Illustrator vs Fine Artist

What’s the difference between an illustrator and a fine artist? I’ll try my best to answer this burning question. Essentially the job of an illustrator is to create imagery that conveys a specific message, the content of which is determined by whoever is footing the bill. A professional illustrator works hand in hand with their client in an effort to understand exactly what they need.

From logos to comic books to album covers these skilled professionals play a variety of roles depending upon the job at hand. Illustrators draw editorial cartoons, body parts for medical books, some even pen children’s books. The variety of hats worn by illustrators is seemingly endless. They are often independent contractors but can also work in groups.

Although I have no personal experience as a paid illustrator I did manage to take some illustration courses as a college art student. Our professor once told the class that illustration is applied art and therefore not fine art. Emotion plays a role but the “message” always comes first. The professor was constantly urging us to create imagery that was “recognizable”, something that could be instantly understood by the masses with absolutely no ambiguity.


As a fine artist ambiguity is often my best friend. Fine artists sometimes intentionally create ambiguity so the viewer will have a little mystery to figure out. Fine art is meant to be looked at over and over. Who would buy an expensive painting and hang it in the corner never to be at looked at again?

For an illustrator clarity of purpose is all important. Imagine this; you’re a male tourist in a non-English speaking country and you need to find an airport men’s room yesterday. After wandering down a long corridor you notice twin doors. Since the doors are labeled only with words you just have to guess which is which. You guess wrong and you miss you’re flight home. This could happen. It’s an illustrator’s job to design signs that clear up any confusion.

Now some say the fine artist asks questions, while illustrators answer questions. Is it fair to illustrators to limit their art to this narrow point of view? Are some illustrators asking the same kinds of questions a fine artist would ask? The short answer is yes. Political cartoonists in particular have been known to ask some very tough questions of our society. Illustrators can actually challenge us in the same ways fine artists do.

It’s true the fine artist’s primary role is to be a seeker of truth. The fine artist is seeking out some elusive idea, thought or meaning. Questions are being asked in order to make sense of our world both material and ethereal. In theory the fine artist works only for himself or herself, not conforming to the ideas, thoughts or wishes of anyone else. So the true artist is ideally a completely independent entity who answers only to his or her own artistic vision.

I have found this to be true only in the most ideal of circumstances. Most financially successful artists create works that conform to the aesthetic of a well-established art market. In other words most fine artists don’t get to do the work they truly want to do. So in that way they’re similar to some illustrators who have to service their client first and foremost.

I think my own artwork asks questions more than it provides answers. I take the whole “seeker of truth” thing very seriously. It’s hard to seek truth without asking questions. But, for real understanding to take place there must be dialogue. This means the true artist, no matter what type he or she may be, must make a statement while seeking answers. I know this sounds like an almost impossible task but that’s what separates great artists from the rest of us.

I admit to not being an expert in the field, so your opinion is probably as valid as mine. Illustrators can and do ask questions. Fine artists can and do answer questions. We are really not that different. You may disagree. That’s okay. This is just my way of answering the question.

Both illustrators and fine artists use visual language to communicate. Whether fine artist or illustrator, the most creative artists invent a visual language that is all their own. The biggest difference of all is probably the inspiration for their work or who is paying for the work.

There are some fine artists who look down upon commercial artists. Not me. I have a great respect for the work illustrators do. Many of them are far better painters than I will ever hope to be. They have found a way to use their talents to communicate with others. Make no mistake about, they are truly artists.

I'm interested in your opinion about what an artist does. Why do you create? Are you asking or answering questions? Are you oblivious to any purpose whatsoever with your art? Does art even need a purpose? Is the purpose of art simply to help us find fulfillment in the act of creating? Please share your thoughts below.

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