Graphic design involves using both graphics and text to convey a concept or idea. The graphic design industry includes many activities, including corporate identity/branding, advertising, print production, and web design. Graphic designers create logos, posters, newsletters, brochures, signs, and other forms of visual communication. The graphic design industry in Canada is slated to grow as high-quality graphic design services will become increasingly integral for companies seeking to develop brand awareness.

The graphic design industry faces opportunities and challenges due to the the high level of fragmentation in the industry. On one hand, fragmentation allows graphic design firms to cater to niche markets. However, this fragmentation also means that graphic design firms can struggle with competition from freelance graphic designers.

Two industry trends that graphic designers should keep up with are sustainable design and using data in graphic design. Graphic designers practice sustainable design when they apply sustainability principles to communication design practices. Sustainable design is being promoted throughout the country by Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC), which offers sustainability tools for designers, and is the subject of high-profile initiatives including The Living Principles for Design and the Re-nourishing Project Calculator.

In data-driven design, graphic designers harness the power of the computer( to generate innovative visual expressions using data, code, and algorithms. Data is everywhere, from corporate annual reports to food packaging design. Graphic designers can use data-driven design to solve increasingly complex visual representation problems and make their messages stand out from the competition.