While many companies have the ability to design, only the most talented graphic design companies will be able to take their skills to the next level. In an industry as seriously competitive as graphic design, it can be difficult to establish a name brand.
There are many graphic design agencies and companies around the globe that have been able to break through the clutter and gain international fame. They are well-known for their A-list clients, varied portfolios, and global prominence.
1. Wolff Olins
Take a look back at the graphic design trends of the past two to three decades.
Wolff Olins is most likely involved in a controversial rebrand.
This design studio is known for making bold design decisions. Their design for the London 2012 Olympic Games was famously compared with something that had been dropped, a dangerous mess, a health risk, and even a cartoon character playing her saxophone.
They have never been afraid to make unconventional choices and are one of the most highly-respected design firms in the world.
2. Pentagram
“The world’s largest independently-owned design studio,” Pentagram is owned and run equally by 25 partners–all of whom are leaders in the design industry. Their star-studded list of past and present partners includes names like Alan Fletcher, Bob Gill, Paula Scher, and Michael Bierut.
3. Landor
This legendary design studio is one the most respected in branding and graphic design. Walter Landor founded the company in 1941. It now has 23 offices across 20 countries.
High-profile work for clients like Coca-Cola, the WWF, FedEx, Levis, Apple, and BP have firmly established this studio as one of the greats.
4. Meta Design
Meta Design is a leading global design firm that has created memorable brand experiences for over 20 years. Their work is exceptional, from reimagining Apple’s Mac OS design to working with Adobe on its packaging and identity to creating a new brand experience for the company.
5. Happy Cog
Happy Cog was founded by Jeffrey Zeldman, a web pioneer who helped to drive forward web technology standards in the early 2000s. Happy Cog is a web and digital design studio with a diverse client base.
6. Pearlfisher
Pearlfisher is all about “designing for life,” operating with a mindset which focuses on creating “simpler, lighter, more desirable ideas for the future.” With more than two decades of experience and a growing list of prestigious awards, Pearlfisher’s “visionary group of futurists, strategists, designers, and realizers” have made a lasting impact on the global graphic design landscape.
7. Spin
Spin is about bringing clean and elegant ideas to a broad range of industries, including communications, broadcast, design and electronics. They are also proud of their proactive response to creative briefs, which include extensive background research on clients and workshops with target demographics if required.
8. Frog Design
Hartmut Esslinger, a German industrial designer, founded the frog in 1969.
It has been used by some of the most important companies and products such as Apple and the San. Francisco MOMA, Hyundai and Porsche, GE, among others.
Frog has 15 offices in major cities around the globe and is a well-respected design company.
9. SocioDesign
SocioDesign’s minimalistic and minimal style is well-known. This allows clients to transform their brands into cross-cultural assets. Their designs are universally appealing to all regions, which is why they have been praised for their simplicity and reductive style. SocioDesign’s global approach has enabled them to reach more people than other graphic design studios. This has contributed to their international success.
10. Triboro
Triboro is the Brooklyn-based design team of David Heasty from Texas and Stefanie Wigler from Germany. Even though you may have a small team, that doesn’t mean you can not make a huge impact. Their work is vibrant, creative, and they help their clients navigate new and exciting territories. They have won numerous industry awards for their integrity and high-quality work.