The state of the design industry: The wild west of creativity
Design is everywhere. From the apps we use daily to the branding that defines our favourite products, good design has the power to shape our world. Yet, despite its undeniable importance, the design industry remains a chaotic free-for-all where anyone with a laptop and a copy of Canva can call themselves a ‘designer.’
Unlike professions such as law, medicine, or architecture, design is unregulated. There are no industry-wide certifications, no governing bodies ensuring minimum standards, and no formal barriers to entry. While this openness fosters creativity and innovation, it also leads to a saturation of self-proclaimed ‘designers’ flooding the market, often undercutting professionals who have spent years honing their craft.
The problem with no barriers
The lack of regulation means that businesses often struggle to distinguish between experienced designers and amateurs with a cracked version of Photoshop. The result? Poorly executed branding, unreadable websites, and design that does more harm than good. When clients don’t understand the difference between good and bad design, they make decisions based purely on price, leading to a race to the bottom.
It’s not just about aesthetics either. Bad design has real-world consequences. A poorly designed user experience can make a website unusable. A badly thought-out logo can destroy a brand’s credibility. And in sectors like healthcare, transport, or safety-critical industries, bad design can cost lives.
The devaluation of design
With an oversupply of self-taught designers, rates for design work have plummeted. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have created a perception that a logo should cost £5, a full brand identity can be turned around in 24 hours, and that design is a simple, low-effort commodity rather than a strategic investment. This is particularly frustrating for those who have spent years in formal education or have extensive industry experience, only to be undercut by hobbyists who don’t understand the nuances of typography, colour theory, or user psychology.
Does the industry need regulation?
The idea of regulation in design is controversial. Some argue that part of what makes the industry so dynamic is the fact that anyone can enter it. There are countless self-taught designers who are incredibly talented, and rigid industry regulations could stifle innovation.
However, there’s a middle ground. Other creative industries have professional organisations that set standards, provide certifications, and advocate for fair pay and ethical practices. The design world has organisations like AIGA, the Chartered Society of Designers, and the Design Business Association, but membership is optional and has little influence over who can or cannot call themselves a designer.
What can be done?
While industry-wide regulation may not be realistic, there are steps that professionals can take to differentiate themselves:
Education and accreditation: Designers should continue to advocate for qualifications, certifications, and professional memberships that set them apart from amateurs.
Client education: Businesses need to be educated on what makes design effective, why strategy matters, and why investing in professional design leads to better long-term results.
Pushing for industry standards: Professional bodies should push harder for ethical pricing, fair pay, and accountability in the industry.
Designing with purpose: True designers need to continue showing the value of strategic, well-thought-out design, proving that it’s not just about making things look good, it’s about making them work better.
Conclusion
The design industry is at a crossroads. On one hand, accessibility has led to a democratisation of creativity. On the other, the lack of standards has diluted the profession, devalued expertise, and made it harder for clients to recognise good design.
It’s up to those of us in the industry to push back against the perception that design is an afterthought or a quick fix. Good design is strategy. It’s problem-solving. And it’s time we started treating it with the respect it deserves.
Author: Lance Corrigan
Creative designer with a passion for visual communication and brand development, and a vision to make a positive impact on the world through design.
