Board Meetings Focus on Reviving Graphic Design
The world of graphic design is undergoing a significant transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are seeking experts who can combine creativity with technical fluency in AI and digital tools, as the demand for versatile designers continues to grow.
Job Market Trends
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the graphic design job market is projected to grow by 3% between 2021 and 2031, with about 24,800 new hires expected annually [1]. Opportunities remain diverse across industries, with many companies offering remote work options that have become more normalized post-pandemic [1][3].
Skill Expectations
Designers are expected to master the latest design software, AI-assisted tools, and emerging technologies such as 3D and augmented reality (AR). Key skills in demand include creative development, art direction, UX/UI design, and content strategy, reflecting a blending of graphic design with user experience roles [2][3]. Continuous learning to keep up with fast-evolving tools and trends is essential [2].
Education and Portfolio Standards
Education trends emphasize focused and practical training programs that combine foundational knowledge with hands-on experience. While not mandatory, such credentials improve job prospects and equip designers to keep pace with industry changes [2]. Building a strong, versatile portfolio remains critical—not only to showcase traditional skills but also to demonstrate familiarity with current trends [2][4].
Portfolios should integrate modern design trends such as retro futurism, hyper-minimalism, sustainable and eco-friendly visuals, AI-assisted design, and immersive 3D or AR elements. Clients and employers increasingly look for portfolios that reflect strategic, brand-enhancing, and emotionally engaging designs [2][4].
Shifting Demands
The demand for graphic designers has shifted towards brand designers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motion designers are specific jobs that are in demand, and a portfolio link to a site like Behance or a PDF is preferred for easy access [4].
There is a high demand for mid-to-upper-level graphic design jobs across various design firms, agencies, and in-house departments. Original design work is preferred over using Google templates, and a portfolio should show a wide range of applications to demonstrate versatility [4].
Workplace Expectations
On the job, consistency, punctuality, asking for help, putting in the hours, and leaving ego/entitlement at the door are valued. Employers want to understand the level of an applicant's skills, whether they are primarily their own work or guided by an art director/teacher [4].
Good projects for a designer portfolio include fliers, publications, social posts, branding/corporate identity, packaging, signage, vehicle wraps, and more [4]. Too much of one kind of work in a portfolio doesn't show depth of skills.
Industry Knowledge
An understanding of social media is valuable in the graphic design industry. Knowledge of Premiere, After Effects, and other related software is beneficial but not required [4]. Ghosting is not acceptable in the workplace.
User research and design are often separated roles, and UX visual designers may benefit from coding knowledge, but they only occasionally use it [4].
In summary, post-COVID-19 graphic design careers favor those who combine creativity with technical fluency in AI and digital tools, maintain strong, contemporary portfolios, continuously update their skills, and adapt to remote or hybrid work models. Education remains valuable, and the evolving visual trends demand designers who can blend artistic instincts with strategic branding and technology integration.
Sources: [1] Indeed/BLS job outlook and employment context (2025-07-26) [2] VCAD career outlook, skills and trends overview (2025-07-31) [3] Robert Half 2025 Hiring and Compensation Trends (2025-07-23) [4] Papercraftemg 2025 Graphic Design Trends analysis (2025-07-09)
- In the shifting landscape of graphic design, the integration of technology and education-and-self-development is crucial for designers as they are expected to master the latest design software, AI-assisted tools, and emerging technologies like 3D and augmented reality, while continuously learning to keep up with fast-evolving tools and trends.
- Companies, recognizing the importance of versatile designers, seek graphic design professionals who can combine creativity with technical fluency in AI and digital tools, as the demand for graphic designers with a blend of artistic instincts, strategic branding, and technology integration continues to grow in the education-and-self-development sector.
