GITNUX REPORT 2024

Global Graphic Design Industry: Trends, Statistics, and Market Insights

Exploring the Thriving Graphic Design Industry: Growth, Trends, and Impact on Businesses and Consumers.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

65% of small businesses value professional graphic design

Statistic 2

73% of companies invest in design to differentiate their brand

Statistic 3

71% of small-to-mid-size businesses use design to boost their sales and conversions

Statistic 4

94% of first impressions are design-related

Statistic 5

75% of consumers judge a company's credibility based on their website design

Statistic 6

38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive

Statistic 7

48% of people cited a website's design as the number one factor in deciding the credibility of a business

Statistic 8

The global digital advertising market size was valued at $378.16 billion in 2020

Statistic 9

Mobile advertising accounts for 72% of all digital ad spending

Statistic 10

Video content will represent 82% of all internet traffic by 2022

Statistic 11

85% of marketers say that video is an effective way to get attention online

Statistic 12

The augmented reality (AR) market in graphic design is expected to reach $50 billion by 2024

Statistic 13

75% of internet users search for visual content before making a purchase

Statistic 14

Infographics are liked and shared on social media 3x more than any other type of content

Statistic 15

72% of graphic designers have a bachelor's degree

Statistic 16

15% of graphic designers have a master's degree

Statistic 17

90% of graphic designers are proficient in typography

Statistic 18

85% of graphic designers have skills in color theory

Statistic 19

80% of graphic designers are skilled in branding and identity design

Statistic 20

75% of graphic designers have knowledge of print production

Statistic 21

70% of graphic designers are proficient in UI/UX design

Statistic 22

65% of graphic designers have skills in motion graphics

Statistic 23

60% of graphic designers are familiar with HTML and CSS

Statistic 24

The average salary for a graphic designer in the US is $52,288 per year

Statistic 25

There are approximately 254,100 graphic designers employed in the United States

Statistic 26

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030

Statistic 27

Freelance graphic designers make up about 18% of the industry

Statistic 28

The median hourly rate for freelance graphic designers is $25

Statistic 29

38% of graphic designers work in-house for a company

Statistic 30

28% of graphic designers work for design agencies

Statistic 31

18% of graphic designers are self-employed or freelance

Statistic 32

10% of graphic designers work in publishing

Statistic 33

6% of graphic designers work in advertising

Statistic 34

The top 5 countries for graphic design outsourcing are India, Philippines, Ukraine, Poland, and Argentina

Statistic 35

45% of graphic design agencies have fewer than 10 employees

Statistic 36

The global graphic design market size was valued at USD 45.8 billion in 2021

Statistic 37

The graphic design market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2030

Statistic 38

North America held the largest revenue share of 32.6% in 2021

Statistic 39

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030

Statistic 40

The logo & brand identity segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 29.3% in 2021

