The word “design” applies to several mediums of art. In one sense, all artists are designers within their own respected fields. While there is some overlap between the worlds of graphic design and illustrative design, there are also significant differences artists should consider in pursuing the right program.
How are Graphic Design and Illustrative Design similar?
Both fields are experts in implementing creative solutions to solve design problems. For example, a package design is something that both of these disciplines will encounter. While a graphic designer will focus on the usability and imagery, an illustrative designer will be more focused on the visual presence of the surface of the packaging.
Another area where the two overlap is in motion graphics. The illustrative designer is more likely to hand draw assets for animation where a graphic designer may create motion by other means such as typography, photographs and more.
What exactly is Illustrative Design?
An illustrative designer uses an illustrative approach in everything that they do. Students who pursue illustrative design love to draw and will take courses in perspective, human anatomy, and still-life painting where they develop their skills as an illustrator. Their foundation relies on traditional mediums such as acrylic paint, graphite, charcoal and pastels.
In upper-level classes, illustrative designers learn how to work with clients on a variety of different projects including the creation of narrative based illustrations, advertising, editorial and institutional-based illustrations, including illustrations for short stories. At this point, students will be skilled in programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and After Effects.
There is an array of opportunities for someone with an Illustrative Design degree. This can consist of branding, package design, motion graphics, editorial illustrations, data visualization, print media and much more!
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design consists of a multidisciplinary human-centered design approach. Meaning, there’s no singular approach to creative obstacles that graphic designers will face. Graphic design students learn lens-based media such as photo/video along with web design, infographics, typography, mixed media, UX/UI and much more. Moreover, by the time a graphic designer graduates from RMCAD, they are capable of wearing many hats. By the time students graduate, they will be well-versed in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Dreamweaver, Premiere Pro, After Effects and more. Graphic design students also learn the foundational elements of drawing.
The career opportunities for graphic designers consist of branding, package design, motion graphics, editorial layout design, front end web/mobile application developer, art director, advertising, information visualization, digital design, user experience and much more!
How do I know which program is right for me?
That is a common question we get often! Our friendly admissions team can help elaborate specifics such as which classes you will take, what you will learn as an artist and where you can expect to be following graduation. In addition, our department chairs, Jay Hollick and Jim Reiman are more than happy to talk with you as well, so you are set up for success! Click here to learn about Illustrative Design and click here to learn about Graphic Design. In order to get the conversation started about your creative potential, please fill out this form.
FAQs: What is the Difference Between Graphic Design and Illustrative Design?
1. What is the difference between graphic design and illustrative design?
Graphic design uses a multidisciplinary, human-centered approach to solve communication problems across media, including typography, layout, and digital design. Illustrative design takes an illustration-first approach, prioritizing original hand-drawn artwork as the primary solution to design problems.
2. How are graphic design and illustrative design similar?
Both fields use creative problem-solving to produce visual solutions and can work on projects such as packaging design. The article notes that the focus differs, but the goal is still effective visual communication.
3. Which field focuses more on drawing and traditional art techniques?
Illustrative design is more drawing-focused. The article explains that illustrative design students typically develop skills through courses in perspective, human anatomy, and still-life painting, often using traditional media such as acrylic paint, graphite, charcoal, and pastels.
4. Do graphic design students also learn to draw?
Yes. The article notes that graphic design students learn foundational drawing, along with other areas such as typography, infographics, and web design.
5. How do the two fields differ in motion graphics work?
Both can overlap in motion graphics, but the article notes illustrative designers are more likely to hand-draw assets for animation. Graphic designers may create motion using other approaches, such as typography and photography.
6. What software skills are associated with each path?
The article states that illustrative design students develop skills with tools such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects. Graphic design students develop broader tool fluency across Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Dreamweaver, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
7. What careers can illustrative design or graphic design lead to?
The article outlines opportunities for illustrative design, including branding, packaging, motion graphics, editorial illustration, data visualization, and print media. It also emphasizes that graphic design prepares students to work across multiple media and project types, given its multidisciplinary scope.
