Digital Art vs. Graphic Design

Art has been around since early humanity, but as technology has advanced, various art forms have rapidly expanded. The idea of what makes a piece of art has drastically changed with the invention of digital tools. Digital artforms have been around for less than a hundred years but have quickly become both prevalent and popular. 

Digital tools such as computers, modern cameras, 3D printers, and more have also made it easier for artists to create their work and share it with the world. Nowadays, artists don't need a lot of space or resources to make their art, and they can share it instantaneously on social media, an online platform, or an online art gallery.

In this article, we will discuss two forms of art: digital art and graphic design.

Where were digital art forms first seen?

Digital art forms were first seen in the modernist art movement, particularly within Pop Art. For example, Andy Warhol's work is considered as one of the first pieces of art that were created on a computer. Many of the pop art artists we know and love started their careers as graphic designers, and digital art and graphic design have always been closely linked. 

What is Graphic Design?

A graphic design is a visual communication of ideas, usually in the form of a logo, a poster, a web page, a brochure, or an advertisement.

A graphic designer uses images and text to create an attractive display. Graphic designers use images and text to form visual displays that attract attention and convey information. They design logos, marketing material for social media platforms, brochures, and advertising. Graphic designers may specialize in specific areas such as illustration, usability, or web design.

Graphic designers are commissioned and create designs for a client to meet a particular brief. Because graphic design is commercial, an artist has some constraints and may need to create artwork within a specific format or style.

What is Digital Art?

Digital art is an art form that is created digitally and can be in the form of a 2D or 3D work of art or even a combination of both.

The digital medium has had a profound effect on the way we perceive and create art. With the help of technology, artists are able to more easily explore different subjects without having to make physical copies or use other materials. 

A digital artist creates their work on a computer system instead of with paints on canvas, for example. Digital technologies are responsible for new techniques in painting and photography and virtual reality experiences, interactive installations, and video games.

What's The Difference Between Digital Art and Graphic Design?

Digital art is a form of art that involves the use of digital tools to produce images and videos.

Meanwhile, graphic design is a profession that combines artwork, text, and typography for use in advertising, web design, and other forms of communication.

Digital art is recognized by the mainstream art community as a form of artistic expression. Graphic designers are often only recognized as artists within their communities. However, this does not mean graphic designers are digital artists because they do not have complete artistic freedom. 

A digital artist can create any type of artwork they want and be called a digital artist as long as they use digital tools. They can take as long as they like to produce an artwork and may choose to sell or exhibit it. 

However, a graphic designer does not have the same freedoms when creating work for a client. Instead, they need to meet a deadline and produce artwork for a specific use case, which is then usually owned by that client and can be reproduced. 

Is Digital Art the Same as Graphic Design?

Many people wonder if digital art and graphic design are one and the same. Digital art is considered as an umbrella term for all the art forms that are created with digital technology. 

Digital artists use different types of technology like video, audio, computer programming, and animation to create their work. Digital art is increasingly becoming closely associated with crypto art, and are both created and sold on digital platforms. 

On the other hand, graphic designers specialize in creating designs that are used to convey messages or information through images. For example, digital art is often used by graphic designers to enhance their work.

Buying Digital Artwork

Although you may know less about graphic design and digital art forms than you do about traditional artwork, there’s never been a better time to learn. Digital artworks and crypto art are predicted to be one of the biggest art trends of 2022. If you enjoy digital artwork then buying digital art could be a good art investment.