Graphic art and illustration are often seen as being the same as graphic design, however, they’re each very different. Designers create compositions to communicate and solve problems, graphic artists and illustrators create original artwork. Their art takes a number of forms, from fine art to decoration to storytelling illustrations.

Even though graphic art and illustration are not technically types of graphic design, so much is created for commercial use within the context of graphic design that you can’t talk about one without the others.

Examples of art and illustration for graphic design

• T-shirt design

• Graphic patterns for textiles

• Motion graphics

• Stock images

• Graphic novels

• Video games

• Websites

• Comic books

• Album art

• Book covers

• Picture books

• Infographics

• Technical illustration

• Concept art

Graphic artists use any combination of media and techniques to create their work as they collaborate with writers, editors, managers, marketers and art directors across all graphic design types. They’ll often have a found ation in fine arts, animation or architecture. Overlapping skills and apps make it possible to find graphic designers who also work as graphic artists and illustrators (and vice versa).