Journal

Short weekly reflections on design, making and craft.

Art, Craft and Design

Creative labels are subjective. They become ambiguous as there is no absolute classification, and each always intersects the other, throughout concept, process, and outcome. Further confusion arises as each is used as both noun and verb.

Art, craft, and design are all (nearly) identical, yet they each have subtly contrasting imperatives. Art typically prioritises visual function and theoretical input. Craft tends to prioritise material and medium. Design often prioritises physical usage and function.

Yet curiously, creativity (the act of creative work) always overlaps all three disciplines — art, craft, and design. A creative outcome is at once, a work of art, craft, and design. However, there is always a distinct tendency to emphasise one creative aspect over all others, thus establishing an appropriate singular creative label.

Luke BattenComment