Statistic 41

The average time spent on a logo design project is 15 hours

Statistic 42

The average cost of a professional logo design ranges from $250 to $2,500

Statistic 43

The average turnaround time for a brochure design is 5-7 business days

Statistic 44

The average cost of a website design project ranges from $1,000 to $10,000

Statistic 45

The average time to complete a website design project is 6-8 weeks

Statistic 46

60% of graphic designers work on 2-4 projects simultaneously

Statistic 47

The average graphic designer creates 3-5 design concepts for each project

Statistic 48

The global stock image market size was valued at $4.68 billion in 2021

Statistic 49

The custom illustration market is expected to reach $35.9 billion by 2023

Statistic 50

The global font market size was valued at $898 million in 2020

Statistic 51

The average graphic designer uses 5-10 different fonts regularly

Statistic 52

65% of graphic designers use premium stock photo services

Statistic 53

40% of graphic designers create custom illustrations for their projects

Statistic 54

30% of graphic designers use 3D modeling software for their designs

Statistic 55

90% of graphic designers use Adobe Photoshop

Statistic 56

85% of graphic designers use Adobe Illustrator

Statistic 57

75% of graphic designers use Adobe InDesign

Statistic 58

40% of graphic designers use Sketch

Statistic 59

30% of graphic designers use Figma

Statistic 60

The average cost of graphic design software is $50 per month

Statistic 61

55% of graphic designers specialize in branding and visual identity

Statistic 62

40% of graphic designers focus on web and digital design

Statistic 63

35% of graphic designers work on packaging design

Statistic 64

30% of graphic designers specialize in print design

Statistic 65

25% of graphic designers work on motion graphics and animation

Statistic 66

20% of graphic designers focus on environmental and experiential design

Statistic 67

15% of graphic designers specialize in information design and data visualization

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Summary

  • The global graphic design market size was valued at USD 45.8 billion in 2021
  • The graphic design market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2030
  • North America held the largest revenue share of 32.6% in 2021
  • The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030
  • The logo & brand identity segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 29.3% in 2021
  • The average salary for a graphic designer in the US is $52,288 per year
  • There are approximately 254,100 graphic designers employed in the United States
  • Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030
  • Freelance graphic designers make up about 18% of the industry
  • The median hourly rate for freelance graphic designers is $25
  • 90% of graphic designers use Adobe Photoshop
  • 85% of graphic designers use Adobe Illustrator
  • 75% of graphic designers use Adobe InDesign
  • 40% of graphic designers use Sketch
  • 30% of graphic designers use Figma

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, as we dive into the colorful world of graphic design where creativity meets commerce! With the global graphic design market boasting a hefty USD 45.8 billion valuation in 2021 and projected to grow at a sassy 7.1% CAGR until 2030, its clear that pixels are indeed worth their weight in gold. From North America flaunting its revenue crown to the Asia Pacific region poised for an 8.3% CAGR sprint, the design landscape is a bustling metropolis of logos, brand identities, and eye-catching visuals. So grab your stylus and buckle up as we uncover the fascinating stats and trends that make graphic design a force to be reckoned with in todays fast-paced digital age.

Client Demand

  • 65% of small businesses value professional graphic design
  • 73% of companies invest in design to differentiate their brand
  • 71% of small-to-mid-size businesses use design to boost their sales and conversions
  • 94% of first impressions are design-related
  • 75% of consumers judge a company's credibility based on their website design
  • 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive
  • 48% of people cited a website's design as the number one factor in deciding the credibility of a business

Interpretation

In a world where visuals speak louder than words, these statistics paint a picture of the vital role professional graphic design plays in business success. From boosting sales to establishing credibility, design is no longer just a cherry on top but a fundamental ingredient in the branding recipe. Remember, in the digital landscape, a poorly designed website is akin to a crumpled suit in a boardroom — it may cost you that crucial deal. So, in the immortal words of Coco Chanel, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same." And in the cutthroat world of business, it seems design is the ultimate style statement.

Digital Design Trends

  • The global digital advertising market size was valued at $378.16 billion in 2020
  • Mobile advertising accounts for 72% of all digital ad spending
  • Video content will represent 82% of all internet traffic by 2022
  • 85% of marketers say that video is an effective way to get attention online
  • The augmented reality (AR) market in graphic design is expected to reach $50 billion by 2024
  • 75% of internet users search for visual content before making a purchase
  • Infographics are liked and shared on social media 3x more than any other type of content

Interpretation

The Graphic Design Industry is experiencing a digital revolution as statistics paint a colorful picture of its growth and impact. With the global digital advertising market flourishing at $378.16 billion in 2020, it's evident that mobile advertising reigns supreme, capturing 72% of all digital ad spending. As video content continues to dominate internet traffic, expected to represent a staggering 82% by 2022, it's no surprise that 85% of savvy marketers consider it a powerful attention-grabbing tool. Augmented reality (AR) in graphic design is set to skyrocket to a jaw-dropping $50 billion by 2024, showcasing the industry's futuristic bend. With a whopping 75% of internet users seeking visual content before making purchase decisions, and infographics being shared 3 times more on social media than any other content, it's safe to say that the visual realm is ruling the online kingdom with creative flair. Time to make way for the pixel perfect revolution!

