In order to analyze the design sector, we must distinguish two larger levels in the sector. The first level consists of the total of all activities, while the second level specifically considers the different sub-sectors that constitute it: industrial or product design, graphic design for communication and brand design, interiors, fashion/textile and digital and multimedia design. The first ones are already very consolidated sub-sectors, while digital and multimedia design has had a shorter trajectory.

Due to its increasing importance, and due to its close interrelationship with the industrial sector of Graphic Arts, this sector study will place special emphasis on this sub-sector of Graphic, Multimedia and Digital Design. Graphic design is changing at a dizzying pace, due to the introduction of the new technologies and, most importantly, with the explosion of the Internet and the massive demand for Web page design services. The new designer needs to have solid computer training.

The Spanish Graphics Industry is formed by companies dedicated to Graphic Arts and to manipulation of paper and cardboard.

The publishing sector is the principle market for the printed product, although commercial printing for individuals, industry, commerce, insurance companies, the public administration, etc., are also very important.