Graphic Arts Sector
The graphic arts industry encompasses a number of production activities that make up the graphic editing process, including pre-printing, printing, binding, paper and cardboard packaging, and publishing or editing.
Graphic Arts means the development of all types of fundamental visual elements and drawing or etching techniques, typically restricted to techniques relating to printing.
It is an artistic process involving the creation of a design using a specific means and the subsequent transfer of the image to a substrate (paper, textile or digital), creating an artistic expression.
In Spain, the turnover of graphic arts companies increased steadily until 2008 - growth halted in 2009.
In 2007 the Spanish printing industry had a turnover worth 11,974 million €, which represented a 4.8% increase over the previous year.
Also, cumulative growth since 2000 was 18%, an increase accompanied by a 26.7% growth in the value of products exported by the sector, from the 1,292 million € in 2000 to 1,637 in 2007.
In 2009 average turnover is expected to fall by 30%.
The Graphic Arts industry spread widely over different autonomous regions, but with a special concentration in the Madrid Region and Catalonia
Traditionally Catalonia brought more workers together, but this trend has changed in recent years, with the Madrid Region now boasting the highest number of workers in the sector.
With almost 50% concentrated in the Madrid Region (2878 companies) and Catalonia (2821 companies), the industry is highly localized in these two regions.
These are followed by Andalusia (1,284 companies), and Valencia (1,323), followed in turn by the Basque country.
These account for 75% of the national total, making it a sector located primarily in certain key communities.