The graphic design industry continues to change based on consumer trends, current events and industry predictions. To succeed in the field, one must remain relevant and flexible in the face of change.
Over the past few years and, especially with rapid advancements in technology, the graphic design industry has shifted drastically. Below, we’ll explore recent industry trends and predictions pertaining to the future of graphic design.
Current graphic design trends
Here are four trends that graphic design is currently experiencing.
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) shapes the future of design.
AI has found its way into nearly every industry and graphic design is no exception. AI tools in graphic design range from smart editing, such as removing backgrounds or automatic color adjustments, to text-to-image generative AI tools like Midjourney and DALL-E.
Generative AI for graphic design is already on the rise: 75 percent of marketing and creative teams consider it an “essential part of their toolkit,” per Canva’s 2023 Marketing and AI Report. The report also found that 82 percent of respondents have used generative AI for image creation and another 82 percent for photo and video editing.
Expect to see designers spending less time on creative endeavors and more time engineering prompts and visuals with AI, making it easier to convert website visitors into customers with engaging design. [Related: Read about the best website builders and design services.]
2. Colorful minimalism becomes the norm.
Minimalism, which combines simple elements and a few colors to create a classic design, has become increasingly common in recent years. Think of the logos of famous brands like Apple, Mastercard or Nike — these designs offer instant recognition without being too overwhelming visually.
One especially popular variant is colorful minimalism, which combines the soothing effects of minimalism with playful hues. This design trend is incredibly versatile and can apply to business website design. Uniform geometric shapes are paired with explosive color palettes to create the perfect blend of simplicity and energy. Experiment with contrasting colors to add extra impact.
3. Diversity and inclusion matter.
Today’s consumers care about diverse, inclusive representation in the brands they patronize. According to a study by Numerator, 63 percent of consumers believe diverse representation in advertising is important and 47 percent are more likely to buy from brands that feature diversity in their ads.
To respond to this trend, graphics designers can actively incorporate diverse and inclusive models and renderings into their imagery. This may include racial and ethnic diversity, age diversity and disability and LGBTQ+ representation.
Related to this, brands can also lean into accessible graphic design to support a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. Sufficient color contrast and easy-to-read fonts increase readability, while alternative text ensures users with visual impairments can engage with visuals.
4. 3D design takes over.
Advancing technology has made 3D design a viable form of creation that combines the power of both the physical and digital worlds. This design style displays rich detail while captivating consumers. Depth and dimension are favored over flat vector illustrations. The potential range of 3D designs is immense. Some brands prefer lifelike 3D designs while others favor a more abstract concept.
With the rise of generative 3D AI tools like MasterpieceX and Spline, it’s easier than ever for brands to convert their ideas into three-dimensional renderings. It should come as no surprise, then, that the 3D rendering market is expected to reach a value of $32.6 billion by 2032, according to Global Market Insights.
Graphic design industry predictions
What’s next for the graphic design industry? Nothing is absolute, but some of these predictions are already coming true.
1. AI-generated design will pose legal challenges.
Generative AI models must be trained on the work of real human artists. When this is done without the original artist’s consent or fair compensation, it poses crucial ethical and legal questions around copyright and ownership.
An ongoing, high-profile copyright lawsuit accuses StabilityAI, Midjourney, DeviantArt and Runway AI of using artists’ works without their consent to train their models. The outcome of this case and similar ones will set the precedent— or perhaps raise further questions — on the use of generative AI in graphic design.
2. Remote and hybrid work are here to stay.
Remote work has become more accepted by companies around the globe. Instead of being tied to a desk, workers are taking their laptops home or designing on the fly from a coffee shop or library workstation. You’re still bound to the company’s guidelines, but at least you can complete work from the convenience of home and save on commuting costs.
The COVID-19 pandemic might have created the need for remote work, but at least some degree of telecommuting is here to stay for many companies. McKinsey’s American Opportunity Survey reported that 80 percent of workers in the “arts/design/entertainment/sports/media” sector worked remotely (53 percent full-time and 27 percent part-time).
Remote work isn’t without its challenges, however. According to a USA Today survey, a significant portion of remote workers reported feelings of isolation (34 percent), fewer learning opportunities (25 percent) and reduced access to resources and equipment (21 percent). Do not overlook these disadvantages, especially in a field like graphic design, where employee training, culture and creativity are paramount.
USA Today also found that 36 percent of respondents would prefer full-time remote work over a hybrid schedule.
3. Gen Z and millennials are interested in freelancing.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average pay for a graphic designer is about $28.32 per hour ($58,910 per year) as of 2023. Approximately 19 percent of graphic designers are self-employed, according to BLS data. The more you work for yourself, the more attractive freelancing becomes — especially since more experienced designers can command higher rates and more freedom in the projects they take on.
This career path is particularly desirable for demographics, such as millennials and Gen Z, who increasingly seek to ditch the corporate culture for a freelance lifestyle. According to Statista, 15 percent of Generation Z respondents have done freelance work while 45 percent of millennials participated in freelance work.
Before becoming a freelancer, it’s a good idea to at least intern at a local company and gain some experience in the industry. Basic management skills are another vital part of starting and running your own business. You’ll also need to consider the financial logistics of self-employment, including maintaining a steady (enough) income, securing insurance and setting up a retirement fund.
The global graphic design industry is expected to grow to $78.25 billion by 2030, according to research from Next Move Strategy Consulting.
4. The graphic design industry continues to grow.
Businesses are prioritizing consumer loyalty through advertising and marketing. Due to its importance, businesses are relying on industry professionals and outsourcing these efforts. This outsourcing continues to grow the graphic design industry.
According to the BLS, the graphic design sector is expected to grow by 3 percent through 2032 to meet industry demand — consistent with the average growth rate across all occupations. An average of 22,800 graphic designer jobs are projected each year over the next decade.
To qualify for one of these open positions, graphic designers should maintain a portfolio that exhibits their creativity, ingenuity and talent. Aspiring graphic designers should also obtain a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field to demonstrate trainability and aptitude.
Lexie Lu contributed to this article.
