In the dynamic world of graphic design, staying still is not an option. The top designers are always pushing boundaries and shaping visual culture, providing inspiration for the rest of us. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, it’s important to keep an eye on these leading designers and where their work is taking them. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 25 incredible individuals, complete with links to their latest projects, news, and insights.
This list isn’t definitive, as compiling a list of the „best“ designers is subjective. To keep things fair, we turned to the graphic design community for their input. After gathering feedback from hundreds of designers, we’re excited to share the names of the 25 most popular graphic designers chosen by their peers.
Jessica Walsh, an influential American designer based in New York, has made a name for herself with her bold and unexpected designs. She co-founded Sagmeister & Walsh before starting her own studio, &Walsh. Her work, including rebranding nuclear power and creating playful identities for brands like Coconut Cult, has been widely recognized.
Felix Pfäffli, a Swiss graphic designer and founder of Studio Feixen, is known for his unique style that blends traditional Swiss design principles with vibrant colors and playful typography. His work spans various mediums, from poster design to fashion and street art.
Emily Oberman, a prominent American graphic designer, is celebrated for her emotionally resonant designs. With a background in iconic brands and entertainment properties, she has left a lasting impact on the industry. Simon Walker, a custom lettering artist and font creator originally from England, now calls Chicago home. His work includes creating typefaces and crafting custom lettering pieces. Simon Walker’s work is a tribute to the explosive visual language of 1980s hip-hop culture, emphasizing the importance of creative exploration rather than perfectionism. Allan Peters, a designer and brand mark expert based in Minneapolis, has gained a large following on Instagram for his reimagined versions of classic logos. Jamie Clarke, located near Bristol, focuses on meticulous craftsmanship and storytelling through visual elements, with lettering as a central aspect of his work. He also manages the Type Worship blog and was a member of the team at 8 Faces typography magazine.
© Jamie Clarke
Astrid Stavro is a renowned creative director with twenty years of design leadership experience. Based in London, she collaborates with various brands and institutions in the cultural and commercial sectors, creating idea-driven and meticulously crafted work. Previously, Astrid was a partner at Pentagram and co-founder of the design agency Atlas. She is known for her unique typographic work and has received numerous awards, including multiple D&AD pencils. Currently, she serves as President of the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) and has been a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) since 2010.
Barcelona Design Museum © Astrid Stavro
A UK-born, American-raised, self-taught graphic designer, David Rudnick works in music, philosophy, and visual culture. He is best known for his covers and posters for producers like Oneohtrix Point Never, RL Grime, and Evian Christ. David’s practice revolves around challenging traditional design norms and prioritizing cultural utility over aesthetic spectacle. He believes that designers should create meaningful work that serves audiences, rather than just creating visual noise, and he is critical of current design education models.
Chantal Jahchan is a Lebanese-American graphic designer and illustrator based in Brooklyn. She is renowned for her editorial collage work for clients such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Economist, and others. Before starting her own practice, she worked as a designer with Matt Willey at Pentagram.
Chantal is passionate about using visual storytelling to address important issues, particularly those that are close to her heart.