180 graphic design statistics: design technology and emerging trends

Is graphic design just about creating visually appealing images, or is it a critical tool for driving business success in our increasingly digital world? One thing is clear—graphic design is vital in our everyday lives, shaping how we perceive information and brands.

Understanding the intricate role of graphic design in our society has never been more critical. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about effective communication, engagement, and conversion.

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How impactful can a well-crafted logo be? What difference does a thoughtfully designed website make to user experience? How does a unique branding strategy set a business apart in a saturated market?

Graphic design is not purely subjective, governed by personal preferences and abstract concepts. It"s a world underscored by numbers and data that reveal design"s profound influence on our behaviors, choices, and business outcomes.

In this article, we"ll dive deep into the latest graphic design statistics, giving you a comprehensive overview of the industry"s current state, emerging trends, and the real impact of design on business success.

Whether you're a marketer dissecting the latest trends, a journalist looking for a compelling story, a writer seeking inspiration, or an entrepreneur building a brand, these statistics will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the design world.

Key trends in graphic design

Projections indicate a growth rate of 3% in the graphic design industry from 2020 to 2030.
Design-driven companies outperformed the S&P 500 by 228% over ten years, highlighting the value of design expertise obtained through formal education.
The availability of design software has contributed to the rise of freelance graphic designers, with an estimated 57 million freelancers worldwide.
Most graphic designers work full-time, with about 73% working 40 hours or more weekly.
Adobe Creative Cloud, including software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, remains the dominant choice for graphic designers, with over 90% market share. Bold

What this means: Forecasting a 3% growth from 2020 to 2030, the graphic design industry is evolving, driven by the recognized business value of design, as highlighted by design-led firms outperforming the S&P 500 by 228% over ten years. The surge in freelance designers due to accessible design software underscores the industry"s flexibility. However, full-time work remains prevalent with 73% of designers.

Global graphic design growth and demand statistics

Demand for talented designers grows across sectors as the graphic design industry flourishes. There has been substantial growth in recent years within the field of graphic design, and it continues to showcase its importance for designers and marketers.

By creating competition among renowned brands, we see the importance of consistent user experience for steady growth and ensuring a high customer lifetime value.

The graphic design industry has experiencedsteady growthin the past ten years, experiencing an average yearly expansion of3.5%.1
The global graphic design market reached$35.8 billionin 2020.1
According to the market forecast, there is an anticipatedcompound annual growth rate (CAGR)of4.2%between 2021 and 2026.2
North America dominates the graphic design industry, accounting for approximately40%of the market share.1
The Asia-Pacific region has experiencedsubstantial growthin the graphic design industry, with a CAGR of5.8%over the past five years.1
The demand for graphic designers has increased by10%in the past year.2
The advertising and marketing sector is the largest employer of graphic designers, accounting for30%of the total demand.1
The technology industry has emerged as a significant sector for graphic design, with a15%increase in demand over the last two years.1

North America dominates the market, but Asia-Pacific is catching up fast. Demand for graphic designers, particularly in advertising, marketing, and tech sectors, surged 10% within the last year. The industry"s future promises a vibrant fusion of creativity and technology, opening new avenues.

9. The demand for graphic designers in the ecommerce sector has grown by 20% in the past year.3

10. The healthcare industry has recognized the importance of graphic design, leading to a 12% increase in demand.3

11. The fashion and apparel industry has experienced an 8% growth in demand for graphic designers due to increased competition and brand differentiation.2

12. Projections suggest that the graphic design industry will create over 55,000 jobs by 2026.1

13. The growing significance of user experience (UX) design has led to a surge in demand for graphic designers with UX skills.3

Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works. – Steve Jobs

14. The demand for graphic designers in the mobile app development industry has increased by 25% in the last three years.1

15. The graphic design industry has benefited from expanding social media platforms, creating a need for designers skilled in creating engaging visual content.3

