World-class engineering, advertising, architecture design services and motion-picture and video production brands call Greater Portland home. This robust industry cluster centers itself around innovation, creativity and inclusion.
To strengthen these tenets, Portland has built a nurturing environment. From local universities generating a constant stream of high-quality talent ready to make a difference to the culture ingrained into the area, pushing a “do-it-yourself" attitude no matter your background.
With six major industry clusters in the design and media ecosystem, Portland design firms, from engineering to architecture, foster an environment rich in creativity and opportunity, making it easy for businesses to flourish.
Download our Design & Media industry overview.
Building the Ecosystem
33,000
employees in the industry*
$4.2B
in economic output*
1.5x
the national average concentration of engineers, artists and architects*
*GPI Research
A Thriving Hub for Creativity and Inclusion
Portland’s creative ecosystem generated over $4.2 billion in economic output in 2024, showcasing its strength as a hub for innovation and creativity. Businesses in the region thrive thanks to a collaborative environment supported by a skilled workforce. Greater Portland’s inclusive economy has also garnered national recognition, with Oregon ranked as the fourth-best state in the country for women-owned small businesses. This commitment to diversity and opportunity makes Portland a prime destination for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence.
Design Talent
Portland is a powerhouse for creativity. Award-winning animation studios like LAIKA Studios and ShadowMachine both reside in Portland. Other types of creative agencies, like Weiden+Kennedy, who won two Emmy awards with Nike, also call Portland home, further cementing the city’s reputation for excellence in media and storytelling. These companies thrive on Portland’s collaborative culture, where creative professionals are encouraged to push boundaries and redefine industry standards. Whether it's brand strategy, product design, social media or website design, Greater Portland’s talent pool is unmatched.
It’s not just large design companies in the region. The Greater Portland region has incentives for small business owners to bring in extra funds they may need. Smaller creative and design agencies don’t need to worry about large firms taking in all the talent as well. GPI research shows that the design sector in Portland is 48% larger than the U.S. average, creating plenty of opportunities for you to find the right fit for your business.
Greater Portland's Strengths
Area Growth
Portland doesn’t just have a large talent pool; the population keeps growing and is expected to increase by nearly 80,000 by 2029. Investing in creative talent specifically, the nearby WSU Vancouver offers a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology and Culture, and the Portland State University Graphic Design Program ranks among the top 10 on the West Coast. This gives your business a steady stream of talent who are ready to help you grow.
Support For Your Business
Whether you’re a startup, a growing agency, or an established creative studio, GPI offers the resources you need to build your brand identity. Our team is here to streamline your business expansion journey from site selection services to project management and connecting you to key stakeholders. With a focus on fostering creativity and collaboration, the region provides everything you need to find the right location, build strong industry connections, and take advantage of Portland’s booming design and media sector.
Top 5 Design & Media Firms with Headquarters in Greater Portland
Sigma Design
Download our design & media industry overview here.