The future of graphic design: What graphic designers do in 2025

In 2025, graphic design is more essential than ever, as brands compete for attention in a saturated digital landscape. With most information absorbed visually, strong design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a strategic tool that shapes how audiences perceive and interact with a brand.

Graphic designers are expected to do more than craft visuals. Their role now blends creative direction with digital strategy, spanning: branding, UX/UI design, motion graphics, and content creation across web, social, and mobile. This evolution reflects the growing demand for designers who can adapt to new platforms and integrate seamlessly with tech-driven marketing efforts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for graphic designers is projected to grow by 2% from 2023 to 2033, with around 21,100 job openings expected each year.

What sets 2025 apart is the growing influence of AI. Rather than replacing creativity, AI supports designers by streamlining tasks and accelerating workflows. The future of graphic design is not about replacing creativity with AI, but using it to amplify human imagination.

Understanding the role of a graphic designer

Overview of graphic design

Graphic design is the art of combining creativity and technology to communicate ideas visually. It covers a wide range of areas, including branding, web design, print materials, and advertising. Graphic designers use their skills to create logos, websites, social media content, and more, each piece crafted to support a clear message or identity.

They work across various industries like marketing, tech, and media, making their role essential in a visually driven world. Understanding what a graphic designer does helps highlight the value of professional design in building strong, effective communication and brand recognition.

The changing role of graphic designers

What does a graphic designer do on a daily basis?

Design project work and collaboration

Graphic designers start their day with concept development and brainstorming sessions, where they explore creative ideas and determine the direction of their projects. This stage is followed by creating and editing visual content using various design tools and software.

Collaboration is key, with designers often participating in client and team meetings to discuss project progress, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product meets the client’s expectations and maintains a high standard of quality.

Understanding what a graphic designer does on a daily basis during this phase is crucial for setting the foundation of a successful project.

Administrative and routine tasks

In addition to creative work, graphic designers also handle administrative tasks. Managing project files and documentation is essential for maintaining an organised workflow and ensuring that all design assets are easily accessible.

Regularly checking emails and client communications helps designers stay updated on project requirements and deadlines, facilitating smooth and efficient project management. These routine tasks, while less glamorous, are vital for the successful execution of design projects.

Top essential skills for a graphic designer in 2025

• Technical skills required for graphic designers

In 2025, graphic designers are expected to work fluently with both traditional software and advanced AI tools. While Adobe Creative Suite remains a staple, newer platforms such as Adobe Firefly, Canva Magic Design, and Midjourney are becoming part of everyday workflows. These AI-powered tools can generate layouts, enhance images, and assist with visual ideation, helping designers move faster and explore more creative directions. However, they still rely on the designer’s ability to steer the process and make informed design decisions.

That’s why core design skills are still essential. Even the most powerful AI can’t replace a strong understanding of typography, composition, and colour theory. Designers need to apply these principles thoughtfully, especially when adapting content across different formats like print, web, and social media. AI may handle the repetitive work, but it’s human creativity and judgment that bring the final output to life.

• Creative skills and techniques

Creativity continues to be the heart of graphic design, but the expectations have evolved. Designers now act less like manual creators and more like visual strategists, using conceptual thinking to guide AI-generated assets in a way that aligns with brand tone and purpose. Strong ideation skills, visual storytelling, and the ability to interpret client needs into compelling visuals are more important than ever.

While AI can offer suggestions or generate initial drafts, it’s up to the designer to bring originality, brand alignment, and emotional resonance to the final output. Staying on top of design trends, including motion graphics, 3D design, and immersive experiences like AR, is also essential to remain competitive in a rapidly changing visual landscape.

• Soft skills for graphic designers

Soft skills are playing a bigger role in graphic design as teams become more integrated and tools become more accessible to non-designers. Communication and collaboration are crucial, not just for presenting ideas to clients and teammates, but also for working across disciplines with marketers, developers, and even AI engineers. Designers are increasingly required to explain their creative decisions, guide others in using AI tools effectively, and ensure that outputs are inclusive, ethical, and aligned with a company’s values.

Time management and project organisation remain fundamental, especially as AI speeds up production and allows designers to handle more complex, multi-channel projects. Ultimately, success in graphic designer roles now depends on a balance of tech fluency, creative thinking, and human-centred communication.

What tools and software do graphic designers use?

Essential software for graphic designers

Graphic designers now rely on a mix of traditional and AI-powered tools to bring ideas to life. While Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe After Effects) remains the industry standard, newer platforms are gaining ground as AI reshapes the creative process:

• Core design and layout tools like CorelDRAW and Affinity Designer remain powerful alternatives for vector-focused work, great for those seeking flexibility or cost efficiency.
• UI/UX and digital design are fueled by Figma, and Canva, which make it easy to prototype interfaces and collaborate. And thanks to tools like Canva’s Magic Design and Figma’s AI features, even non-designers can generate layouts and visuals more quickly.
• AI-driven design assistants, including Adobe Firefly, Designs.ai, Ideogram, Remove.bg, and more, are now key parts of the toolkit. These platforms automate everything from image generation and background removal to colour scheme creation and logo design, allowing designers to offload repetitive tasks and focus on craft.

Hardware essentials for graphic designers

Graphic designers need high-performance machines to handle demanding software and AI tools. A capable desktop or laptop with a fast processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated GPU is essential for running programs like Adobe Creative Suite, 3D apps, or AI platforms like Midjourney.

