The Decline of the Design Market in Australia

What Is Driving the Downturn

Reduced project pipelines in large corporates, especially in retail, banking and insurance
Cost cutting across tech firms like Atlassian and Canva who have slowed internal hiring
Increased offshore design options creating price pressure in local markets
AI tools replacing parts of the early design process, reducing demand for junior and mid level roles

Hiring managers are now seeking only top percentile talent for fewer available roles.
Portfolios must be elite. Experience must be proven.

What This Means for Designers

The Australian design market is still active, but it is no longer booming.
Competition is intense. Fewer briefs reach market.

Designers need to focus on building standout portfolios, showing commercial impact, and developing cross functional skills that go beyond pure design.

Those who can link their work directly to product growth and business outcomes will remain in demand.

MAP’s View

At MAP Talent we have seen design briefs fall by more than 60 percent in the past year.

We continue to represent the best design talent in the country, but the reality is clear
This market is now one of the most competitive in Australia

We are helping our design community sharpen their positioning, stay visible and be ready to move fast when opportunities land.

The design market is not gone.
It has just changed.

"As a candidate looking for work, MAP helped me out on getting my current job as a tech lead.

During those days MAP called me regularly to give me clear information and suggestions on the company / the position I was applying and the whole hiring process.

MAP has been looking after my journey all the time since I joined and he is one of the most professional guys in his industry to work with.

Thank you MAP for your sincere support and for anyone who wants to find a new start in the career I would always recommend to reach out to MAP for your next step."

Liwen Chen - Technical Lead @ Westpac

"If you’re looking for a recruiter in the data space, I highly recommend MAP TALENT.

As a candidate I found MAP are approachable and provided great guidance throughout the process.

I really appreciated his support in making the whole experience smooth and stress-free"

Alan Nguyen @ Ausgrid

"As a candidate, straight out of the gate, MAP were open and honest with me.

Once I'd established that trust with MAP, it was easy to be upfront with him about my expectations.

MAP don't just acknowledge them, they fought for them on my behalf in a respectful but determined way.

It's those 1% things that can make the world of difference.

Regardless of the outcome, you are in good hands when you are working with MAP"

Jardian Ormsby - Director of Product @ Kayo Sports

"I want to express my gratitude to MAP for his incredible support.

From our first conversation, they were kind, professional, friendly, and attentive.

MAP kept me informed every step of the way, answered all my questions promptly, and made the entire experience smooth and positive.

Thank you again, MAP — I truly appreciated your guidance!"

Romina Abasto - Designer @ Livestock

"MAP was a revelation to work with. After meeting several recruitment companies.

MAP was the last in the door but the first to deliver. They are always responsive and followed through on their promises.

I would recommend MAP without hesitation."

Steven Davidson - Senior Delivery Manager @ Telstra

"MAP are true professionals and champions for the talent they represent... that’s how I describe MAP

MAP dedication and passion for his craft ensure that the talent they represent is always positioned for success.

MAP have approachability, loyalty, and unwavering commitment make them exceptional and trusted partner in the hiring process.

I highly recommend MAP to anyone seeking a recruitment group that delivers exceptional results with professionalism and care.
"

Vincent Wijangco - Senior Business Analyst @ Nine

The Decline of the Design Market in Australia

What Is Driving the Downturn

What This Means for Designers

MAP’s View

Stay Updated with Our Insights

"If you’re looking for a recruiter in the data space, I highly recommend MAP TALENT. As a candidate I found MAP are approachable and provided great guidance throughout the process. I really appreciated his support in making the whole experience smooth and stress-free"

"MAP was a revelation to work with. After meeting several recruitment companies. MAP was the last in the door but the first to deliver. They are always responsive and followed through on their promises. I would recommend MAP without hesitation."

Stay Updated with Our
Insights

"If you’re looking for a recruiter in the data space, I highly recommend MAP TALENT.

As a candidate I found MAP are approachable and provided great guidance throughout the process.

I really appreciated his support in making the whole experience smooth and stress-free"

"MAP was a revelation to work with. After meeting several recruitment companies.

MAP was the last in the door but the first to deliver. They are always responsive and followed through on their promises.

I would recommend MAP without hesitation."