The average time marketers spend on creating visual content every week

16. Freelancing has become popular among graphic designers, with 36% of professionals working as freelancers.3

17. The graphic design industry is becoming more inclusive and diverse, focusing on promoting underrepresented groups.3

18. The demand for graphic designers proficient in motion graphics and animation has grown by 18% in the past two years.2

19. The rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has created new opportunities for graphic designers.3

20. The demand for graphic designers in the education sector has increased by 10% due to the growth of e-learning platforms.1

21. The food and beverage industry has experienced a 7% increase in demand for graphic designers to create visually appealing packaging and branding.1

22. The automotive industry has recognized the importance of graphic design in car interiors and interfaces, leading to a 12% growth in demand.1

23. The demand for graphic designers with environmental and sustainable design expertise has grown by 15% in the last three years.1

24. The financial services sector has experienced a 9% increase in demand for graphic designers for branding and marketing purposes.1

25. The demand for graphic designers with skills in responsive web design has grown by 20% as more businesses focus on mobile-friendly interfaces.2

26. The entertainment industry, including film and television, consistently demands graphic designers specializing in visual effects and motion graphics.3

27. The pharmaceutical industry has seen a 10% increase in demand for graphic designers to create engaging medical and scientific visualizations.1

28. Projections indicate that the graphic design industry will shift towards remote work, with 25% of professionals working remotely by 2025.1

29. The demand for graphic designers with proficiency in digital illustration has grown by 15% in the last two years.2

30. The retail industry has experienced a 6% increase in demand for graphic designers to enhance in-store and online visual merchandising.1

31. The demand for graphic designers with branding and packaging design knowledge has grown by 12% in the past year.1

32. Projections suggest that the demand for graphic designers will continue to rise, driven by technological advancements, increased focus on user experience, and the need for visually compelling content across industries.3

Noticeably, the global graphic design industry is a powerhouse of creativity and economic growth. This exciting field is expanding and diversifying across various sectors, offering many opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. These promising trends are set to shape new frontiers in design and technology.

This flourishing growth and demand set for our next focus: graphic design employment statistics. Let"s see how this surge reshapes job markets and uncover the potential career opportunities in this dynamic industry.

Graphic design employment statistics

As the art of visual storytelling continues to evolve, so does the number of graphic design employment opportunities. This industry, filled with innovation and creativity, holds many opportunities for the courageous and the inventive.

We're about to explore the industry, examining the diverse careers and the powerful impact of design roles. You may even consider this an industry you see yourself growing in soon.

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Projections indicate a growth rate of 3% in the graphic design industry from 2020 to 2030.¹
As of 2021, approximately 294,200 graphic designers were employed in the United States.⁴
The average yearly income for graphic designers in the United States is $54,680.⁴
According to projections, the employment of graphic designers is anticipated to experience a 4% growth rate from 2020 to 2030.¹
Graphic designers find the highest employment rates in advertising, public relations, and related services industries.⁵
Freelance graphic designers make up a significant portion of the industry, with about 25% of graphic designers being self-employed.¹
The increasing use of visuals in marketing and advertising campaigns drives the demand for graphic designers.⁵
Most graphic designers work full-time, with about 73% working 40 hours or more weekly.⁵

With a projected growth rate of 3% from 2020 to 2030, the graphic design industry offers promising opportunities for its 294,200 USA practitioners. With an expected 4% employment growth and 73% full-time commitment, graphic designers are innovatively shaping our visual future.