Equally important are the creative tools: graphic tablets like Wacom or iPad Pro with Apple Pencil offer precision for drawing and editing, while 4K monitors with accurate colour help ensure visual consistency. Extras like high-speed internet, external SSDs, and ergonomic accessories also support a smooth and productive workflow.

Career opportunities for graphic designers in 2025

Graphic designer jobs and positions

In 2025, the graphic design field continues to expand, offering professionals a wide range of creative and tech-driven career paths. As design increasingly overlaps with digital innovation, new roles are emerging alongside traditional ones.

• Graphic designer: Remain at the core of visual communication, producing compelling designs for branding, advertising, packaging, and digital content.
• UI/UX designer: Focus on optimising how users interact with digital products, ensuring seamless navigation and a satisfying user experience.
• 3D animator: Bring motion to life through visuals used in games, films, and marketing, combining storytelling with technical skill.
• Game designer: Conceptualise and design immersive, interactive experiences that integrate narrative, visuals, and gameplay mechanics.

In-house vs offshore graphic designers: Key differences in 2025

In-house graphic designers typically work within a company’s internal creative team. This setup offers job stability, a consistent salary, benefits like healthcare and paid leave, and opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with other departments. Designers in these roles often have a deeper understanding of the brand they work with and follow established workflows and approval processes.

Offshore graphic designers were once part of outsourcing providers, but businesses are building dedicated offshore teams that work closely with their in-house staff. These teams offer flexibility and long-term support while aligning with internal tools and workflows. Though still remote, they’re more integrated than ever, collaborating on ongoing workloads while managing time zones and communication through shared digital platforms.

The key difference lies in structure and flexibility: in-house roles offer long-term alignment and internal career growth, while offshore positions emphasise adaptability, global exposure, and independent work. Both paths require strong creative skills, but the day-to-day experience can vary significantly.

Industries that employ graphic designers

Graphic designers remain in high demand across a wide range of industries, each offering unique opportunities to apply both creative and technical skills:

1. Advertising, marketing and eCommerce

Graphic designers play a critical role in developing campaign visuals, digital ads, packaging, and brand identity across platforms, helping companies engage customers and drive sales. As brands compete for attention in saturated markets, strong visual identity has become a business essential.

2. Technology and UX/UI

Tech firms, app developers, and software companies rely on designers to create seamless user interfaces and digital experiences, aesthetics with usability.

3. Media, entertainment and publishing

Designers create everything from movie posters and video game art to editorial layouts and infographics. As visual storytelling becomes increasingly central, demand in these sectors remains strong, captivating audiences and enhancing content across platforms.

How graphic designers measure success in 2025

• Client satisfaction: Positive feedback, approval without excessive revisions, and ongoing partnerships are clear signs that the work meets or exceeds expectations.
• User impact: Designers track metrics like engagement rates, click-throughs, bounce rates, or time spent on a page to see how their visuals influence user behavior and experience.
• Business outcomes: Success is also measured by tangible results such as improved brand recognition, higher conversion rates, or reduced production time, proving that good design directly supports business goals.

Why hiring a professional offshore graphic designer makes sense in 2025

As AI reshapes design workflows and creative cycles speed up, outsourcing graphic design is no longer just about saving costs, it’s a smart, strategic move. Here’s why more companies are building dedicated offshore design teams:

1. Cost-effective without compromise

Offshore design teams help businesses reduce costs without compromising on quality. Rather than investing in expensive local hires, companies can access skilled global talent at more budget-friendly rates, ideal for scaling creative output without overextending internal resources.

2. Access to global talent and specialised skills

Outsourcing gives you instant access to designers with deep expertise across disciplines: motion graphics, UI/UX, branding, and more. It’s easier to build a team that matches your industry, aesthetic, and preferred tools, whether that’s Figma, Adobe, or the latest AI-powered platforms. For businesses with varied or niche creative needs, this global reach is a game-changer.

3. Quality and creative excellence

Professional offshore designers aren’t freelancers juggling dozens of clients, but they’re often part of dedicated teams focused on consistent, brand-aligned delivery. These designers bring not only technical know-how but also creative insight, applying design principles and best practices to create high-impact visuals that drive results and build brand equity over time.

4. Faster turnarounds and greater agility

Offshore teams operate across time zones, which often means work progresses while your local team is offline. Combined with well-defined workflows and project management systems, this can lead to faster turnarounds, whether for campaign launches, multi-channel content, or last-minute revisions. They help your brand stay responsive in a fast-moving digital environment.

5. Built-in adaptability to new tools and trends

Offshore designers typically work across diverse industries and clients, keeping them ahead of the curve. From adopting new design software to experimenting with AI-assisted workflows, these teams are quick to embrace innovation. That adaptability is vital in 2025, when creative platforms and consumer expectations are evolving faster than ever.

Conclusion

Today’s designers combine creative, technical, and strategic skills, using advanced software, UX know-how, and brand storytelling to produce standout work. Career paths are diverse, ranging from in-house and freelance roles to leadership positions and offshore team models. Businesses benefit from their expertise by achieving consistent quality, faster delivery, and cohesive visual branding.

Looking ahead to 2025, the real power lies in the synergy between human creativity and AI. Designers now use intelligent tools to automate routine tasks, freeing them to focus on originality, emotion, and strategic insight. It’s not about machines replacing creativity, but amplifying it.

By partnering with professional and even offshore teams, companies gain flexibility, technical skill, and faster delivery without sacrificing quality. Explore how global companies are thriving with Vietnam-based teams and see how our talented graphic designers can help your brand stand out in a crowded market.