Graphic Design and Illustration — Where is the Line?
Graphic Design. Illustration. Intrinsically-linked or mutually-exclusive? At Buttercrumble, we like to think of graphic design as the umbrella and illustration as typical British raindrops — both together and separate! They are, at times, part of the same.
Both have become creatively intertwined and embedded into commercialism, but what exactly is the difference between the two?
What is Graphic Design?
It’s a broad subject which is why it can cause so much confusion. Graphic design is the creative communication of ideas and messages through visual and physical tools (to a target audience). Graphic design is a well-rounded discipline given the wide and varied range of skills and knowledge required to be executed well. Along with technological ability, marketing experience, and communicative skills, at the very heart of graphic design is artistry. This combination of creativity and conscientiousness is what powers graphic design and draws the consumer to a product or service on a much more personal and intimate level.
A common misconception is that graphic design is a purely online-based practice. This isn’t true, in fact graphic design can be applied and created in several mediums and formats; from selecting typography in publications to developing signage and public engagement through hand-painted murals. It all comes down to communication, whether that be an identity, a personality, or a story, graphic design adapts its creativity and marketing skills to send a clear visual message.
What is Illustration?
Illustration is the creative representation — or rather interpretation — of an idea or message through visual and physical tools. Illustration is a versatile discipline, given the creative freedom it enables to artists and designers alike. Rather than communicate a direct message, illustrators use tools (also applied in graphic design) such as colour, layout, and imagery to symbolise an idea or message, allowing the consumer to interpret the visual however they decided. Illustrators are often recruited for their own individual style and artistic flair.
Similar to graphic design, illustration can be produced and viewed in several mediums and formats; from paints and inks to vector graphics, technological development has enabled illustration to grow and expand into several areas of the arts. These include: fine art, literature, and of course, graphic design.
How Does Illustration Branch Into Graphic Design? And Vice Versa?
Returning to our umbrella analogy, graphic design and illustrator work hand in hand with each other, due to their individual skillsets and bases of knowledge. These different values and assets benefit each other!
Visual Elements
Colour
Line
Shape
Texture
Space
Form
Scale
Light
The elements as listed above are used across both graphic designer and illustration. As graphic design and illustration’s primary goal is to correctly deliver a visual message, it is fundamental to utilise visual elements such as the above. For example, colour is a great indicator of a particular theme. Across the world colour is used to symbolise many things such as: danger, beauty and love. Coupling this with a specific texture, for example, will provide the consumer more information and therefore more room for interpretation.
Commercial Story-Telling
Visual story-telling is crucial to branding and marketing a product or service. It is a great tool to artistically inform consumers of a brand’s personality and identity. This is where graphic design and illustration crossover again! By combining graphic design’s direct communication skills with illustration’s creative freedom, a business can capture their target audience and create a personal connection. This creates long-term benefits such as trust and loyalty amongst consumers.
Growth Together
Over the years, graphic design and illustration have adopted various techniques. In Steve Heller and Veronique Vienne’s “100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design”, we can see how graphic design and illustration has blended seamlessly and inspired audiences. For example, at the beginning of the 20th century, designers began to use typography as imagery. By using a communicative tool, the overall image is quite easy to decipher. However, as you look closer you can see what once appeared clear and direct, starts to fall apart in a kaleidoscope. This is a perfect example of graphic design and illustration crossing over. There are no rules!
In conclusion, graphic design and illustration are a dynamic duo that can work both individually and collaboratively. At Buttercrumble, we are passionate about using both disciplines (sometimes simultaneously) for maximum creativity.
Did you enjoy this Buttercrumble—read? Let us know in the comments below! Alternatively, sign up to the Buttercrumble grapevine and always stay up-to-date on the latest news in design and business.
References
99designs. 2019. Graphic illustration and the difference between graphic design and illustration. [Online]. [Accessed 2 October 2019]. Available from: https://99designs.co.uk/blog/tips/graphic-illustration-vs-graphic-design/
Chron. 2018. Graphic Artist Vs. Graphic Designer. [Online]. [Accessed 2 October 2019]. Available from: https://work.chron.com/graphic-artist-vs-graphic-designer-18514.html
Design Hill. 2017. Difference Between Graphic Design And Illustration. [Online]. [Accessed 2 October 2019]. Available from: https://www.designhill.com/design-blog/difference-between-graphic-design-and-illustration/
Design Observer. 2006. Graphic Design vs. Illustration. [Online]. [Accessed 2 October 2019]. Available from: https://designobserver.com/feature/graphic-design-vs-illustration/4857
Heller, S. and Vienne, V. 2012. 100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Rasmussen College. 2017. What is Graphic Design? A Beginner’s Guide to this Creative Career. [Online]. [Accessed 2 October 2019]. Available from: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/what-is-graphic-design/
