Content Management Systems) or some may have a rudimentary understanding of HTML code. CMS is what hosting sites use to help non-web designers create and host their web sites. Wix is an example of a site that uses CMS.
I think this is pretty self-explanatory. However, some of you may think being a web designer is all a matter of putting a few pictures and words together. True, this sounds easy in theory but is much more complex. Web designers have an in-depth knowledge of HTML code. Like the curves of a lover, the web designer needs to know HTML intimately and understand how the code functions to create a harmonious layout. HTML is the C++ for web designers.
Web designers also typically attend a 4-year college to study HTML coding, color theory, hierarchy, balance, and flow. They also need to have killer copy skills to help communicate their clients' message to the visitor. Organizational skills are a must as these designers need to link complex web sites to different elements within the site. Think of a highly complex flow chart. Web designers use these to help them organize their web pages. They also need to know how to include complex databases within the HTML structure. Think of Amazon.com, its shopping cart, and its crazy amount of products. Each page you visit is a part of Amazon's site structure. Web designers are hired to help guide visitors to the site in a seamless fashion allowing for easy flow and navigation.
Unless a graphic designer is schooled in web design, they are not web designers. They are able to help design web sites using CMS (Content Management Systems) or some may have a rudimentary understanding of HTML code. CMS is what hosting sites use to help non-web designers create and host their web sites. Wix is an example of a site that uses CMS.
Confused yet?
I hope I helped clear up the differences. Of course, I'm sure I may have left something out, but I hope my explanation will help clear up any confusion.
Of course, we could delve deeper into the differences between a graphic designer and a visual communicator. What are the differences since they both solve visual issues? But that's almost like discussing the differences between a secretary and an administrative assistant. Although there are differences, the differences can be very abstract.
Instead, our next topic will be a more in-depth look at how graphic design can help resolve any communication issues your company may have.
If you have any comments you wish to add or any questions, I welcome them for discussion.
Talk soon!
I hope I helped clear up the differences. Of course, I'm sure I may have left something out, but I hope my explanation will help clear up any confusion.
Of course, we could delve deeper into the differences between a graphic designer and a visual communicator. What are the differences since they both solve visual issues? But that's almost like discussing the differences between a secretary and an administrative assistant. Although there are differences, the differences can be very abstract.
Instead, our next topic will be a more in-depth look at how graphic design can help resolve any communication issues your company may have.
If you have any comments you wish to add or any questions, I welcome them for discussion.
Talk soon!
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