Graphic Design...is it Art?

 By Lindsey M. Musch

     Many argue that graphic design is not considered art and that graphic designers are not artists. Perhaps I am partial because I am a graphics major, but I definitely consider graphics to be a form of art. Art is defined, 

"as the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance."

     With this being said graphic design is an expression and production of something that is appealing, thus would it not be art? 

"Graphic designers work with drawn, painted, photographed, or computer-generated images (pictures), but they also design the letterforms that make up various typefaces found in movie credits and TV ads; in books, magazines, and menus; and even on computer screens. Designers create, choose, and organize these elements—typography, images, and the so-called "white space" around them—to communicate a message. Graphic design is a part of your daily life."

     Most graphic designers don't just sit down at the computer and throw pictures and words together, they start with doing sketches with pen and paper, just like any artist would do. Even many painters don't just slap some paint on a canvas, they start out with sketching their ideas down.

     This seems to be an ongoing debate that like politics and religion probably will not disappear anytime soon. I have heard that some feel graphic design is not art because it is so commercialized. So what they are trying to say is that if you make a profit from anything you create you are now not considered an artist. Is that accurate? No! If a musician creates an album and makes money of it are they no longer an artist because they are now commercialized?

     People need to stop debating what is and what is not art and look at the beautiful and creative works around them from all aspects of the art world, from sculptors to music, to graphics to theater and dance performers.

     How would you define art? Is there anything that you do not feel should be considered art? If so why?