It might be difficult to tell the difference between graphic design and digital art. Both need the same creative abilities as any drawing or painting artist.
The distinctions between digital artists and graphic designers are many points. A digital artist prioritizes art, but a graphic designer prioritizes communication.
If you’re looking for details, you’ve come to the perfect spot since the following topics we’ll discuss are the obligations you have in those two professions.
After that, we’ll go through the two sorts of artists’ work environments and what talents are required to become a digital artist or a graphic designer.
Let’s get it started!
Similarities & Differences
A digital artist prioritizes art, while a graphic designer includes designing advertisements, print projects, newsletters, social media, and more.
Job Description
Graphic design is all about static images or complete website layouts. You may see graphic designers’ work everywhere, from large billboards on the side of the road to metal cans containing your favorite beverages.
A graphic designer will produce visually appealing and attention-getting designs that convey a message or an emotion. When designing for a particular brand, for example, your work should impact the audience’s perspective.
Digital art may take the shape of a 2D or 3D piece of art or even a mix of both. Digital media has had a significant impact on how we see and make art.
Digital artists may more readily study diverse themes, which eliminates the need for physical copies or other resources. For example, digital artists develop their work using a computer system instead of painting on canvas.
Artists must master technical skills such as how color, lighting, and forms impact the mood and establish the tone to be effective at digital art.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an approved university, college, or private design school is necessary for entry-level and advanced graphic design professions.
You may enroll in graphic design school to study the technical prerequisites and obtain the certification required to work in this industry.
Digital artists must have a bachelor’s degree in visual art or a related subject.
While a degree isn’t required, this is a competitive sector, so formal training can help you strengthen your résumé and portfolio.
It would also help keep up with the latest creative and animation technologies.
The digital art profession might be challenging if your creative abilities cannot convert from pen and paper to a drawing tablet.
An internship in your chosen sector is a fantastic opportunity to obtain real-world experience, polish your abilities, and network with others.
Skills
Graphic designers integrate art and technology. So, they must understand design concepts and know how to use design tools.
They need to have soft critical skills like communication and problem resolution since they often deal with customers and colleagues on diverse projects.
You will need to be fluent at:
- Ideation
- Design principles
- Typography
- Branding
- UX and UI design
- Designing for print
- Creativity
- Technology
- Strategy
- Communication
- Time management
- Problem-solving
The bulk of graphic design jobs will not need drawing abilities. Graphic designers utilize design software most of the time. Thus understanding the tools is more crucial than increasing your drawing abilities.
Any individual who designs and manipulates pictures using digital image editing software and drawing tools is a digital artist.
These graphics may be hand-drawn or made on a computer; digital artists must have non-digital and software talents.
The following abilities can considerably enhance your art regardless of the digital art you work in.
- Sketching.
- Character drawing.
- Creating original concepts.
- Composition.
- Refine your color usage.
- Shading and lighting.
- Animation.
- Typography.
Job Outlook
Graphic designers’ employment will expand by 3% from 2020 to 2030.
Despite slow job growth, graphic designers will have roughly 23,900 opportunities each year on average over many decades.
Digital artists and animators will expand by 16% from 2020 to 2030, substantially faster than the national average. Over the next ten years, over 7,800 vacancies for special effects artists and animators may appear.
Salaries
The median annual graphic designer pay was $66,687. Comparing that to the national average of $56,383 for all jobs shows that these creative types make a decent livelihood.
Digital artist salaries in the United States vary from $10,764 to $288,999, with a median of $62,035.
Comparison Table
| Graphic Design | Digital Art | |
|---|---|---|
| Job description | Create visual concepts by computer software or by hand | Utilize computer software to make a CD-ROM, video game, website, wall-hanging painting, etc. |
| Education requirements | A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a fine arts subject connected to graphic design | A degree involving graphic Design, Digital Communications, or Interactive Design |
| Skills | – Ideation – Design principles – Typography – Branding – UX and UI design – Designing for print – Creativity – Technology – Strategy – Communication – Time management – Problem-solving | – Sketching – Character drawing – Creating original concepts – Composition – Refine your color usage – Shading and lighting – Animation – Typography |
| Job Outlook | Expand by 3% between 2020 and 2030 | Expand by 16% between 2020 and 2030 |
| Salaries | $66,687 | $62,035 |
Which Job Is Best For You?
Graphic design and digital arts are two professions that need varied skills.
They have a mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of the newest design software.
Though they have certain similarities, the two professional paths are not identical. If you’re thinking about pursuing a design profession, you should be aware of their differences, as mentioned above.
FAQs
Is digital art better than graphic design?
The significant distinction between graphic design and digital art is that graphic design is mainly static (logos, publications, photographs, etc. ).
Digital art is dynamic (animations, interactive elements, movies, etc.). The digital design may incorporate visual arts and audio and sound effects.
Is graphic design considered art?
Graphic design may be attractive and appealing to the eye, but it is not an art form. Graphic design uses design techniques to create clear visual messages and address issues.
Can a graphic designer become an artist?
Many painters are also designers, as are many graphic designers. However, very few artists and graphic designers are the same.
It’s difficult to tell the difference between graphic artists and graphic designers.
Conclusion
Although the borders between visual and digital design have blurred, it is crucial to understand the main distinctions between graphic design and digital art.
Digital art includes the creation of pictures and movies using digital instruments. Graphic design is a field that blends art, text, and typography for use in web design, advertising, and other types of communication.
Both provide exciting and innovative professional opportunities. Hopefully, this post will help you to choose which path to follow.