Design is a skill which many companies can acquire, but only the truly gifted graphic design companies will take it to the next level. In an industry as seriously competitive as graphic design, it can be difficult to establish a name brand. Even so, there are several graphic design companies and design agencies around the world that have managed to cut through the clutter and garner international prestige. Their A-list clients, diverse portfolios and prominence both locally and globally have made them some of the most sought-after, most famous graphic design companies on the planet. “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. In their own words, Landor is “the world’s preeminent brand consulting firm.” Headquartered in San Francisco and operating offices in 25 world-class cities, this design giant has one of the most enviable client lists on the planet.
“We make things different to make a difference,” says brand consultancy agency, Wolff Olins. Their solid reputation has lent itself to an all-star list of clients, including the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, whose logo was rumored to have a $625,000 price tag. One of the leading design firms in the world, Meta Design has crafted compelling brand experiences for more than 20 years. From reinventing Apple’s Mac OS design system to collaborating on Adobe’s packaging and identity, their caliber of work resonates on a global level that’s tough to match. This New York-based firm was founded by web design guru Jeffrey Zeldman and has won more web design awards than just about anybody. Known for their engaging web environments, Happy Cog keeps their high-profile clients happy with their impressive web design, development, and user experience consultancy. In their own words, Happy Cog is the graphic design studio which will “help you craft your message, target the right audiences, compel them to act and measure the results.
With over 30 years of industry prominence and clocking more than 350 national and international awards, The Chase has garnered attention for their innovative corporate branding and print design. These self-proclaimed “creative consultants” offer an interesting sampling of skills including calendar design, museum exhibits and sports stadium branding. 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. Charlie Smith Design was founded in 2003 by ex-Pentagram designer, Charlie Smith. Coming from such a world-renowned graphic design company, it’s no surprise her new project was a success. Her team offers a full range of services including packaging and digital, and they take a detail oriented approach, giving attention to every aspect of each design project, from paper choice to materials used.
Mucho carries an awareness that designs travel beyond the computer screen: designs appear in the world around us, and designers should take care to make the world look aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, they are dedicated to shaping how their clients are perceived on an international level. Their success in this regard is proven through their astonishingly large client list. Designers Ivan Chermayeff and Tom Geismar are like two lesser-known Paul Rands. They started in 1958 and have worked for the biggest clients in the world. Their work is iconic and has stood the test of time. With the addition of Sagi Haviv in 2006, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv is still going strong and continuing to shape some of the biggest brands in the world. Based in Madrid, Saffron Brand Consultants‘ approach is to help “transform brands and businesses with the clarity of rigorous thinking and the courage of bold ideas.” Started back in 2001, the firm has climbed its way to the top by embracing globalization and the potential of emerging markets.
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