Who Makes Up the Circle Community of Creative Professionals, Based on Our Industry Report

For Squarespace Circle’s State of the Web Design Industry 2026 report, we surveyed 1,034 creative professionals from the Circle community, made up of web designers, developers, SEO experts, graphic designers, copywriters, brand specialists, and more. Read on for a closer look at who these pros are and how they work.

Demographics

Circle is a global collective of creatives. The following outlines where they live and work around the world: 

• Australia

• Austria

• Belgium

• Brazil

• Canada

• Denmark

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Ireland

• Italy

• Japan

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Portugal

• Singapore

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• United Kingdom

• United States

View fullsize

While Circle partners have a global footprint, most primarily work with local or national clients. Just 10% say that most of their work comes from international clients.

Roles

Nearly two-thirds of respondents are solopreneurs or freelancers (64%). The rest are split between agencies, consultancies, or studios—either as owners (22%) or employees (4%)—with another 10% working in-house at companies.

View fullsize

Tenure in web design

Circle partners bring years of experience to the table—44% reporting over a decade in the industry. With just 16% of respondents in their first three years, this year’s survey reflects a deeply experienced community. 

• 10+ years: 44%

• Seven to nine years: 16%

• Four to six years: 23%

• One to three years: 13%

• Less than a year: 3%

Life before web design

Circle partners come to web design from a range of industries, with nearly a quarter (21%) from marketing and advertising:

• Marketing & advertising: 21%

• Music: 1%

• Photography: 3%

• Real estate: 1%

• Restaurant & bar: 1%

• Retail: 2%

• Technology: 7%

• Travel & lifestyle: 1%

• Student: 4%

• Other: 12%

• Always worked in web design: 6%

• Art & design: 17%

• Beauty: 1%

• Community & nonprofit: 7%

• Entertainment & media: 5%

• Fashion: 1%:

• Financial: 3%

• Food & drink: 1%

• Health & fitness: 4%

• Home & living: Less than 1%

• Interior design: Less than 1%

• Legal services: 1%

A creative community for everyone

The Circle community brings diverse experience and perspectives that show us where the industry is today—and the inspiring places it’s headed next. For more insights on AI usage and the importance of creativity from our Circle partners, read the full State of the Web Design Industry 2026 report. Share your thoughts on social and in the Circle Forum. Watch Christy Price and Will Myers of the Somewhat Useful podcast discuss the report on Circle Live.

---

Want more?

Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers and web design agencies. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.

---