What is Applied Art?

One of the criticisms of fine art is that it is not a particularly useful expression of human creativity. Yes, paintings are pretty to look at, and sculptures add personality to a room, but they serve no greater purpose beyond that. Instead, they are often viewed as decorative instruments. 

However, while that criticism may be valid for some paintings and sketches, not all art can be generalized under this stereotype. 

To learn more about art that has practical use, read on to explore the wonderful world of applied art.

Applied Art Definition

Applied art is defined as artistic design created for utilitarian objects in everyday use. 

Works of fine art are often defined as high art because they serve no purpose other than providing aesthetic or intellectual stimulus to those who view them. They are designed primarily to increase the aesthetic appeal of a space. 

In contrast to fine art, applied arts make functional objects more aesthetically pleasing. These objects are designed so that the results are both useful and visually enjoyable at the same time. 

Because of this fusion between creativity and function, applied art embraces an enormous range of products and items—from doorknobs, tables, airports, and railway stations to concert halls, fountain pens, walking sticks, sirens, alarm clocks, and even computer mice. The applied arts overlap with decorative arts, and the modern form of applied art is now typically called design.

Why Are Crafts Called the Applied Arts?

Crafts are considered applied arts because they serve a function while also being aesthetically pleasing. For example, a decorative plate, rug, or metalwork piece is both a work of art and a practical object.

Applied Art Examples

• Industrial design: Mass-produced objects created with aesthetic and functional considerations.

• Sculpture: Can function as applied art when integrated into architectural or public spaces.

• Architecture: Both functional and artistic in its design.

• Crafts: Handmade functional objects that are also visually compelling.

• Ceramic art: Ceramics used for tiles, tableware, and bathroom applications.

• Automotive design: Designing cars to enhance both performance and visual appeal.

• Fashion design: Creating clothing that is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically striking.

• Calligraphy: Writing information in a visually refined and artistic manner.

• Interior design: Planning and styling spaces to optimize function while enhancing beauty.

What Is the Purpose of Applied Arts?

Applied art aims to create products that provide their required function with efficiency while also offering a sense of beauty and thoughtful design. By contrast, fine arts primarily aim to create works that serve aesthetic or conceptual purposes alone.

What Is Considered an Applied Art?

Art that is created not only for aesthetic purposes but also with an interactive, design, or problem-solving goal is considered applied art. It serves a broader functional purpose beyond pure visual appreciation.

What Are the Types of Applied Arts?

Works of applied art generally fall into two main categories:

1. Standard machine-made products enhanced with thoughtful design to make them more attractive and easier to use. 

2. Individually crafted, aesthetically pleasing but primarily functional products made by artisans or skilled workers that serve a defined purpose.

Artistic disciplines classified as applied arts include industrial design, fashion design, interior design, and graphic art and design (including computer graphics). Decorative arts such as furniture, carpets, tapestry, embroidery, batik, jewelry, precious metalwork, pottery, goldsmithing, basketry, mosaic art, and glassware also fall into this category. Illuminated manuscripts and book illustrations are considered applied arts as well. Architecture is often best viewed as an applied art, combining structural function with artistic vision.