The World's Greatest Graphic Design Artists (Updated) June 18 2023

Welcome to our constantly evolving curation of the world's best graphic designers today.

Meaning we primarily showcase those still actively practicing their craft.

But first, what does the term 'graphic design' mean?

GRAPHIC DESIGNER DEFINITION:
The American Institute of Graphic Arts defines it as “the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.”

More succinctly, a graphic designer - creates visual content to communicate ideas and solve problems. 

TYPES OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:
The profession spans a diverse set of sometimes overlapping skill sets, often seamlessly merging into one another.

Specialisations such as - web design, user interface & interactive design, advertising & marketing design, motion graphics & animation, packaging design, game design, illustration, publishing & typographic design.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER POST SUMMARY:
Though for this post we will focus on the print medium's greatest graphic designers.

The blank page from where it all began, so to speak. 

We will continue to add, subtract and edit to the names and pieces featured below. So be sure to check back from time to time.

If you like this post, you'd love our graphic design powered website.

INDEX OF THE WORLD'S BEST GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:
Juan Carlos Pagan / Marian Bantjes / Jessica Walsh / Brian Gartside / Chip Kidd / Stefan Sagmeister / Jessica Svendsen / Paul Belford / Michael Bierut / David Carson / Michael Johnson

JUAN CARLOS PAGAN: carlospagan.com
 

Juan Carlos Pagan is a multi-disciplinary artist, designer, creative director and typographer working out of New York

Pagan is particularly renowned for his expertise in typography. His typographic designs are characterised by their innovative compositions, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to convey emotions and narratives through letterforms. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of typography as a powerful visual language.

In addition to typography, Pagan's portfolio includes projects in branding, editorial design, packaging, and more. His designs often reflect a strong conceptual foundation, combining strategic thinking with artistic expression to create unique and memorable visual identities.

 

juan pagan NYT 50-years-of-pride issue close up

juan pagan new-york-times-educating-generation-z-cover

juan pagan new-york-times-arts-leisure-best-of-2022

juan pagan today at apple poster

juan pagan BILL BERNBACH SCHOLARSHIP POSTERS

juan pagan ourglass poster

juan pagan pinterest logo design

juan pagan youtube-countdown typography
 juan pagan type-directors-club-tdc-67-call-for-entires-campaign

juan pagan yes poster
 

MARIAN BANTJES: bantjes.com
 
Marian Bantjes' work is characterised by its meticulous attention to detail, imaginative use of typography, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Her designs continue to inspire and captivate audiences, making her one of the most influential graphic designers of her generation.

Beyond her commercial work, Bantjes is also known for her personal projects, where she explores themes of beauty, ornamentation, and the intersection of art and design. She has published books showcasing her work and has received several awards and accolades for her contributions to the field of graphic design.

marian bantjes_2005_community poster

marian bantjes_2003_say yes poster

marian bantjes_2005_valentine poster

marian bantjes_2005_halloween poster

marian bantjes_2006_influences map


marian bantjes_2007_jerry garcia poster
 

JESSICA WALSH: andwalsh.com
Jessica Walsh is a prominent graphic designer, art director, and entrepreneur known for her creative and innovative approach to design. 
 
One of Walsh's notable contributions to the design industry is her emphasis on the intersection of design and storytelling.

Her work often incorporates narrative elements and explores the emotional and psychological aspects of design. She believes in the power of design to evoke emotions and create meaningful connections with audiences.

bombay 99 mixer branding 1 jessica walsh


bombay 99 mixer branding 2 jessica walsh


Fugue brand identity jessica walsh


function engineering branding jessica walsh


NY Times Resist design jessica walsh


the beauty show multimedia exhibition jessica walsh


zooba branding jessica walsh


BRIAN GARTSIDE: briangartsi.de
 
Brian Gartside is a graphic designer & self professed type nerd based in New York. He works in advertising and is currently Design Director at the renowned ad agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners New York.

brian gartside trident pregame chew campaign
brian Gartside_Absolut_Straws poster
brian Gartside_Naughty_as_Hell poster
brian gartside Jon Batiste Offline Playlist poster

brian gartside westworld the maze White_Poster

 

 

CHIP KIDD: chipkidd.com
 
Kidd gained widespread recognition for his unique and inventive approach to book cover design. His designs often incorporate bold typography, striking imagery, and unexpected visual elements, creating covers that captivate readers and visually convey the essence of the book.

Aside from his work in book cover design, Kidd has also designed album covers, movie posters, and various other print and digital media. His designs often incorporate a clever and witty approach, blending pop culture references and artistic elements to create visually striking and memorable compositions.

