Graphic design is one of the most colorful (pun intended) professions out there. New ideas pop up every day, whilst audience preferences seem to evolve at lightning speed.
This is why digital agencies need to understand the numbers behind graphic design — what works, what doesn’t, and why. In this post, we’ll explore the most important graphic design statistics to help you craft visuals that not only look great but also drive results.
Let’s take a closer look!
General industry stats
The graphic design industry is more than just a creative field — it’s a massive global business with a big economic impact. Here are some stats that prove this point.
1. The global graphic design market is currently valued at $57.5 billion (Next MSC)
The market is projected to grow 36% by 2030 and reach a value of $78.2 billion.
2. Almost a third of businesses have an annual graphic design budget between $1,000 and $5,000 (Piktochart)
The same number of respondents (32%) have an annual budget between $5,000 and $10,000.
3. Nearly 50% of online visitors say that a website’s design is the most crucial factor in deciding the brand’s credibility (UserGuiding)
At the same time, 94% of users form the first impression of a website based on its design.
4. 80% of small business and startup founders believe design is important to success (Exploding Topics)
The reason is obvious — strong design helps firms stand out, build trust, and communicate their value more effectively.
5. On the other hand, almost 40% of companies face a challenge in consistently creating aesthetically engaging content (G2)
This figure highlights the gap between recognizing the value of good design and having the resources or expertise to execute it. In a nutshell, every company needs skilled designers and strategic planning to maintain high-quality visuals.
Stats for graphic design professionals
Graphic designers should know the following stats as it could help them create more appealing and impactful visuals.
6. Almost 85% of people say that color is the main reason that they buy a certain product (Colorlib)
The power of visual appeal in consumer decision-making is immense. For designers, this figure reinforces the importance of choosing the right color palette to create an emotional connection and drive sales.
7. Colors can improve content, service, or product comprehension by 73% (WebFX)
In addition, they can improve learning and reading by 60% and 40%, respectively.
8. According to reports, more than 40% of people say blue is their favorite color (Squarespace)
Other colors aren’t even close popularity-wise. After blue, most people seem to like green (14%), purple (14%), red (8%), and black (7%).
9. Orange is reportedly the least favorite color for 30% of people (Joe Hallock)
Brown (23%), yellow (13%), purple (13%), and grey (12%) also seem to be unlikable.
10. Some 70% of Fortune 500 companies use sans-serif fonts in their logos (Linearity)
On the other hand, more than 50 million websites currently use Google Fonts.
Graphic design and business parameters
Quality design is a critical success driver. In this section, we’ll explore how strategic design directly impacts growth and long-term business success.
11. Adobe dominates the graphic design software market as its share exceeds 80% (Statista)
That’s mainly because Adobe owns a whole range of popular design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
12. More than 60% of digital marketers claim visuals are the most important component of successful marketing (The Brand Shop)
That’s because eye-catching visuals are able to grab attention while helping convey messages with ease.
13. Almost 70% of small businesses would spend up to $500 on a logo (DDIY)
A logo is often the first impression of a business, which makes it a crucial investment for establishing credibility and identity.
14. Social media content with images generates 650% higher engagement than text-only posts (Meghan Monaghan)
This means brands are practically obliged to design compelling imagery to captivate audiences and boost interaction.
15. Visitors spend about 2.6 seconds scanning a website before focusing on a particular section (CXL)
In other words, you have to create an intuitive website with a clear visual hierarchy. That way, key elements will stand out and quickly guide users through the site.
Job outlook and demographics
Now let’s see the job outlook and demographics as it can help you figure out where the industry is headed.
16. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for graphic designers in the US was $58,910 per year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
On an hourly basis, this translates into slightly more than $28 per hour.
17. 90% of graphic designers in the US prefer working freelance (IBIS World)
Many industry professionals prefer flexibility and creative independence. Freelance work allows them to choose projects they really like and maintain control over their schedules.
18. 54% of graphic designers leave or change jobs in under 2 years (Amberd)
This can mean two things. For one, the industry itself is truly dynamic. On the other hand, it also reflects the challenges of finding the right fit in a very competitive field.
19. Almost 70% of graphic designers have a Bachelor’s degree (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
However, having a degree doesn’t guarantee success. Many professionals thrive through self-learning, certifications, and building a strong portfolio that proves their skills.
20. The average graphic designer is 38 years old (Zippia)
In other words, this profession often attracts individuals with a mix of experience and creativity.
Graphic design fun facts
Graphic design is full of interesting history, quirky facts, and surprising insights. This section will introduce you to some of the coolest tidbits that make graphic design so fascinating.
21. The Ancient Egyptians are often recognized as some of the earliest creators of logos (Sufio).
This mainly has to do with their development of hieroglyphics around 3200 BC. These symbols served not only as a written language but also as a means to convey ownership and status.
22. The Penny Black, introduced in 1840, was the world's first postage stamp (PHDdesign).
Designed by William Mulready, it featured a profile of Queen Victoria. This is a notable example of early graphic design that contributed to the development of modern postal systems.
23. American typographer, book designer, and calligrapher William Addison Dwiggins coined the word “graphic design” in 1922 (CreativeHagja)
He used this phrase to describe the emerging field that combined visual elements like typography, layout, and illustration to communicate ideas.
24. The first software for graphic design, named Sketchpad, was created in 1963 (Wikipedia)
Computer programmer Ivan Sutherland made the tool that many consider the predecessor of modern computer-aided design platforms.
25. Student Carolyn Davidson created the iconic Nike logo in 1971 for $35 (LWV Printworks).
The so-called Swoosh is a visual representation of the wing of the Greek goddess Nike. Carolyn eventually received a fair share of Nike stock as a token of appreciation for her contribution.
Beware of numbers, but don’t sacrifice creativity
Statistics can be a powerful tool for shaping your design strategy, but you shouldn’t let them overshadow your creativity. Bear in mind that every project and audience is unique — what works for one campaign, may not resonate with another. That’s why we encourage you to use the numbers as a guide, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment.
