5 answers
Reese
Student
Calhoun, Louisiana
1
Question
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What are some of the biggest challenges Graphic designers face today?
What are some of the biggest challenges Graphic designers face today? I'm considering going into graphic design, but I'm hesitant due to the use of AI.
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5 answers
Joe Lopez
creative director
5
Answers
Alameda, California
Updated
Joe’s Answer
There are more graphic designers in the market than there are jobs right now. But this is not a new problem. Throughout history there have always been more artist than a demand for them. At the end of the day it comes down to talent. The ones that don't make it usually don't have the natural ability to make a career of it. Art is like a professional sport. Just because a person is passionate doesn't mean they can make a living doing it. If you have the natural skills keep working on refining your portfolio and doing better work. Create passion projects and diversify your skill set as much as you can.
Thank you. I am worried about this! I appreciate your input!
Reese
Sam C
Graphic Designer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hello Reese,
I completely get why you're worried, especially since the AI industry is expanding so quickly. But think of AI platforms like Adobe programs as tools to boost and grow your ideas and creativity. Remember when Photoshop first appeared? Some folks feared losing their jobs if they didn’t learn it, but others embraced it and adapted. Those who learned Photoshop thrived in creative fields. So, dive into AI platforms and let them enhance your creative journey.
You've got this!
I completely get why you're worried, especially since the AI industry is expanding so quickly. But think of AI platforms like Adobe programs as tools to boost and grow your ideas and creativity. Remember when Photoshop first appeared? Some folks feared losing their jobs if they didn’t learn it, but others embraced it and adapted. Those who learned Photoshop thrived in creative fields. So, dive into AI platforms and let them enhance your creative journey.
You've got this!
Thank you for your positivity!
Reese
Jessica Ruyle
Executive Content Creator
10
Answers
Croswell, Michigan
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hey Reese!
I couldn’t agree more with Sam! I remember feeling pretty nervous when AI tools first started gaining traction—I was worried they might replace designers altogether. But the reality has been the opposite. The skills and experience I’ve built throughout my career are still incredibly valuable, and AI has actually helped me take my work to the next level.
Tools like those in Photoshop and Illustrator have saved me countless hours. What used to take forever—like manually removing backgrounds from portrait shots—can now be done in seconds with just a click. It’s been a game changer for my workflow.
Just because there’s software out there that can generate logos or flyers doesn’t mean everyone suddenly knows how to design with intention. Understanding hierarchy, color theory, and typography still matters—a lot. And you can always tell the difference between a generic template and a thoughtful, well-crafted design.
So keep building your skills, gain hands-on experience, and learn how to make the most of AI tools. They’re just that—tools—and in the hands of a skilled designer, they become incredibly powerful.
I couldn’t agree more with Sam! I remember feeling pretty nervous when AI tools first started gaining traction—I was worried they might replace designers altogether. But the reality has been the opposite. The skills and experience I’ve built throughout my career are still incredibly valuable, and AI has actually helped me take my work to the next level.
Tools like those in Photoshop and Illustrator have saved me countless hours. What used to take forever—like manually removing backgrounds from portrait shots—can now be done in seconds with just a click. It’s been a game changer for my workflow.
Just because there’s software out there that can generate logos or flyers doesn’t mean everyone suddenly knows how to design with intention. Understanding hierarchy, color theory, and typography still matters—a lot. And you can always tell the difference between a generic template and a thoughtful, well-crafted design.
So keep building your skills, gain hands-on experience, and learn how to make the most of AI tools. They’re just that—tools—and in the hands of a skilled designer, they become incredibly powerful.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate the advice!
Reese
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
77
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Reese,
For me, the two biggest challenges currently are the increasingly rapid rate of change and the economic climate. The desktop publishing revolution was happening just as I was finishing up commercial art school, and we were all very concerned about the lack of jobs, as so many businesses decided that a Mac was all it took to be a graphic designer. Add to that the job losses caused by automation, new tools, and the increased speed with which the work can be done, and the increased interest in the field...you get my gist. Thirty-plus years later, we're facing challenges posed by the advent of ChatGPT, and what the ambiguity your generation is facing is similar to what we faced, but at a staggering pace.
I went to commercial art school because I was looking for more stable, lucrative employment than I could have as a fine artist, and that's proven to be true, but it hasn't been easy, I've also had to pick up other skills, like project management and writing-related skills, to support myself. I've been able to survive by being a generalist and working with small organizations, or by being able to do high-focus, repetitive work in specialized contract roles.
All this to say, everyone is different, and a major part of your education is really getting to know yourself: your strengths, development needs, interests, willingness to take risks, for starters. And this kind of self-exploration and learning is ongoing, as everyone has to adjust to internal and external changes.
It will be interesting to hear what others say. Hope this helps!
P.S. One other point to maybe help you get some perspective: when the Internet was introduced to the public, we were all told that print was dead, and yet the opposite proved to be true. Print has changed for sure, and some forms have struggled or disappeared because of increasing costs, but it's still very much alive. We shall see what happens with ChatGPT. So far I've just seen an awful lot of really ugly design and illustration that pretty much looks the same, but that too will change.