Education and Skills

  • 72% of graphic designers have a bachelor's degree
  • 15% of graphic designers have a master's degree
  • 90% of graphic designers are proficient in typography
  • 85% of graphic designers have skills in color theory
  • 80% of graphic designers are skilled in branding and identity design
  • 75% of graphic designers have knowledge of print production
  • 70% of graphic designers are proficient in UI/UX design
  • 65% of graphic designers have skills in motion graphics
  • 60% of graphic designers are familiar with HTML and CSS

Interpretation

These statistics paint a vivid picture of the diverse and well-educated landscape of the graphic design industry. With a majority holding at least a bachelor's degree, it's clear that this field values expertise and formal education. The high proficiency in typography and color theory suggests a deep understanding of the visual language, while skills in branding, UI/UX design, and motion graphics showcase the versatile capabilities of graphic designers in today's digital age. And let's not forget the importance of traditional print production knowledge and the ever-evolving need for tech-savvy designers with HTML and CSS skills. In this creative playground, the numbers speak volumes about the dynamic skill set required to make a mark in the world of graphic design.

Employment and Salaries

  • The average salary for a graphic designer in the US is $52,288 per year
  • There are approximately 254,100 graphic designers employed in the United States
  • Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030
  • Freelance graphic designers make up about 18% of the industry
  • The median hourly rate for freelance graphic designers is $25

Interpretation

In the ever-evolving landscape of the graphic design industry, it seems that creativity comes at a price - or rather, a salary of $52,288 per year on average in the US. With approximately 254,100 graphic designers tirelessly crafting visual masterpieces, it's clear that the demand for their skills is anything but abstract. However, as the employment forecast projects a modest 3% growth from 2020 to 2030, it appears that the industry is navigating a delicate dance between supply and demand. And let's not forget the daring rebels of the design world - the freelance graphic designers, comprising 18% of the industry and bravely setting their own pace with a median hourly rate of $25. Whether in an office cubicle or the cozy confines of a home studio, one thing is certain - the graphic design world will continue to color outside the lines and shape our visual realities for years to come.

Industry Structure

  • 38% of graphic designers work in-house for a company
  • 28% of graphic designers work for design agencies
  • 18% of graphic designers are self-employed or freelance
  • 10% of graphic designers work in publishing
  • 6% of graphic designers work in advertising
  • The top 5 countries for graphic design outsourcing are India, Philippines, Ukraine, Poland, and Argentina
  • 45% of graphic design agencies have fewer than 10 employees

Interpretation

In the colorful world of graphic design, it appears that creativity is not confined to one specific corner. With 38% of designers cozying up in-house, 28% mingling in design agencies, and 18% gallivanting solo as freelancers, the design landscape is a vibrant mosaic of individuality and collaboration. While 10% are crafting visual masterpieces in publishing realms and 6% are weaving magic in the tangled web of advertising, outsourcing is clearly the new global design trend with India, Philippines, Ukraine, Poland, and Argentina leading the charge. In this ever-evolving industry where fonts are mightier than swords, it seems that creativity truly knows no bounds, whether it's a one-person show or a bustling agency of ten. Cheers to the diverse ecosystem of visual storytellers shaping our world one pixel at a time!

Market Size and Growth

  • The global graphic design market size was valued at USD 45.8 billion in 2021
  • The graphic design market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2030
  • North America held the largest revenue share of 32.6% in 2021
  • The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030
  • The logo & brand identity segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 29.3% in 2021

Interpretation

The numbers paint a colorful picture for the graphic design industry, with a palette of opportunities awaiting professionals in the field. As the global market continues to expand, it's clear that creativity is not just an aesthetic pursuit but a lucrative one as well. North America may currently hold the crown, but the rising star of the Asia Pacific region promises a swift ascent in the coming years. In this landscape where logos and brand identities reign supreme, designers are not just artists but strategic storytellers shaping the visual narratives of tomorrow. So, buckle up your Pantone swatches and sharpen your Adobe skills, because the future of design is looking bright, bold, and utterly unmissable.

