A new report by CHILI publish has revealed that 89% of graphic design professionals view artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential threat to their roles, with 42% expecting a reduction in the number of designers at their organisation over the next three years.

The report highlights the growing impact of AI and automation on the graphic production industry, as businesses look to streamline operations and meet rising demands.

The survey, conducted across 400 graphic professionals in the UK, US, France, and Germany, targeted decision-makers from retail companies as well as those working in marketing and advertising agencies. The findings point to a significant shift in the industry, with 41% of respondents identifying upskilling in AI and machine learning as essential for securing future roles and staying competitive in the changing design landscape.

Industry Challenges: Meeting Growing Demands

The report highlights the increasing pressure faced by graphic production teams to meet consumer expectations for brand assets. Almost half of the respondents (48%) cited rising consumer demands as a key driver of their growing workloads. Despite advancements in technology designed to assist designers, 48% also reported that the emergence of AI and new design tools has added to their responsibilities.

Among the challenges faced, 29% of respondents said they struggle with having “too much work to physically complete,” while 28% pointed to a “lack of time for creativity” as a significant issue. These pressures are not only affecting individual designers but are also having a broader impact on business productivity.

The growing workloads in graphic production have led to wider business issues, with 39% of respondents reporting they have taken time off due to stress, and the same percentage admitting they have considered changing jobs. Furthermore, 52% of businesses have experienced delays in product launches, and 49% have seen an increase in operational costs due to inefficiencies in managing graphic production.

To address these challenges, many organisations are considering various solutions. The survey found that 34% of businesses plan to hire new talent, 34% are focusing on upskilling their current teams, and 33% are turning to AI on an ad hoc basis to manage the workload.

AI and Automation: Opportunities and Limitations

While automation is seen as an essential tool for managing the growing demands in graphic production, with 96% of respondents agreeing that it will be key to future operations, there are still challenges in AI implementation. One-third (33%) of respondents admitted they lack the ability to effectively instruct AI to perform specific tasks, and 56% believe that AI struggles to understand generational differences and design nuances—areas where human designers continue to excel.

Despite these challenges, the integration of AI and automation into the design process is viewed as inevitable, particularly as businesses look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, concerns remain about the potential job cuts that could follow, with many in the industry anticipating fewer design roles in the coming years.

Commenting on the findings, Kevin Goeminne, CEO of CHILI publish, noted the delicate balance businesses must strike to remain competitive. “It’s evident that the industry is on the brink of a major change. While technology is being developed to support graphic designers, it is also driving greater workloads,” he said. Goeminne emphasised the importance of training and implementing AI and automation technologies to help businesses manage growing workloads while still delivering high-quality results.

The report suggests that while automation will play a crucial role in the future of graphic production, skilled designers will remain essential for creative idea generation and concept development. For businesses looking to navigate this evolving landscape, a focus on upskilling and supporting design teams will be key to maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring success in the years to come.

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