Understand the history of graphic design over time is to talk about those who are primarily responsible for its development. The graphic designers who marked an era, left their mark or created a style, and how they continue to influence or serve as inspiration for new artists.
In this article you will find a A historical tour of some of the most important figures and influential figures in the sector. A unique journey to understand how, in what way and with what elements they contributed to the discipline. The evolutionary process of graphic design can be clearly seen in the forms, styles, tools and aesthetic proposals that have served as a parameter and reference in each era. It is a journey that spans many years and many people, and here you will find a list of the most relevant ones.
The most important graphic designers throughout time
A look at the most prominent personalities in graphic design allows us to understand part of their style and what sets them apart from the rest. This historical overview has as its main protagonists some of those responsible for icons that are still as relevant today as they were in their beginnings. From Walter Landor and the creation of a new brand for Coca-Cola to Paul Rand and his contributions to simple modernism, which are present in the logos of IBM, ABC and UPS, among others.
Carolyn davidson
In 1971, while still a graphic design student, he created the logo of the prestigious sports brand NikeThe artist's relationship with Nike has been fluctuating. She went from not wanting to accept the job and only charging $35 for her design, to having a good number of shares in the firm. Away from public life with a millionaire share package, the creator of the legendary Swoosh has been a reference for thousands of women who are immersed in the world of graphic design.
Rod Janoff
Another of the graphic designers who have been really important for the sector and left their mark. In this case, Janoff created the Apple logo. Steve Jobs’ technology company and its iconic apple that has evolved over time, was born from Rod’s imagination. He even wrote a book in which he tells the details of his career and the Apple logo. It is called “Taking a bite out of the apple” and is a great piece of history and design where he explores funny anecdotes and professional processes.
Michael Bierut, graphic designers throughout history and their mark
In addition to being one of the founders of Design Observer and a partner of Pentagram, Bierut is one of the great advocates of the democratization of design. He creates design pieces that are very simple in terms of visual appearance, but with powerful messages. One of his greatest achievements, and which he has been managing in each of his pieces, is to make it easy for the viewer to grasp the message.
Among its most famous logos We can mention MasterCard, the video game Guitar Hero, Saks Fifth Avenue, Billboard and The New York Times. He was even responsible for Hillary Clinton's graphic campaign for the US elections.
Paula Sher
Without a doubt one of the most influential graphic designers in historyShe is the woman behind the logo of the powerful Microsoft, as well as the logos of Citi, The Metropolitan Opera (The Met) and numerous CBS Records albums. She has been called The Queen of Design, and works in a style strongly inspired by Art Deco and Russian Constructivism. Her pieces are recognized worldwide and all the top graphic design studios take some of her many works as references and examples.
Milton Glaser
Using a minimalist styleWith few but very well-chosen elements, Milton conveys a great number of concepts. He was responsible for works with a very elaborate visual aesthetic, and for this reason he has gone down in history within the sector as one of the great professionals. He is one of the figures who best knew how to combine art and communication, according to his own colleagues and other scholars and enthusiasts of the sector.
Among some of his many works are the famous I Love NY logo (I love New York), and also that of the DC Comics publishing house. He worked on numerous visual campaigns for Coca-Cola, and was responsible for the redesign of The Washington Post and the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia. Bob Dylan, Barack Obama and numerous museums, galleries and artistic pieces are among his works. That is why he is one of the names that should not be forgotten when reviewing the history of graphic designers and their influences on a global level.
Walter Landor
In the history of graphic designers We cannot forget to mention Walter Landor. This designer knew how to combine his knowledge in the field of design with the needs of the client. The result was remarkable and he is considered one of the great pioneers in consumer research techniques.
He did not hesitate to ask his clients personally what they needed. Among his main logos are those of General Electric, FEDEX, Alitalia, Levi's and the rebranding of Coca-Cola, among others.
Alberto Corazon
Considered by several specialized media as one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century, Alberto Corazón is also a painter, sculptor and photographer. He is one of the first conceptual artists in Spain and had to work during the Franco era, facing narrow-mindedness and conservatism. His work can be seen in the logos of different companies including: MAPFRE, RENFE, Once, the National Library, Casa de América, Círculo de Bellas Artes and Anaya, among others.
Although the historical journey through the contributions of numerous graphic designers The list is much longer, and includes some of the most renowned and their contributions in the form of logos, brands and advertising campaigns. The graphic design industry has been around for several decades, and at each historical moment, important innovations and proposals have appeared that offer a different scope and contributions to continue growing and improving in the sector.