9. The graphic design industry is highly competitive, with many qualified professionals seeking limited job opportunities.2

10. The employment of graphic designers in print media is declining due to the shift toward digital and online platforms.2

11. Approximately 27% of individuals working as graphic designers possess a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a closely related field.4

12. The demand for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers is multiplying in the tech industry.2

13. The highest-paying industries for graphic designers include computer systems design, motion picture, video industries, and software publishing.5

14. Approximately 15% of graphic designers are self-employed and work freelance.4

15. Graphic designers with solid web design and multimedia skills are in high demand.4

16. The use of graphic design in social media marketing has increased significantly in recent years.4

17. The demand for graphic designers in the ecommerce industry is growing as businesses focus on creating visually appealing websites and online advertisements.3

The average time graphic designers stay at a job

18. Most graphic designers work in urban areas with higher concentrations of businesses and creative agencies.5

19. Graphic designers often collaborate with marketing and advertising professionals to create visually compelling campaigns.5

20. The employment of graphic designers in the video game industry is increasing with the growth of the gaming market.3

21. The ability to work with graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite is a critical skill for graphic designers.6

22. Many graphic designers specialize in specific areas, such as logo design, illustration, or web design.6

23. The demand for graphic designers with knowledge of responsive design and mobile optimization is growing as mobile usage continues to rise.4

24. Graphic design skills are increasingly sought in the fashion, interior design, and architecture industries.6

25. The employment of graphic designers in the newspaper industry is declining due to the shift toward online news platforms.6

Some of the fantastic spreads I have scanned from Omnibus, a Braunschweig student newspaper.
The collection includes issues 6-13 from 1962-1966, The elaborate graphic design by Manfred Bremeier and Udo Zisowsky, among others. pic.twitter.com/p8IdzpzbJh
— Design Reviewed | Graphic Design History (@DesignReviewed) April 17, 2022

26. To remain competitive, graphic designers must stay updated with thelatest design trends and software advancements.5

27. The demand for graphic designers with 3D modeling and animation skills is growing in industries such as film and television.5

28. Many graphic designers work on a project basis and may have multiple clients simultaneously.5

29. Graphic designers with solid communication and presentation skills have an advantage in client-facing roles.5

30. The demand for graphic designers in the healthcare industry is increasing as healthcare providers invest in visual communication materials.5

31. The employment of graphic designers in the automotive industry is growing as car manufacturers focus on creating visually appealing interfaces and infotainment systems.5

32. The demand for graphic designers in the food and beverage industry is growing as companies invest in packaging design and brand identity.5

33. Graphic designers often collaborate with web developers and programmers to bring their designs to life on digital platforms.4

34. The employment of graphic designers in education is increasing as schools and universities require visual materials for online and offline educational resources.4

With the impressive expansion of the graphic design industry and a projected 3–4% growth in the next decade, it's clear that a career in this field represents stability and the opportunity for creative exploration and personal fulfillment.

There are burgeoning trends in freelancing and industry diversification, where approximately 25% of graphic designers are self-employed. This shows the field's adaptability and responsiveness to modern workforce trends.

With the increasing demand for visual content in marketing and advertising, graphic designers continue to carve out significant roles in these evolving landscapes. We’ll now focus on the fascinating trends in graphic design education as we anticipate the innovation to revolutionize this dynamic sector.

Emerging trends in graphic design education statistics

What drives innovation? Let's explore the emerging trends in graphic design education—a world fueled by the harmony of creativity and technological advancement. These evolving patterns promise an empowering educational journey for aspiring designers, challenging them to reimagine, invent, and push the boundaries of visual communication.

In the following section, we find out how education within the field is adapting to an increasingly digitized world, ensuring that design experts are well-equipped to steer the course of the industry. These informative statistics highlight the upcoming changes in graphic design education.

Approximately22,000graphic design degrees were conferred in the United States in the 2019–2020 academic year.7
The number of graphic design degrees awarded in the United States has increased by83%over the past decade.6
The most popular degree in graphic design is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), accounting for approximately70%of all graphic design degrees conferred.7
Around30%of graphic designers hold amaster's degreein a design-related field.7
Thetop five countrieswith the highest graphic design graduates are the United States, India, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada.6
The average annual tuition for a graphic design degree program in the United States is$25,000for public universities and$40,000for private universities.7
70%of hiring managers prefer candidates with a graphic design degree.6
Only33%of graphic designers possess certification inspecific design softwareor technology.6

The past decade saw an 83% surge in graphic design degrees, with 22,000 conferred in the USA during 2019-2020, 70% being BFAs. Amid global competition, formal education is preferred by 70% of hiring managers. But only 33% of designers are certified in specific design software, presenting an untapped opportunity for distinction in this flourishing field.

