The other day, the Yellow Pages book arrived at my door. This year’s book, unlike those in previous years, didn’t make it far, as I put it straight into the recycling bin thinking that if I need to look up anything, I will do it online.

What about books or magazines? We have a ton of magazines and books lying around the office. To me, most of them are just collecting dust, as they are so old. Most of what is in those magazines or books I am able to find online much faster rather than thumbing through old print. I have to admit I am enticed by the idea of being able to easily access books, magazines, and more on new technology such as an iPad.

So I ask, will there still be a need for print designers in ten years’ time? I think there will still be a market for packaging design even if it starts to become more minimal with increasing environmental rules. What about brochures? Will there still be a demand for printed brochures in a few years’ time, or will a brochure simply be emailed to your handheld reader device or phone?

So I think that in order to maintain a career of some sort, those of us heavily involved in design need to increase our knowledge of other areas of design, perhaps Internet marketing, Web, and social media marketing.

What are your thoughts — Do you think there is a future for print? What new areas are you going to move into? I’m up for a challenge, are you?