Traditional Artists vs. Graphic and Digital Designers: What is the difference

While studying for my Master’s in Digital Design, our class was assigned a paper exploring whether graphic designers should be considered "real" artists and if they belong in the same category as traditional artists. This sparked a heated debate, particularly among fine artists transitioning into digital design, who passionately defended their status as the original creatives.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, I delved into research and discovered that throughout history, artists have continuously adapted to new techniques, tools, and technologies. As the art world evolved, so did its creators, leveraging innovation to enhance their ability to express imagination and develop their innate talents in structure and design—embracing change as an essential part of creative expression. To me, everyone is creative—we are all artists in our own way. The difference today is that we have the incredible advantage of sharing our art with the world like never before.

Traditional Artists: The Hands-on Creators

Traditional artists work with physical materials to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Their tools include:

• Paint (oil, acrylic, watercolour)

• Charcoal, pastels, graphite

• Ink, markers, coloured pencils

• Clay, wood, or metal for sculptures

How they work

Traditional artists rely on classic art techniques, such as brushwork, shading, and color mixing. Each piece is often labor-intensive and requires meticulous craftsmanship. Once a painting or sculpture is complete, it exists as a singular entity—no "undo" button or digital tweaks.

Where their work is seen

• Art galleries and museums

• Commissioned works (murals, private collections)

• Print reproductions (posters, art books)

• Tattoos, handcrafted items, and fashion designs

Graphic and Digital Designers: The Tech-Savvy Creators

Unlike traditional artists, graphic designers and digital artists use technology to create and manipulate their work. Their primary tools include:

• Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Procreate, Figma

• Hardware: Drawing tablets, styluses, high-resolution screens

• Techniques: Digital painting, vector illustration, typography, 3D modeling

How they work

Digital artists and designers have the advantage of flexibility—layers, filters, and editing tools make it easy to revise and refine their work. They often create logos, branding materials, UI/UX designs, animations, and marketing assets that can be resized and adapted across various formats.

Where their work is seen

• Websites and social media

• Advertisements, posters, and product packaging

• Video games and animations

• Digital branding and corporate identity

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The Key Differences

FEATURE	TRADITIONAL ARTISTS	GRAPHIC/DIGITAL DESIGNERS
Medium	Paint, canvas, sculpture	Digital screens, vector software
Process	Handmade, unique	Editable, flexible
Purpose	Fine art, self expression	Commercial, branding and marketing
Reproducibility	One-of-a-kind	Easily duplicated and modified

The Blending of Both Worlds

In today’s digital age, many artists blur the lines between traditional and digital. Some artists paint by hand and then digitise their work for online use. Others use digital tools to create

hand-drawn effects that mimic traditional painting. Hybrid artists, such as concept artists, illustrators, and printmakers, often work across both mediums.

Which One is Right for You?

If you love tactile, hands-on creativity, traditional art might be your calling. If you enjoy working with technology and want flexibility in your designs, digital and graphic design could be a better fit. But why choose just one? Many modern artists explore both fields, combining the timeless beauty of traditional art with the limitless possibilities of digital tools.

What’s your creative preference? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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