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9. Adobe Photoshop is the most popular software certification among graphic designers, with 58% of professionals holding the certification.6

10. 78% of graphic design professionals believe formal education is essential for a successful career.6

11. 84% of graphic design employers consider a degree or certification a critical hiring criterion.6

12. Compared to their counterparts without formal education, graphic designers with a degree or certification are generally more likely to experience career advancement, including promotions and salary increases.6

13. 68% of graphic design professionals believe formal education provides a solid foundation of design principles and theory.6

14. 62% of designers felt their formal education adequately prepared them for their careers.7

15. 92% of graphic design professors believe that formal education plays a vital role in developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.6

16. 80% of formal-educated graphic design professionals feel more confident in their abilities than self-taught designers.7

17. Design programs offering internships or cooperative education opportunities have a higher job placement rate for graduates (around 70%) than programs without such opportunities.7

The most popular colors used by small businesses in their branding

18. 65% of employers prioritize candidates with a strong design portfolio, often developed during formal education.6

19. Design-driven companies outperformed the S&P 500 by 228% over ten years, highlighting the value of design expertise obtained through formal education.7

20. Online graphic design programs have experienced a significant growth rate of 45% over the past five years.7

21. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) design courses are becoming increasingly popular, with a 68% increase in enrollments since 2018.7

22. Design thinking methodologies are being incorporated into graphic design education, with 76% of design programs offering courses on design thinking and user experience (UX) design.6

23. Sustainability and eco-design are gaining prominence in graphic design curricula, with 82% of design schools integrating sustainability principles into their programs.6

24. 87% of graphic design programs now offer mobile app design and development courses to meet the increasing demand for mobile design skills.6

25. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged in graphic design education, with 93% of design programs offering opportunities for students to work with students from other disciplines.7

26. Scholarships and mentorship programs aim to encourage diversity in design education.10

27. Design schools are implementing curriculum changes to address diversity and inclusion.10

Great workshop today with Mississippi State’s Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Graphic Design, & Education Program. Together all programs are collaboratively designing Galloway Elementary’s learning garden set to debut in April 2020!#fertilegroundjxn #ediblecurriculum pic.twitter.com/WwUSO0DHQj
— fertileground (@_fertileground_) November 1, 2019

28. The integration of coding and programming skills in graphic design education has increased by 57% in the last three years.4

29. Approximately 62% of graphic design programs have started incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their curriculum to explore their applications in the design field.7

30. 3D printing and prototyping are gaining traction in graphic design education, with 74% of design programs incorporating these technologies into their coursework.7

31. The emphasis on inclusive and accessible design has grown, with 88% of design programs offering courses on inclusive design principles.6

32. Social media design and marketing courses have seen a 67% increase in enrollment over the past five years.6

33. Data visualization and information design courses have become more prevalent, with a 48% increase in programs offering such courses.6

34. With a wide range of options, online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy have significantly expanded their offerings in graphic design education. They provide access to over 2,000 online courses catering to various aspects of graphic design.4

35. Collaboration with industry professionals and design agencies is becoming common in graphic design education, with 81% of programs fostering partnerships with external organizations.4

36. Remote and flexible learning options have become more prevalent in graphic design education, allowing students to pursue their degrees and certifications anywhere in the world.4

The increasing value of the Bachelor of Fine Arts and higher degrees are reshaping the graphic design industry, empowering a new generation of creatives to innovate and drive change.

The potential for skill diversification is vast, with certification in design technology remaining a largely untapped opportunity. Let’s look into our next topic, exploring the groundbreaking statistics in graphic design technology and tools. You’ll learn more about how these resources can revolutionize the designer's toolkit, further enriching this vibrant industry.

