graphic design is the current term for commercial art.

A designer or commercial artist is used by anyone who wants any form of artwork (e.g. web site design, logo design, corporate imaging, illustration, etc) or layout for an object that will be printed (e.g. business cards, corporate stationery, brochure, flyer, book, newsletter, etc) professionally produced.

In the case of printed media, designers work closely with print companies to ensure that the finished product will achieve the clients desired effect. This includes the number of colours used, extras such as embossing and/or foiling, and the range of paper/card stock from the typical gloss art through to recycled and speciality textured grains.

In the case of web site design / internet use, some design studios use their own internal servers, whilst others (the majority) use the range of ISP servers available (i.e. the web site is "hosted" by either the studio or an independant ISP such as Xtra or Clear or Paradise etc). I use an independant host for the sites I design. There is such a range of ISP companies available, through a process of consultation, we find the one that suits the client best.

A graphic designer will listen to your brief and come up with designs that display your ideas in an artistic form, and can be used effectively and economically within all your specified media requirements (e.g. print, web, signage, etc). You are paying for their artistic skill, their experience in the place of design in marketing / advertising, and their knowledge of the media processes.