So, I put out a post on X the yesterday saying graphic design isn’t art. It’s problem-solving with visuals. And let me tell you, people went crazy.

Some people even started replying to my posts who don’t even follow me announcing that they are going to mute me on X.

Please don’t do this. I’ll have to shut down my already successful graphic design (not art) business and never post on X again.

Firstly, before I explain my position, if you replied to my post with a reason why you disagree, I love that. I probably didn’t see it in the pool of anger which was the reply section to my post.

I’m willing to discuss opinions with people on this who are willing to have a discussion, and thanks to everybody who disagreed respectfully.

But here’s the thing: getting mad at someone else's opinion is a broke mentality.

If you find yourself triggered by a few words online, maybe it’s time to rethink your priorities. In this world, there are people who create, people who critique, and people who just rage. Guess which group stays winning? It’s never the last one.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s lots of creativity in design, no doubt. I’m a designer and a creative, that is my field.

But that creativity is focused on a goal, not just personal expression. You can be a fantastic designer and still not be an artist. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s great.

We as designers are problem solvers. We’re the unsung heroes of the business world in my opinion. We bring design to life and help our clients increase sales and achieve their goals.

We make things look good, but more importantly, we make them work. So let’s stop with the “art” label and give design the respect it deserves.

Art is about feeling emotions. It's about expressing yourself and pushing limits, making something that comes from the heart, with no rules. It doesn’t have to fix a problem. It’s not tied to client needs or marketing goals.

Art is a completely different craft in itself. I could never be an artist, I am not talented enough to know how to do it.

Graphic design is different. It's about fixing problems. It’s about sharing a message, clearly and effectively, within set limits. You can have a style and a sense of creativity, but in the end, you're solving a problem for a client.

That's not art. That's design.

Let me be clear: You can be a graphic artist, but that’s not the same as being a designer. A designer solves problems visually.

However, a graphic artist might create amazing visuals that move people emotionally, but that’s a different game altogether. And by the way, it’s talent I don’t have, and if I did, I would be very proud of it.

By calling design “art,” you might be belittling the craft. You’re saying you’re not content with being a designer—you need that extra validation of being labelled an artist.

Why? Design is design. Own it. Be proud of it.

Now, graphic design can be an art. Just like teaching is an art. Just like music is an art, do you get where I am going with this?

It’s being a work of art versus being an artist. It’s different.

What’s your opinion, is graphic design art? Drop me a DM if you want to discuss the subject, I’d love to talk more about this!

In the meantime, you can learn the Art of Brand Identity Design and Closing Clients through my online course OrangeClub, it has 17 lessons and 1 hour 47 minutes of content.

See the reviews for yourself:

ORANGE CLUB: A BRAND IDENTITY MASTERY COURSE

See you on the next one,

Joseph from JaffaBranding

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