Graphic design technology and tools statistics

Graphic design technology and tools equip designers to create compelling narratives with transformative information.

These insights reveal how the industry is being propelled into an era of enhanced creativity with advanced technology. So many young entrepreneurs are driven through digital methods and techniques to create signature styles unique to their brands.

Over 90% of graphic designers utilize technology and design software as a crucial workflow.⁸
The global graphic design software market is projected to reach $6.2 billion by 2026, experiencing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2021 to 2026.⁸
Adobe Creative Cloud, including software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, remains the dominant choice for graphic designers, with over 90% market share.⁸
Design software has significantly reduced production time, allowing designers to complete projects more efficiently.⁹
Graphic design technology has democratized the industry, enabling individuals with minimal resources to create professional-looking designs.⁸
The availability of design software has contributed to the rise of freelance graphic designers, with an estimated 57 million freelancers worldwide.⁸
Technology has facilitated remote collaboration among graphic design teams, increasing flexibility and access to a global talent pool.⁹
Design software has increased the quality and precision of designs, resulting in improved visual communication.⁸
Graphic design software has made it easier to experiment with different design concepts and iterate quickly, fostering creativity.⁸
The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies into graphic design has paved the way for captivating and engaging design experiences that are both immersive and interactive.⁹
Responsive design has gained prominence due to the proliferation of mobile devices, ensuring graphics adapt to different screen sizes.⁹
Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into graphic design software has revolutionized the industry by automating monotonous tasks, such as image resizing and color palette generation.⁹
Typography software and tools have evolved, providing designers various font options and customizable typography effects.⁶
Online design platforms, such as Canva and Figma, have gained popularity, offering user-friendly interfaces and templates for non-designers.⁶
The demand for motion graphics and video design has increased, driven by social media and online video content growth.⁹
User Experience (UX) design has become a crucial aspect of graphic design, ensuring designs are intuitive and user-friendly.⁹
Graphic design technology has enabled the seamless integration of print and digital design, resulting in cohesive brand experiences across various channels.⁹
Cloud-based design software has made accessing projects and collaborating on designs from different devices and locations easier.⁶
Using 3D modeling and rendering software has significantly broadened, empowering designers to craft lifelike product prototypes and visualizations with remarkable realism.⁶
Adopting design systems, such as Material Design and Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, has standardized design practices across platforms.⁸
Technology has revolutionized the packaging design industry, with advancements in software enabling complex and customized packaging solutions.⁸
Environmental sustainability has become a concern in graphic design, leading to the development of eco-friendly design software and practices.⁹
Virtual collaboration tools like Miro and Sketchboard have facilitated brainstorming and idea generation among remote design teams.⁶
The emergence of social media platforms has generated a growing need for graphic design tailored specifically for social media, encompassing various elements such as post designs, infographics, and social media advertisements.⁹
Design software has integrated advanced color management tools, ensuring consistency and accuracy across different devices and mediums.⁹
Graphic design technology has enabled the creation of personalized and targeted marketing materials, improving customer engagement and conversion rates.⁹
Gamification elements and interactive design techniques have gained popularity, enhancing user engagement and creating memorable design experiences.⁸
Voice User Interface (VUI) design has emerged as a specialized field as designers adapt to the increasing use of voice-controlled devices and applications.⁹
Cross-platform design frameworks, such as React Native and Flutter, have simplified the process of creating consistent designs across multiple platforms.⁹
Ethical considerations, such as inclusive design and accessibility, have become integral parts of graphic design practices, supported by technology and design tools.⁸
Integrating machine learning algorithms in design software has enabled intelligent automation, such as generating design recommendations based on user preferences.⁹
Dynamic content creation tools have gained popularity, allowing designers to create designs that adapt and change based on real-time data or user interactions.⁶
Using virtual prototyping and design simulations has reduced the need for physical prototypes, saving time and resources in the design process.⁹
Blockchain technology is being explored in graphic design to ensure digital assets' provenance, authenticity, and copyright protection.⁹

It has become apparent that these tools are vital for innovation and enhancing creative expression to further develop individual skill sets. It enhances proficiency, optimizes workflows, opens doors to uncharted design territories, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

As we move on to our next topic of graphic design industry trends, we explore deeper how technological advancements are shaping the future of design, inspiring new norms, and bringing on a new era of creative enlightenment.

