What Graphic Designers Want

The graphic design industry continues to evolve—driven by digital innovation, flexible work trends, and a growing demand for visual storytelling across platforms. Whether you’re a student considering graphic design, a freelancer building your brand, or a business hiring creative talent, understanding the designer mindset can make all the difference.

We revisited key insights from a popular designer survey by 99designs, where thousands of designers shared what motivates them, how they work, and how technology is shaping their careers. We’ve updated it with 2025 context to reflect current industry realities—and highlight what it takes to thrive in the design world today.

The State of Graphic Design Careers in 2025

Is demand for graphic designers still strong?

Absolutely. From digital marketing and user interface (UI) design to branding and social media, visual content is more important than ever. According to Labour Market Insights Australia, job growth for graphic designers is projected to remain steady, with strong opportunities in both freelance and full-time roles.

Designers now work across diverse industries—from ecommerce to education, sustainability to fintech—and are increasingly valued not just for execution, but for creative problem-solving and brand strategy.

Freelancing, Flexibility, and the Rise of Creative Marketplaces

Why are more designers going freelance?

Freelancing offers flexibility, global reach, and autonomy. Designers love being their own boss, setting their own hours, and choosing projects that align with their passions. However, it’s not without its challenges: building a consistent client base, pricing services fairly, and managing workload peaks and troughs all take skill.

Platforms like 99designs, Fiverr, and Upwork have helped thousands of designers connect with clients, build portfolios, and grow their personal brand—especially those just starting out or transitioning into freelance work.

How the Internet Transformed Design Careers

The design world is now truly global. Thanks to cloud tools like Figma, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Notion, designers can work from anywhere and collaborate seamlessly with clients and teams across the world. Many creatives now build successful careers while travelling or working remotely full-time.

Online communities, design challenges, and tutorials also make it easier than ever to upskill—without needing formal study. Still, formal qualifications such as a Graphic Design diploma or degree can help build foundational skills and provide industry credibility.

What Makes Marketplaces Appealing to Designers?

Design marketplaces offer much more than project income. According to 99designs, key benefits include:

• Exposure to real clients and briefs (ideal for portfolio building)
• Global reach regardless of location
• Opportunities to develop long-term client relationships
• Creative inspiration by seeing how other designers solve similar problems

For new designers, it’s a practical way to learn the ropes. For experienced freelancers, it provides income stability and a pipeline of potential clients when regular work slows down.

What Businesses Want from Designers

From a business perspective, marketplaces allow employers to see how designers interpret briefs, not just review static portfolios. This results in more collaborative and creative outcomes—especially for small business owners or startups without an internal creative team.

Hiring through contests or open briefs also helps companies test ideas, explore multiple directions, and find a designer whose style aligns with their brand voice.

Advice for Aspiring Graphic Designers

Thinking about getting started in graphic design? Here are a few tips from professionals in the field:

• Start creating: Practice by designing mock logos, social posts or packaging. Don’t wait for a client—create your own briefs or join online design challenges.
• Build a digital portfolio: Use platforms like Behance, Dribbble or your own website to showcase your work and process.
• Learn the tools: Get comfortable with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Figma, and other relevant software.
• Take a short course or qualification: Explore design courses online to build technical and conceptual skills.
• Get feedback: Join communities like Reddit’s r/design_critiques or Discord servers to receive constructive critique and grow.

Whether you’re self-taught or studying design, staying curious and consistently creating is what sets standout designers apart.