Table of Contents
How Artists Can Use Graphic Design?
Artists and graphic artists work in very different industries. Ask any of them, and they will tell you that is self-evident. Art is mostly about self-expression and self-direction, while graphic design is practical and often used for industrial purposes.
About any big artistic journal highlights these distinctions, normally to argue that one is superior to the other. However, these discussions overlook the enormous possibility of a symbiotic partnership between artists and designers.
What exactly are art and graphic design?
To understand how artists can use graphic design, let us first define each discipline.
Art evokes the paradox that exists without which the universe does not exist. You are probably in the world of Pablo Picasso sculptures, museums, massive three-dimensional works, and eccentric palette-bearing, beret-wearing individuals.
However, there is no single description. Art is the abstract, human expression of feelings, sentiments, and events by artistic means such as painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, ceramics, and others.
Graphic design is the process of physically and digitally expressing ideas and perceptions through photographs, language, or graphics. Designers share tales for businesses through signs, commercials, bags, novels, magazines, and brand identities.
When are artists and graphic designers able to collaborate?
Most artists are also photographers, as are many graphic designers. However, very few artists and graphic designers are the same individuals at the same time.
Consider what you can do as an artist and what a talented graphic designer can do for you. Remember that as an artist, the time is best spent in the studio than tinkering with Photoshop. And if you have Rembrandt-level art skills in real life, they cannot translate to the projector.
Here are the major places where graphic designers can assist artists:
Website development
No matter what type of artist you are, your website is without a doubt your most valuable asset. Do not only wing it.
How would you stand out in open calls if your portfolio looks the same as anyone else’s? You may not. Outside of your studio, your website is your primary means of presenting your art to the public. Collaborate with a graphic designer to create a personalised web template that honours the body of work you have invested so much time perfecting.
Your website should: represent your identity as an artist. Your personalised template should represent your personality and taste.
Make an authentic and beautiful representation of your work. Your site layout should be appropriate for the type of work you are showing and scale accordingly for various picture gallery formats.
Provide the relevant details. Your website should include all of the necessary elements (artwork, artist statement, CV, contact form) without being cluttered.
Be intuitive and easy to use. Your style must be appropriate for your text. A designer will adapt to the complexities of your work much better than a blueprint ever could.
Take advantage of the opportunity to help the artist touch up the photos you are presenting on your blog so they look their best when you are collaborating with a designer on your unique web interface.
Design of a logo
Collaborate with a designer to create a logo that reflects your aesthetic. Your logo can appear on your website, resume, business cards, social media accounts, and any other branded assets you have, such as press releases and email newsletters. A wordmark is your best bet because it can coexist with your artwork without clashing; however, consult with your artist to determine which style of logo would fit best for you.
Marketing materials
Any artist understands that blatant self-promotion is a necessary part of the game. Hire a graphic artist to produce posters and other publicity materials to advertise new exhibits, open studios, and festivals. You can learn graphic design with Blue Sky Graphics too.
Consider these flyer patterns to be keepsakes that you are providing to your audience. They are larger than business cards, making them suitable for pinning up on walls and tables, but only if they are well made.
Start sending digital flyers to your friends until you have set up an email list. Save costs by repurposing the personalised flyer into an email before a major exhibition or festival instead of making two different designs.
Books produced by artists
Artist’s books are an enjoyable and effective way to share your artwork, poetry, and projects in a visually appealing format. They are still an excellent way to work with a graphic artist.
When you are in control of the book’s content, work with a talented book designer on layout and cover design to ensure it looks fine and is print-ready. The finished product will be something you can both proudly view in your portfolios.
Here are some of the easiest ways to get started with an innovative collaboration:
Find a designer with whom you will collaborate.
Creatives are notorious for their large personalities, which is a positive thing! However, this does not make teamwork simple.
Find a graphic designer in the same way you can find a creative partner. After all, you could end up dealing with them for a long time. Find a designer that has the qualifications you need, an artistic style that complements yours, and a personality you appreciate.
Create a brief that is straightforward but leaves room for understanding.
Designers have their creative intuition, just as you do. Designers enjoy projects more when they can articulate their preferred style, which is why it is important to choose a designer whose style complements your own.
Just define the “must-have” elements to compose a brief that does not tie designers to your single vision. As a starting point, have a few visual samples of other projects you like, and leave the rest to your artist. This not only results in a better product in the end, but it also demonstrates your confidence in your designer, which is essential for developing a solid working partnership.
Please give credit to the graphic designer.
While it is not necessary, it is a good idea to give credit to the graphic designer wherever possible. Do not put the designer’s name on your business card, but try crediting them in the website’s footer.
