What is the difference between graphic design and illustration?

Graphic design and illustration are two closely-related fields, and often students are confused about the distinction between the two. Wikipedia has some good, basic definitions:

Graphic Design is a form of communication in which visual information is used to convey a message. Unlike fine art, it is normally used for commercial purposes, to convey a specific and persuasive message to a large audience. Graphic design often incorporates typography, page layout, image development, and branding, but it is not limited to these elements.

An Illustration is a visualisation such as drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that stresses subject more than form. The aim of an illustration is to elucidate or decorate a story, poem or piece of textual information (such as a newspaper article), traditionally by providing a visual representation of something described in the text.

Typically, graphic designers and illustrators work hand-in-hand, and there is usually a great deal of overlap between their jobs. Both concern themselves with the fundamental ideas of problem-solving, communication, and aesthetics. At a magazine, for example, a designer (or designers) may be responsible for determining the layout, the typography, and the overall look of the publication. The designers (or art director) would then contract with illustrators to create images to accompany the articles and the cover.

To get an idea of the type of work contemporary graphic designers and illustrators are doing, we encourage you to check out these links. 

Illustration: 

Drawn! (www.drawn.ca )
Drawn! is a blog about contemporary illustration and illustrators, a fantastic resource to find out what's going on in the field today by the people who are making their livings doing it.

Graphic Design:

AIGA (www.aiga.org )
AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. Founded as the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1914 as a small, exclusive club, AIGA now represents more than 16,000 designers through national activities and local programs developed by 55 chapters and more than 150 student groups. (Sage has a student chapter of the AIGA, and you can find out more about it in the graphic design section of this site.)