Monotype, a leader in type and technology, recently released new research that examines how creatives and designers worldwide are responding to the rise of AI and AI-enabled tools within the design industry. The study, which surveyed 4,777 graphic designers, type designers, and brand leaders across multiple countries, also explores font licensing, design priorities, and the growing impact of AI on design workflows. The results reveal that while the design industry continues to evolve, typography remains central to creative decision-making.

Key Findings

1. AI in the Design Industry

• Positive Outlook on AI: 91% of designers and creatives believe AI and AI tools can be useful in the type industry.
• Optimism vs Pessimism: Only 21% are pessimistic about AI’s impact, while 75% are either optimistic (34%), neutral (23%), or undecided (18%).
• Key AI Applications:
  • Visualizing typography in real-world scenarios: 45%
  • Font pairings: 45%
  • Streamlining routine design tasks: 43%
  • Discovering new fonts: 43%

2. Typography's Ongoing Importance

• Typography continues to play a central role in design, with 83% of respondents ranking font selection among the top three components of their creative process.
• 75% of respondents consider choosing a distinctive typeface crucial for shaping a brand’s identity.

3. Subscription-Based Design Platforms

• Usage of Design Subscriptions: 89% of designers currently use subscription-based design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Shutterstock, and Monotype Fonts.
• Average Number of Subscriptions: Designers hold an average of four design-related subscriptions.
• Font Choice Limitations: 42% of respondents report that their brand or their client's brand is limited by the lack of font choices on social media platforms.

4. Monotype’s AI-Enabled Tools

• Mary Catherine Pflug, Senior Director at Monotype, emphasized how the company’s AI-driven tools help creatives make better decisions faster, especially when it comes to font discovery and pairing.
• Monotype's tools aim to reduce laborious tasks, enabling designers to focus on their creative goals.

The research by Monotype highlights the growing acceptance of AI tools within the design community, particularly for tasks such as font discovery, font pairing, and speeding up routine workflows. Despite concerns about AI, the majority of designers remain optimistic about its potential to enhance creativity and democratize design. Typography continues to be an essential component of branding, and Monotype's AI-enabled solutions are helping to make high-quality design more accessible and efficient for professionals globally.