Illustration vs. Graphic Design

Illustration vs. Graphic Design: Choosing the Best Major for You

Every student enters art school with unique talents, creative perspectives, and artistic passions. Deciding between illustration and graphic design can be challenging, but understanding their distinctions is essential for aspiring artists seeking the right path.

While no single major fits everyone, graphic design programs and illustration degrees are among the most sought-after concentrations for art school students. These fields share commonalities but diverge in curriculum focus, job roles, and career prospects.

To help you determine which major aligns with your goals, we've compared illustration vs. graphic design across key areas.

What You'll Study

Graphic design courses teach students how to convey information and emotion through visual elements. You'll dive into the fundamentals of typography, color theory, layout design, and branding across various mediums, from print design to digital media and UX/UI design. Graphic design students develop skills to integrate text, imagery, motion graphics, and animation into cohesive visual communication pieces.

Illustration degrees emphasize the power of visual storytelling. While graphic designers craft the overall aesthetic of a project, illustrators focus on creating specific, detailed images that enhance the narrative of books, articles, advertisements, and digital content. Illustration programs teach both traditional drawing techniques and digital illustration tools, preparing students to design compelling visuals for publishing, editorial design, and concept art.

Job Descriptions

Graphic designers work on diverse projects, including logo design, brand identity, product packaging, advertising campaigns, and web design. Their goal is to create visually unified projects that reflect a brand’s identity. Graphic designers collaborate with art directors, marketers, and clients, often leading creative initiatives that shape a company's public image. Many designers enter the thriving freelance graphic design market, with approximately 20% of U.S. designers being self-employed.

Illustrators, while sharing some job environments with graphic designers, typically work with publishers, magazines, book publishers, and entertainment industries. However, there is rising demand for digital illustrators specializing in web graphics, app design, and motion illustration. Additionally, medical illustrators, technical illustrators, and scientific illustrators find employment in specialized fields requiring intricate, detailed visuals.

Pay and Employment Outlook

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both fields offer similar salaries and job growth. In 2015, the median salary for graphic designers was $46,900, with projected employment growth of 1% from 2014 to 2024. Illustrators fall under the category of craft and fine artists, earning a median of $45,080 in 2015, with a projected growth rate of 2%.

Illustration or Graphic Design: Which Should You Choose?

The decision ultimately depends on your strengths and artistic aspirations. If you excel in sketching, painting, and enjoy creating visuals that complement text or storytelling, an illustration major could be the perfect fit. Alternatively, if you prefer crafting comprehensive visual experiences that blend typography, layouts, and branding elements, graphic design might better align with your career goals.

The two fields overlap significantly. Many graphic designers possess strong illustration skills, and illustrators often use graphic design software to enhance their work. Both career paths offer flexibility, freelance opportunities, and creative independence.

To make the best decision, explore courses in both disciplines, seek guidance from professors and industry professionals, and select the major that resonates with your artistic vision and career ambitions.