When I think of visual art forms, my brain goes immediately to drawings by caricature artists, paintings, sculptures, photography, films, or various types of art installations. Each form expresses the message, meaning, or emotion of the piece through the artists creating it. It is usually subjective and is interpreted in various ways.
Sometimes, visual arts can be categorized as:
- Decorative
- Commercial
- Fine art
According to Wikipedia’s definition, “Visual arts is a class of art forms focusing on the creation of works that are primarily visual in nature, such as painting, drawing, illustration, architecture, photography, graphic design, printmaking, filmmaking, and Internet art also known as net.art. Works that involve moulding or modeling, such as sculpture, public art, and ceramics, are more narrowly referred to as plastic arts.
The visual arts are distinguished from the performing arts, language arts, culinary arts and other such classes of artwork, but those boundaries are not well defined. Many artistic endeavors combine aspects of visual arts with one or more non-visual art forms, such as music or spoken word,”.
In my career, I get to work with artists on the commercial side of visual arts. As photographers, we are intertwined with several other types of visual arts, such as but not limited to:
- Writers
- Producers
- Directors
- Musicians
- Sound and lighting engineers, etc.
You can clearly identify these art forms in any given advertisement, whether its medium is through traditional channels like print and television or via the web – these forms of art work together to create the intended message of the advertiser.
Another example of commercial art is provided by the graphic designer. They digitally create visual concepts, using computer programs or by hand, to communicate ideas that will inspire, inform, and captivate their intended audience.
What are 3 types of visual art?
Let’s break it down a little more into three types of visual arts:
- Decorative
- Commercial
- Fine art
Decorative art, such as wall art, sculptures, and rugs, is used to make a space more aesthetically pleasing. Fine art includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other forms of artwork that are created purely for aesthetic purposes. Then, there is commercial art, which is used in a commercial setting, such as advertisements, product packaging, or logos.
I am with a firm that includes digital and visual arts. In the marketing industry, web developers are also sought after for their ability to design, create, and code websites. At one time, our agency represented a fine art photographer. Although he was a fine artist, companies could purchase his images for things like superimposing a vehicle into the outdoor scene of his image.
However, when CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) hit the scene, it became a primary tool for creatives in the ad business as it was generally more accessible, quicker turn-around, and more cost-effective. However, CGI offers numerous ways for designers, illustrators, and artists to produce work for their clients.
Visual images in ads are super important because they grab your attention and make you curious about what’s being shown. They help show off what the product can do and build its personality, also known as “branding.” Images also link the product to symbols and lifestyles, making it memorable in your mind.
Ads use different visual elements like pictures, drawings, logos, and colors. Pictures are common because they catch your eye and help you understand the product better. Drawings make ads more animated and show messages that photos alone might not.
For example, a cartoon character in an ad may make the product seem friendlier. While colors are also key in ads, they can make you feel certain emotions like trust when you see blue or give off vibes like nature when you see green. All of these forms of art come together to create a strong brand identity and connect with the intended audience.
How are colors used in advertising?
Colors in advertising play a crucial role because they can evoke feelings and influence how you perceive a product. For example, warm colors like red can grab your attention instantly and make you feel excited or energetic, which is why fast-food chains often use them. On the other hand, tech companies often use cool colors like blue to promote a sense of trust and reliability.
Color combinations can convey different messages, too. For instance, using green with brown might remind you of nature, suggesting that a product is eco-friendly or organic. Meanwhile, black and gold can give a product a luxurious feel, making it appear high-end or exclusive.
Ad agencies also use colors to make sure their brands stand out. For instance, if you think of a specific shade of red or yellow, you might immediately think of particular cola or snack brands. This is called brand recognition, where the color becomes so linked with the product that it gets etched in your memory.
Moreover, colors can guide how you browse websites or store aisles. Bright colors might be used to highlight a sale or new item, encouraging you to take a closer look or make a decision. Even online, color schemes are designed to make sites easy on the eyes, ensuring you stay longer and explore.
In short, advertising colors are like powerful tools that silently work to persuade and inform. They help create an emotional connection, making not just the product but also the entire experience memorable for you.
The agency I work for uses a multitude of visual art tools as well as scientific tools to run a successful campaign. We call it “combination marketing.” Combination marketing in the context of our agency, refers to the approach of utilizing a mix of different digital marketing channels and strategies to reach potential customers, including things like social media, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), paid Google advertising, content marketing, and email marketing, all working together to achieve optimal results for our clients; essentially, a multi-channel marketing strategy tailored to each business need.
What is the meaning of visual arts?
In conclusion, visual arts play a pivotal role in communication, whether through drawings, sculptures, or digital mediums. From colors to composition, each element is carefully crafted to evoke emotions and build brand identity.
By understanding the nuances of visual arts, we can appreciate the skill behind advertisements and artwork recognizing their impact on our perceptions and decisions. As we interact with various forms of visual art daily, we become more insightful viewers and informed consumers.