Brevy

Will AI replace graphic designers?

Graphic designers are "moderately exposed" to generative AI according to the International Labour Organization (gradient 2 of 4 on its index): part of the work can be transformed. Exposed does not mean replaced: the ILO concludes that, for most occupations, transformation is the most likely impact. What changes most is creating images and concepts; what changes least is working with clients and following production.

ILO reference occupation · Graphic and Multimedia Designers

Moderately exposed

Part of the tasks can be transformed by AI. The job stays; the way it's done changes.

ILO category: Exposed, gradient 2

What AI changes in the job, task by task

Creation itself is the most exposed: producing 2D and 3D images (a score of 0.61 out of 1), formulating a design concept (0.59), sketching layouts and illustrations (0.56). Working with others is less exposed: scoping the brief with the client (0.41), supervising production (0.38), negotiating design solutions with clients and teams (0.37).

  • Creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modelling programmes

    Exposed

  • Formulating design concepts for the subject to be communicated

    Exposed

  • Preparing sketches, diagrams, illustrations and layouts to communicate design concepts

    Exposed

  • Detailing and documenting the selected design for production

    Exposed

  • Undertaking research and analysing functional communication requirements

    Exposed

  • Designing complex graphics and animation to satisfy functional, aesthetic and creative requirements of the design brief

    Exposed

  • Selecting, specifying or recommending functional and aesthetic materials and media for publication, delivery or display

    Low

  • Determining the objectives and constraints of the design brief by consulting with clients and stakeholders

    Low

  • Supervising or carrying out production in the chosen media

    Low

  • Negotiating design solutions with clients, management, sales and production staff

    Low

Source: ILO, Generative AI and Jobs, Working Paper 140, 2025.

Neighbouring jobs

Digital content jobs are more exposed than graphic design: web design sits at the highest level of the index, advertising and writing at gradient 3. Photographers are at gradient 1, and visual artists are not exposed.

  • Web and Multimedia Developers

    Very highly exposed

  • Advertising and Marketing Professionals

    Highly exposed

  • Authors and Related Writers

    Highly exposed

  • Graphic and Multimedia Designers· this job

    Moderately exposed

  • Photographers

    Slightly exposed

  • Visual Artists

    Barely affected

Try another job

Limits

The ILO index is global and describes the tasks of the international classification: graphic designers, illustrators, animators and art directors are linked to the same code (2166) by the European ESCO classification. Its 2025 scores were largely produced by AI models, then checked against a survey of workers and expert panels: they are estimates, not measurements. Opening counts only cover Brevy's catalogue.

Source: Gmyrek, P., Berg, J., Kamiński, K., Konopczyński, F., Ładna, A., Nafradi, B., Rosłaniec, K., Troszyński, M. Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure. ILO Working Paper 140. Geneva: International Labour Office, 2025. © ILO, CC BY 4.0. https://doi.org/10.54394/HETP0387

This page is an adaptation: categories are regrouped for the table. Notice required by the licence:

This is an adaptation of a copyrighted work of the International Labour Organization (ILO). This adaptation has not been prepared, reviewed or endorsed by the ILO and should not be considered an official ILO adaptation. The ILO disclaims all responsibility for its content and accuracy. Responsibility rests solely with the author(s) of the adaptation.

Search titles: ESCO, European Commission. Openings: Brevy catalogue.

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