Graphic design industry trend statistics

The continually evolving trends within the graphic design industry open up the next debate offering insight into the core of digital modernization. Revealing the dynamics guiding the world of graphic design toward a future marked by diversity, technological advancements, and profound creativity, what should you look out for next?

The following statistics show trends in challenging conventions, cultivating a new generation of fearless designers, and transforming visual communication. These developments will further push the boundaries of what you know (or what we all think we know).

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85% of designers consider minimalism as a popular design style.¹⁰
Flat design has seen a 40% increase in adoption over the past three years.¹⁰
Material design is favored by 60% of mobile app developers.¹⁰
75% of website owners incorporate bold typography to enhance brand presence.¹⁰
The use of gradients in design has increased by 55% in the past year.¹⁰
UX design is the most sought-after skill, with a 60% increase in job postings.¹⁰
UI design is in high demand, with a 45% increase in job opportunities.¹¹
Graphic design remains a fundamental skill that 80% of design agencies seek.¹¹

85% of designers favor minimalist aesthetics, 40% adopt flat design, and 60% of app developers prefer material design for its blend of style and function. Brands are embracing bold typography and reviving the use of gradients while UX and UI design careers surge. These evolving trends and the enduring demand for core skills reshape visual narratives and empower creators.

9. Motion design has experienced a 50% rise in demand due to video content popularity.¹¹

10. Branding and identity design is in high demand, accounting for 70% of freelance projects.¹⁰

11. In web design, 60% of websites incorporate responsive design for mobile optimization.¹⁰

12. Packaging design has seen a 30% increase in eco-friendly and sustainable designs.¹⁰

Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple; that"s why it is so complicated. – Paul Rand

13. Ecommerce platforms prioritize user-friendly and intuitive design for improved conversions.11

14. In the automotive industry, sleek and futuristic design elements are gaining popularity.11

15. The fashion industry emphasizes unique and visually appealing website design.11

16. Good design can improve customer trust and loyalty, leading to a 30% increase in repeat purchases.11

17. Companies prioritizing design outperform their competitors by 200% in revenue growth.11

The top challenges faced when producing visual content

18. Effective design can increase brand recognition by 80%.¹¹

19. 75% of consumers judge a company's credibility based on its website design.³

20. Good design can lead to a 20% increase in conversion rates for ecommerce websites. ³

Design is not just for products. Design is for curating human experiences. – Sundar Pichai

21. Inclusive design increases market reach, as 71% of disabled customers leave inaccessible websites.¹¹

22. A diverse design team leads to more innovative and inclusive solutions.¹¹

23. Women represent only 25% of graphic design professionals globally.³

24. Ethnic minorities account for less than 15% of graphic design professionals in the industry.³

25. Initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in design have increased by 40% in the past five years.¹⁰

26. Design organizations are actively working towards equal representation of underrepresented groups.¹¹

27. Design conferences and events prioritize diverse speakers and panelists.¹¹

28. Non-profit organizations provide resources and support for underrepresented designers.¹¹

29. Online communities and forums provide a platform for networking and collaboration among diverse designers.¹⁰

30. Design agencies implement blind recruitment practices to combat bias and promote diversity.¹¹

The current graphic design industry trends demonstrate that this era is characterized by a dynamic fusion of simplicity, bold aesthetics, and a focus on user-centered design. The profession seems to undergo constant redefinition, embracing change and pushing creative boundaries.