Within me, and how I work makes it hard to find a distinction between art and design. Making an illustration is making art in the eyes of most, but illustration is not necessarily art in the traditional sense. Either way I find myself creating art for a living - yet needing to also do more art as a hobbyist so I can experiment.
I recently began a painting. A. physical one. The first time in over 5 years I’ve made something without a client brief, and 2 years from the last time I used physical paint. When I tell people most of the art I make is completely digital, they are suprised. Their suprise suprises me as photoshop has been a major part of the art making conversation for many years now. The things that make analog artists despise digital art — are the same reasons that its the only viable way to make art for business. Such as the flexibility to create versions, make changes, and the immediacy of drawing in digital space. The speed makes digital art the perfect companion for capitalism.
Work in Progress 2021
As incredible as digital tools are - they further blur the line between art, design and illustration. If I spent countless hours on an illustration in Procreate for a client, who is to say that is any more or less art than the painting made in physical space for no client. The lack of a physical object creates space for imposter syndrome to set in.
I don’t run into this issue within myself, but when explaining to employers that yes I can do design and yes I also can make art. The results are mixed. I’m sure I’ve been penalized for being a jack of all trades. But those who recognize the value of individuals that simply create, will not be disappointed.