Graphic Design Industry Report
Over the past five years, new participants have surged into the Graphic Design industry. The growth in advertising spend and manufacturing output have helped sustain demand for design work related to product promotion and packaging.
Over the next five years, industry revenue is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.5% to reach $12.3 billion in 2021.
Much of the work that graphic designers do is for corporate advertisements; therefore, as expenditure on advertising increases, so does demand for graphic design services. Total advertising expenditure is expected to increase, representing a potential opportunity for the industry.
A rebound in US manufacturing activity and higher corporate profit have encouraged clients to outsource the design of consumer packaging for new products, resulting in manufacturers turning to graphic designers to help create attractive packaging.
Demand from advertising agencies is expected to increase and graphic designers typically provide contracted work for these agencies.
According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, about 14,000 students graduate from four-year graphic design programs each year.
Total US advertising expenditure is expected to increase an annual average of 4.9% over the next five years.
Digital media, especially motion and interactive design, has accounted for a larger share of industry revenue.
Mobile and interactive design is the most difficult for in-house creative teams to source, with only 50% of respondents reporting adequate access to qualified workers in this area.
Design for mobile advertisements and applications will likely be the most heavily demanded industry service in the next five years.
Design for 3D printing is also on the horizon for operators in this industry, particularly graphic designers that work in design for product manufacturing.
All data referenced in this post is from the IBISWorld Industry Report 54143 – Graphic Designers in the US