[greenamp]

Ive seen both terms used in a way in which it would seem as if they imply the same thing. My question though is concerning the usage of the two terms in reference to a 2 or 4 year degree program.

Do they imply different things? Or is it just two different ways of saying the same thing?

[meem]

if your an illustrator selling your work to a magazine then your a commercial artist but not a graphic designer who designed the magazine and is obviously in the commercial world.

The commercial art I think is supposed to be the opposite than Fine art which is" I made this one of a kind painting say will someone buy it to hang somewhere". rather than Comercial artist making painting for Company XYZ that will have it on/in all there mass produced products

These are generalizations but feel free to disagree

[Tyler Dockery]

The difference is usually a piece of paper

If the University you went to says you're a Graphic Designer, then you are. Sure, you probably have a great understanding of photography, illustration, production, even environmental and industrial design. How good of a Designer could you be without those? But, the paper says Graphic Design, and so you are.

If the University you went to gives a degree in commercial art, then they are usually making a distinction between it and Fine Art. You are usually get a C.A. degree with a SPECIALIZATION in graphic design, photography, etc.

http://dockerydesigns.50megs.com