AIGA|AQUENT 2005 SURVEY OF DESIGN SALARIES DEMONSTRATES SINGLE STRONGEST GAIN SINCE 2000

Report Now Available Online as Free, Interactive Database

BOSTON (June 1, 2005)—For the sixth year, Aquent and the AIGA, in cooperation with Communication Arts magazine, have partnered to offer the highly popular and widely anticipated AIGA|Aquent Survey of Design Salaries. The year 2005 marks the second consecutive year the report has been available as a free, online, interactive database at http://www.designsalaries.com/index.html?id=APR.

Based on returns from more than 3,600 respondents in eight geographic regions containing fifteen major metropolitan markets, this year’s results clearly indicate an improvement in salary gains for the first time in several years. This annual survey, considered a benchmark and valuable compensation gauge across the industry, provides a current and specific reflection of what a significant share of those in the design profession are currently earning.

“We ran a five-year trend analysis to review how design salaries have fluctuated,” says Jenny Norwood, Aquent marketing manager. “Although salaries had been flat since 2000, there was a sizable dip from the latter part of 2002 through 2003. However, we are now seeing an encouraging upswing. Considering the significant role graphic design plays in branding and how it has emerged as a very important strategic business tool, we’re confident the industry will continue to strengthen.” The trend analysis is viewable on the Web site.

“As overall economic growth flourishes, designers are likely to see increased demand for their services,” says AIGA Executive Director Richard Grefé. “Firms are definitely beginning to hire again. It is interesting to note that the designers that have been most successful in recent years are those that have adapted their strengths to address communications or innovation strategies for their clients and to develop solutions that span a variety of design disciplines. We expect that trend will continue as well.”

Survey research was conducted by MemberSurvey.com (a division of Readex Research), an independent research company in Stillwater, Minnesota.

The site was designed by hillmancurtis, inc. Amy Unikewicz of Jelly Associates designed the print version of the survey.

About Aquent

For close to twenty years, Aquent has led the way in helping businesses master the ability to generate marketing and communications from within. From its inception in 1986, this marketing services company has pioneered consulting, outsourcing, and staffing solutions that enable clients to build their internal marketing and communications capabilities. Providing unmatched resources and expertise through its network of nearly seventy branches worldwide, Aquent today helps thousands of companies make the most of their people, processes, and technology. Aquent, www.aquent.com, is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

About AIGA

AIGA, www.aiga.org, the professional association for design, is committed to furthering excellence in design as a broadly defined discipline and strategic tool for business and cultural force. AIGA is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research, and advance education and ethical practice.