In addition to his design work, Kidd is a talented writer and has authored books on design, including "The Cheese Monkeys" and "Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design."

cover-david-remnick-reporting-writing-from-new-yorker-book chip kidd

 

cover-michael-crichton-the-lost-world-chip-kidd

 

cover-ellen-lupton-mixing-messages chip kidd

 

cover-eric-lax-conversations-with-woody-allen-book chip kidd

5 cover-chris-ware-jimmy-corrigan-the-smartest-kid-on-earth-book chip kidd

 

 cover-haruki-murakami-the-elephant-vanishes-book chip kidd

cover-eric-lax-faith-interrupted-a-spiritual-journey-book chip kidd

cover-yoshida-shuichi-villain-a-novel-book chip kidd 

 


STEFAN SAGMEISTER: sagmeister.com

Sagmeister is recognised for his unique ability to blend design and art seamlessly, infusing his work with elements of storytelling, humour, and personal expression. He believes in the power of design to provoke emotions and create meaningful experiences for viewers.

Aside from his commercial work, Sagmeister is known for his self-initiated projects, which often involve exploring philosophical and introspective themes. In 2008, he released a documentary titled "The Happy Film," where he documented his journey in search of happiness.

Stefan sagmeister Aiga-New-Orleans-Poster

Stefan sagmeister Fresh-Dialogue

Stefan sagmeister Chaumont_poster

Stefan sagmeister Levis_fly poster

Stefan sagmeister Levis Sewed with the Strongest Thread poster

Stefan sagmeister SVA_corporate_poster


JESSICA SVENDSEN: jessicasvendsen.com
 
Jessica is  more influenced by fields outside graphic design, including architecture, film, literature and photography. 
 
She describes her unique working style " I deliberately try to work off the computer. I prefer using at least one analog device in my process because it requires that I work in physical space and with physical objects. I like the idea of creating defamiliarising work that’s impossible to replicate, and when I work with the constraints of analog formats, I often find unintended, unique results."

jessica svendsen Exhibiting Architecture A Paradox poster


Distort Typography-Project-by-Jessica-Svendsen


Jessica Svendsen windham campbell prize poster


Jessica Svendsen various graphic design posters


PAUL BELFORD: paulbelford.com
 
Paul Belford's expertise lies in creating visually striking and memorable advertising campaigns that effectively communicate brand messages.
 
He has a talent for combining typography, imagery, and graphic elements in innovative ways, resulting in campaigns that capture attention and leave a lasting impression.  His work has been recognised and awarded by prestigious organszations, such as D&AD, Cannes Lions, and the One Show.
creative review annual 2006 poster by paul belford

music-supported-here poster by paul belford
Graphic designer wanted poster by paul belford

Fletcher Forbes Gill poster by Paul Belford

rspca bad taste poster by paul belford graphic design

1+1= 3 poster by paul belford graphic designer 

 

MICHAEL BIERUT: pentagram.com/about/michael-bierut

Bierut gained prominence as a partner at the renowned design firm Pentagram, where he has worked since 1990. His work encompasses a broad range of design disciplines, including branding, typography, logo design, environmental graphics, packaging, and more.

Bierut's design philosophy often centers around simplicity, clarity, and functionality. His work is known for its clean aesthetics, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to distill complex ideas into visually compelling and effective design solutions.

In addition to his design practice, Bierut is a dedicated educator and writer. He has taught at the Yale School of Art, where he also served as the director of the graphic design program

 

michael bierut master card logo


michael bierut Yale-Arch-Arrows-poster

michael bierut now you see it book

michael bierut catastrophe consequence poster

Hillary Clinton logo 2016

michael bierut NYTimes_Building_sign


DAVID CARSON: davidcarsondesign.com
 

David Carson gained widespread recognition in the 1990s for his innovative and unconventional approach to design, particularly in the realm of magazine design. He served as the art director for Ray Gun magazine, where he introduced a radical aesthetic that challenged traditional design principles.

Carson's design style is characterised by experimental typography, fragmented layouts, and a disregard for conventional grid structures. He embraced the use of vibrant colours, varied typefaces, and expressive imagery, creating designs that were visually dynamic and emotionally impactful.

His work helped redefine the possibilities of graphic design, pushing the boundaries of legibility and challenging viewers to engage with design in new and unconventional ways. 

David carson aiga poster

david carson quicksilver france poster 1

david carson quicksilver france poster 2.jpg

david carson beaux arts poster 04

david carson byron-bay-poster 1

david carson byron-bay-poster 3

david-carson-raygun-1994-dingbats

david-carson obama hope poster

david-carson ray-gun-alice in chains cover

david-carson smithsonian poster

david-carson pablo surf rio poster

david carson western union YES campaign

david carson w+k poster


MICHAEL JOHNSON: johnsonbanks.co.uk/about/michael-johnson
 
Michael Johnson is a highly accomplished graphic designer and the founder of Johnson Banks, a prominent design consultancy based in London, United Kingdom. Known for his strategic thinking and innovative design solutions, Johnson has made significant contributions to the field of graphic design.

One of Johnson's notable strengths lies in his ability to distill complex ideas and values into visually compelling and effective design solutions. He places great emphasis on research and strategic thinking, aiming to create designs that not only look visually appealing but also communicate a clear and meaningful message.
bone marrow registry logo by michael johnson graphic designer

fruit & veg stamps by michael johnson graphic designer 1

fruit & veg stamps by michel johnson graphic designer 2

uk japan logo by michael johnson graphic design director

 

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