what?

Mapping the Economic Landscape of the Solo Design Studio

This research investigates the economic realities of independent graphic designers in a market reshaped by AI and shifting client expectations. Complete the survey to receive the 2026 Independent Graphic Design Economy Report, designed to help compare your rates and business model against your peers across the US and Canada.

who?

Participant Eligibility

This survey is exclusively for:

‍independent graphic designers

based in the US or Canada
(including citizens operating abroad and serving those markets)

one year minimum freelance experience

primary income is independent design

whY?

Closing the Data Gap

As the independent design landscape evolves, the need for transparent, peer-derived data is clear. This research was initiated to move beyond industry assumptions — often based on employees rather than freelancers — and provide a factual baseline for the solo design economy in 2026.

Your contribution helps build a clearer picture of how established professionals are navigating sustainability, pricing, and strategic positioning today.

how?

Data Integrity + Privacy

To ensure the validity of the 2026 Independent Graphic Design Economy Report, participants are asked to provide their name and a professional link for internal verification purposes only (to ensure all data is authentic and sourced from active graphic design professionals).

Personal identities will never be linked to specific survey responses in the final report. All data is processed as anonymous data points, and findings will be presented exclusively in an aggregated, industry-wide format. Your individual business details remain strictly confidential.