Project Metrics

  • The average time spent on a logo design project is 15 hours
  • The average cost of a professional logo design ranges from $250 to $2,500
  • The average turnaround time for a brochure design is 5-7 business days
  • The average cost of a website design project ranges from $1,000 to $10,000
  • The average time to complete a website design project is 6-8 weeks
  • 60% of graphic designers work on 2-4 projects simultaneously
  • The average graphic designer creates 3-5 design concepts for each project

Interpretation

In the world of graphic design, time and money are the ink and canvas of creativity. With the average logo design project clocking in at 15 hours and a professional logo ranging from $250 to $2,500, it's clear that crafting a brand identity comes with a price tag. Brochure designs need a quick turnaround of 5-7 business days, while website projects require a longer commitment of $1,000 to $10,000 and 6-8 weeks. These projects keep graphic designers multitasking on 2-4 simultaneous jobs, spinning out 3-5 design concepts per project like a virtuoso juggling colorful possibilities. In this industry, time and creativity go hand in hand, with every pixel and layout a brushstroke in the art of communication.

Resources and Assets

  • The global stock image market size was valued at $4.68 billion in 2021
  • The custom illustration market is expected to reach $35.9 billion by 2023
  • The global font market size was valued at $898 million in 2020
  • The average graphic designer uses 5-10 different fonts regularly
  • 65% of graphic designers use premium stock photo services
  • 40% of graphic designers create custom illustrations for their projects
  • 30% of graphic designers use 3D modeling software for their designs

Interpretation

In the ever-evolving landscape of graphic design, the numbers tell a colorful story: from the stock image market's solid foundation to the custom illustration market's soaring heights, and even the font market's steady climb. It appears that graphic designers are a font of creativity, juggling multiple typefaces like a seasoned pro while incorporating premium stock images into their visual tapestries. With 40% of them crafting bespoke illustrations and dipping their toes into 3D modeling software, one thing is certain: in this industry, versatility is the name of the game.

Software and Tools

  • 90% of graphic designers use Adobe Photoshop
  • 85% of graphic designers use Adobe Illustrator
  • 75% of graphic designers use Adobe InDesign
  • 40% of graphic designers use Sketch
  • 30% of graphic designers use Figma
  • The average cost of graphic design software is $50 per month

Interpretation

In a world where Adobe reigns supreme with its trio of creative powerhouses, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, it's easy to see why 90%, 85%, and 75% of graphic designers swear by them. However, with the emergence of Sketch and Figma, it seems there's a bit of a rebellious streak in 40% and 30% of designers who are keen on exploring different tools. As the average cost of graphic design software hits $50 per month, it's a reminder that in this ever-evolving industry, creativity comes at a price—but it's a small one to pay for the limitless possibilities that these digital canvases provide.

Specializations

  • 55% of graphic designers specialize in branding and visual identity
  • 40% of graphic designers focus on web and digital design
  • 35% of graphic designers work on packaging design
  • 30% of graphic designers specialize in print design
  • 25% of graphic designers work on motion graphics and animation
  • 20% of graphic designers focus on environmental and experiential design
  • 15% of graphic designers specialize in information design and data visualization

Interpretation

In the vast and visually captivating world of graphic design, it appears that the majority of designers have chosen to specialize in the art of branding and visual identity – perhaps seeking to leave an indelible mark in a sea of logos and taglines. Meanwhile, a notable cohort has delved into the ever-evolving realm of web and digital design, navigating the complexities of pixels and interfaces with dexterity. In a parallel universe, a dedicated group meticulously crafts packaging designs, ensuring that products not only stand out on shelves but also tell compelling stories. With a touch of nostalgia, some designers choose to immortalize their creations in print form, cherishing the allure of ink on paper. And then there are the bold adventurers diving into the world of motion graphics and animation, breathing life into still images and unleashing creativity in motion. In a niche yet impactful space, environmental and experiential design enthusiasts merge aesthetics with function, shaping spaces that breathe life into the mundane. Lastly, the intrepid souls specializing in information design and data visualization fearlessly tackle the challenge of transforming complex datasets into digestible visual narratives. And so, in this symphony of creativity and specialization, graphic designers paint a picture of diversity and innovation, each with their brush strokes shaping the visual landscape of our world.

References