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As Simon Manchipp, founding partner at SomeOne, puts it: "The most significant challenge for design studios in 2025 will likely be staying relevant in an ever-evolving, tech-driven, and hyper-competitive market. Studios will face the dual pressure of mastering tech tools while deploying ownable, effective, authentic creativity."So where do the main threats, challenges and opportunities lie, and how should studios meet these new and evolving challenges?We spoke to creative leaders across the industry, and below, we share their insights and reflections as they discuss the unique challenges we're all facing in the coming years and the strategies we should employ to remain relevant and innovative.

One of the most pressing challenges design studios will encounter in 2025 is standing out. As Michael Freimuth, creative director at Franklyn, says: "Exceptional work is the baseline, of course, but the ability to market yourself, stay in the press and stay relevant seems more applicable than ever."Roy Barker, co-founder of Wonderhood Design, agrees. "Design is becoming an increasingly saturated market, now with advertising companies leveraging their financial stability and existing client base to expand their remit in this area," he says. "It must be incredibly hard for brands to know where and who to turn to. And to know who is doing it right. So, even if you're making incredible work, will it cut through, generating new business in return? Possibly not."He believes that to overcome that challenge, emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that your work is shared across multiple platforms, including the story of how it was created and details of the studio that produced it."Finding the right balance of execution and distribution can reap rewards," he notes. "Don't be like Wally and get lost in the crowd. Don't hope to be seen. Find a point of difference, make great work and shout about it."

One of the most pressing challenges design studios will encounter in 2025 is standing out. As Michael Freimuth, creative director at Franklyn, says: "Exceptional work is the baseline, of course, but the ability to market yourself, stay in the press and stay relevant seems more applicable than ever."Roy Barker, co-founder of Wonderhood Design, agrees. "Design is becoming an increasingly saturated market, now with advertising companies leveraging their financial stability and existing client base to expand their remit in this area," he says. "It must be incredibly hard for brands to know where and who to turn to. And to know who is doing it right. So, even if you're making incredible work, will it cut through, generating new business in return? Possibly not."He believes that to overcome that challenge, emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that your work is shared across multiple platforms, including the story of how it was created and details of the studio that produced it."Finding the right balance of execution and distribution can reap rewards," he notes. "Don't be like Wally and get lost in the crowd. Don't hope to be seen. Find a point of difference, make great work and shout about it."