Designer or Artist, Maybe Both: Crossover Appeal

I have been designing graphics and websites since sophomore year in high school (2000) and learning about the language known as HTML, the building block of all websites, through the greatness of the "View Source" right-click option. Since, my designs have always served a specific purpose or function. However, for a long time I have admired the outstanding digital artwork of others, who take the most mundane photograph and create art that rivaled that seen in the world's greatest galleries. I always wanted to do the same. However, I was too intimidated to attempt to create something as good as the digital art I had seen and always thought I was too busy to sit down and spend the time.

But the Daily Design Challenge inspired me to make the time.

So, yesterday, for my 14th daily design, I tried my hand at creating more than a design. I tried my hand at create a work of art that would (hopefully) be admired and be a sign of the maturation of a creative. 

Here is the result:

-Original Stock Photo (sxc.hu)-

-HEART + MASK (BTW, It is very fun & satisfying naming your work after you are finished)-

 

So, the question is: Are you a designer or an artist? Or both?

Before 2010, I would have answered "designer". But, with the new year, comes new inspiration, ambition, and knowledge. This year I want to attempt to gain crossover appeal through experimentation and expression.

When I saw similar artwork, I thought, "Well, all they are doing is taking a picture and throwing brushes on top. But somehow they know exactly where and how to place and manipulate them." This work didn't come easy. There was a lot of trial and error, as always. I learned what makes an artist...an artist. Artists are charged with knowing what needs to go where and how. Manipulation can be a complex task that can become troublesome and end in heartache or become fulfilling and end in a beautiful artistic display. 

I think trying my hand at this will improve my designing. Allowing your mind to run free will cause you to think in new ways. I am excited about where this could lead as I embark on a brave new journey in 2010.

I am a graphic/web designer. 

But I do have an artist's ambition.