Does Design = Art?

According to Kees Dorst’s article “But, is it art?” “An artist determines his or her own goals” whereas a graphic designer’s goals are “partly determined by others.” This statement is very true in a sense. However, I do agree with her last two sentences which says, “a designer who develops his own goals […] is something of an artist, as far as I’m concerned. The medium may be a little odd, but still.” Designers use every project as way of developing who they are as a designer. Every designer wants to “reach his ideal” which is why different projects contribute to their personal development. As a designer working on my thesis right now, I can completely see how design can be art. A design thesis is conceptual and designed upon something personal the individual wants to explore. There are no clients involved; therefore thesis work is a great example of how a project can contribute to ones personal development. On the other hand, I partly agree with Rick Poynor in his article “Art’s Little Brother” where he says that design is meant to be functional and serve a purpose whereas artists are free to do what they want “in pursuit of their self-chosen goals.” When working for a client, a designer ultimately has to do what the client wants. However, to argue Dorst’s point again, there is always a personal relationship between a designer and any given project.

Poynor also brings up the argument that, “There are more passionate, less detached designers just as there are highly cerebral artists.” He goes on to say that many artists (like designers) use other means to create their art; whether it is photography, computers, video, or any other means. The key difference however is that design again is meant to be practical and functional. So there is this split between function and vision. Also, according to M/M in “Royal College of Art discussion with David Blamey” designers are very much engaged with society, whereas artists can use their work to detach from society. “Art isn’t supposed to be practical or even sensible.” This statement, as sad as it may sound, is true. Artists can create whatever they please and call it “contemporary art” but designers have to stay true to their function, which is creating something that is practical and ironically has a function.