Which is better, art or design?

Art and design are two similar yet very different spaces in the creative domain. Art is more about self expression and making something with emotion. Art is often left open to interpretation and is very subjective. It changes from viewer to viewer.

Design, is a very user centric field. It takes into consideration all the requirements of the user and builds something that is just perfect for them. Design is custom. Of course, these two paths can meet somewhere in the middle, but that doesn't happen often.

This perception of art and design as two different entities isn't the only one. There are many people who would want to differ. The art and design debate has been tugging on the rope for a while, but I feel there can't ever be a certain answer. For some, art is the whole, and design is a part.

Art has existed for centuries and design has just evolved from it, and that's a fact. Or rather, the importance and need for design has been realized in recent years. So what makes these two different? It's not as if all designers are artists and all artists can be designers. Well, it's the functionality. As we said before, design is user centric. It serves a function. It's made for a purpose. Design has to be justified. Everything you do needs to have an answer. Why it was done and what is was done for. 

Art doesn't require that. If you get it, then you get it. If you don't then you don't. And sometimes all those different views on an art piece is what makes it truly beautiful. Whereas design needs to have a majority view. People's opinions should reach a consensus for it to be called good design.

When it comes to choosing, you can't pick one over the other in terms of pros and cons. Both of them are pretty fun if you ask me. Anything is fun if you start to like it you see. But how do you decide what you like? 

As we've come to believe, while design and art have had their moments, they are pretty different. So, it won't be fair to answer which one is better. It's like asking whether pizza is better, or paneer tikka. Both are awesome, but people will prefer one over the other. Neither is a wrong decision. Because, like we said, both are awesome.

You wait, you do and you learn. Don't let the time bother you. Even if you are confused about what you are really interested in for a long time, it's okay. Sometimes it's just better to be patient. 

Don't be hesitant to try out all your options. To find out what's the best for you, you'll have to give it a shot. After doing all this, it'll be pretty evident which one of these is gonna be your bae for life.

Yep, hopefully that gave you some clarity on the two. For more of a structured analysis, here are a few questions you can ask to figure out which is better suited for your personality.

1. Am I more logic oriented person, or emotion oriented?

2. Am I happier just following what I feel is right, or am I willing to accommodate others opinions?

3. Are my skills more artistic?

4. What gives me a feeling of joy and satisfaction?

5. Which one seems to come to me naturally? (it's not necessary it will, but you may feel inclined to one side)

To delve deeper into such topics, go check out our other blogs!

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Parinita Manchanda

Communication Design/NID Vijayawada

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