For me, the two biggest challenges currently are the increasingly rapid rate of change and the economic climate. The desktop publishing revolution was happening just as I was finishing up commercial art school, and we were all very concerned about the lack of jobs, as so many businesses decided that a Mac was all it took to be a graphic designer. Add to that the job losses caused by automation, new tools, and the increased speed with which the work can be done, and the increased interest in the field...you get my gist. Thirty-plus years later, we're facing challenges posed by the advent of ChatGPT, and what the ambiguity your generation is facing is similar to what we faced, but at a staggering pace.
I went to commercial art school because I was looking for more stable, lucrative employment than I could have as a fine artist, and that's proven to be true, but it hasn't been easy, I've also had to pick up other skills, like project management and writing-related skills, to support myself. I've been able to survive by being a generalist and working with small organizations, or by being able to do high-focus, repetitive work in specialized contract roles.
All this to say, everyone is different, and a major part of your education is really getting to know yourself: your strengths, development needs, interests, willingness to take risks, for starters. And this kind of self-exploration and learning is ongoing, as everyone has to adjust to internal and external changes.
It will be interesting to hear what others say. Hope this helps!
P.S. One other point to maybe help you get some perspective: when the Internet was introduced to the public, we were all told that print was dead, and yet the opposite proved to be true. Print has changed for sure, and some forms have struggled or disappeared because of increasing costs, but it's still very much alive. We shall see what happens with ChatGPT. So far I've just seen an awful lot of really ugly design and illustration that pretty much looks the same, but that too will change.
Barry Orkin
Graphic Design, Surface Design, Costume Design
2
Answers
Rocky Point, New York
Updated
Barry’s Answer
All excellent answers above. The biggest challenge I have faced is adapting to a new digital art world when I entered the work force, similar to Kim's answer. Since then, the problem has been adding on additional software while still working. For the first two or three years, I mostly did vector based art, and I was designing embroideries with embroidery software, among other things. Later, I had to add Photoshop to my skills on-the-job. Recently, I have had to add some basic 3D skill for comps, and I've had to use AI platforms, which I'm still adapting to. Another challenge is that artists have to adapt more and stretch out their vision of themselves. I wanted to be an illustrator. I do a little of that, but I stretched out into logo design, graphic design, character art, surface design, and textile repeats, as opportunities arose. This was largely because companies were not paying very well, and I had to grab extra work through networking. I got the extra work because people knew that I worked hard and I was serious, but also because I drew really well and could come up with ideas quickly.
An additional challenge is that graphic design positions are becoming more and more specific, and there's more likelihood that someone else applying for a position online has more experience than me at something, even though I've been working for a long time. For example, I have some experience designing collateral for political campaigns, but it's a trickle of work compared to others who have been working in that specific arena for a long time. Even though I'm adapting as I mentioned above, I currently only have one area that I have more experience in than just about anyone. Combine that with the fact that companies come and go in an always challenging environment, and it's easy to see that networking is extremely important. People would much rather hire someone they know, or someone who is referred by someone they know and trust. Here's a little secret...art directors usually HATE looking for employees. It takes up a lot of precious time and energy. If you're right there, or a former colleague is right there to refer you, they'll grab you, despite a little less specific experience. This is especially true if you have a good portfolio, good references, and it's well known that you are a hard worker and take direction, without an attitude or lack of seriousness. I personally take pride in my ability to make changes to the art I'm working on. My attitude has always been, "whatever they need, I can do it." Later on, they will trust you much more when you do respectfully push back on something, and things will move more smoothly.
You're just getting started, so you have plenty of time to network. Don't forget to keep in touch with your classmates.
Good luck Reese!
An additional challenge is that graphic design positions are becoming more and more specific, and there's more likelihood that someone else applying for a position online has more experience than me at something, even though I've been working for a long time. For example, I have some experience designing collateral for political campaigns, but it's a trickle of work compared to others who have been working in that specific arena for a long time. Even though I'm adapting as I mentioned above, I currently only have one area that I have more experience in than just about anyone. Combine that with the fact that companies come and go in an always challenging environment, and it's easy to see that networking is extremely important. People would much rather hire someone they know, or someone who is referred by someone they know and trust. Here's a little secret...art directors usually HATE looking for employees. It takes up a lot of precious time and energy. If you're right there, or a former colleague is right there to refer you, they'll grab you, despite a little less specific experience. This is especially true if you have a good portfolio, good references, and it's well known that you are a hard worker and take direction, without an attitude or lack of seriousness. I personally take pride in my ability to make changes to the art I'm working on. My attitude has always been, "whatever they need, I can do it." Later on, they will trust you much more when you do respectfully push back on something, and things will move more smoothly.
You're just getting started, so you have plenty of time to network. Don't forget to keep in touch with your classmates.
Good luck Reese!