Graphic design is a fascinating discipline that enables us to create striking visuals and convey ideas in an aesthetic and original way. Since the early days of the profession, many graphic designers have left their mark and inspired generations of designers. In this article, we've collected quotes from 10 of the world's best graphic designers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the history and future of the profession. Whether you're new to graphic design or an experienced professional, these quotes will inspire you and give you a new perspective on your work.
The ability to say something new and relevant across the entire visual field is design.
David Carson
David Carson is an American graphic designer known for his work in magazine design. He has worked for publications such as Raygun and Beach Culture.
The simplest and most concise expression of an idea is design.
Massimo Vignelli
Massimo Vignelli was an Italian graphic artist and designer known for his work on brand and logo designs for companies such as IBM, Bloomingdale's and American Airlines. He is considered one of the greatest graphic designers of all time.
Making things simpler and more intuitive is what design is all about.
Jony Ive
Jony Ive is a British industrial designer known for his work on product designs for Apple, including the iMac, iPod and iPhone. He was Apple's design director from 1996 to 2019.
Solving problems simply and intuitively is design.
Paula Scher
Paula Scher is an American graphic designer renowned for her work in graphic design and brand creation. She is known for her work for companies such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola and The New York Times.
Creating beautiful, useful products that make sense is design.
Naoto Fukasawa
Naoto Fukasawa is a Japanese industrial designer known for his work on product design for companies such as Muji and IDEO, and for his contributions to the minimalist design movement.
Making things simpler, not just aesthetically pleasing, is design.
John Maeda
John Maeda is a designer, artist and writer renowned for his work on the intersection of design and technology. He is currently Director of Design and Creativity Education at Stanford University.
Design is a means of communication, not just decoration.
Michael Bierut
Michael Bierut is a graphic designer and teacher renowned for his work in brand and logo design. He is currently a senior associate at the Pentagram design agency.
Design is about finding better solutions for people.
Dieter Rams
Dieter Rams is a German industrial designer best known for his work designing electronic products for the Braun company. He is also known for his contributions to the modern design movement and for his Ten Principles of Design.
Design is a conversation between people and objects.
Tom Peters
Tom Peters is a management consultant and writer renowned for his contributions to the field of business management and innovation. He is known for his work on leadership, excellence and creativity.
The process of thinking about how to create things that are useful and pleasant to use is called design.
David Kelley
David Kelley is an industrial designer and founder of the IDEO design company, known for his work in innovative product and service design.