Graphic design and illustration sometimes receive a disservice within artistic circles—–”it’s not fine art,” critics proclaim, as once was said about Norman Rockwell. Rockwell worked for Saturday Evening Post from 1916-1963 and we know how successful he was in the world of illustration. Graphic design and illustration proved to be a springboard for several other 20th century art stars who got their start in magazines: Andy Warhol illustrated beautiful shoes for Glamour and Barbara Kruger, a magazine designer for Mademoiselle, was famous for her feminist art. Edward Hopper, who painted the famous Nighthawks, was a full-time illustrator for Country Gentleman and Scribner’s.
Graphic design is art! It appears it can jumpstart art careers, also. Art snobs may dismiss this genre, but hopefully there are rulebreakers and innovators who pursue this medium with zest!