When you’re in need of inspiration for your graphic design work, there’s no better place to look than some of the world’s most renowned designers and artists.

This article features great graphic design quotes from Paula Scher, Milton Glaser, Bob Gill, Lindon Leader, Salvador Dali, and Paul Rand, along with biographies for each.

Keep reading to check out the quotes!

“You have to fail in order to make the next discovery. It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow.” – Paula Scher

Paula Scher is a prominent American graphic designer, renowned for her innovative use of typography and bold, dynamic designs. Born on 6 October 1948, in Washington, D.C., she has been a principal at the design firm Pentagram's New York office since 1991.

Scher has crafted iconic identities for major institutions like The Public Theater and the Museum of Modern Art. Her work blends historical styles with contemporary aesthetics, earning her numerous awards, including the AIGA Medal in 2001.

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“There are three responses to a piece of design—yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” – Milton Glaser

Milton Glaser was a legendary American graphic designer, born on 26 June 1929, in New York City, and passing away on 26 June 2020. He co-founded Push Pin Studios and New York Magazine, leaving an indelible mark on visual culture.

Glaser is best known for the "I ♥ NY" logo and his Bob Dylan poster. His work is noted for its vibrant colours and eclectic style. In 2009, he received the National Medal of Arts, recognising his vast contributions to design.

“I’ve never had a problem with a dumb client. There’s no such thing as a bad client. Part of our job is to do good work and get the client to accept it.” – Bob Gill

Bob Gill is an influential American graphic designer, illustrator, and educator, born on 17 January 1931, in Brooklyn, New York. He co-founded the design firm Fletcher/Forbes/Gill, which later became Pentagram.

Known for his witty and creative approach, Gill has worked for clients like Universal Pictures and the United Nations. He has authored numerous books on design and has significantly impacted design education with his thought-provoking teachings.

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“I strive for two things in design: simplicity and clarity. Great design is born of those two things.” – Lindon Leader

Lindon Leader is a distinguished American graphic designer, born in 1952. He is best known for designing the FedEx logo, which cleverly uses negative space to incorporate an arrow, symbolising speed and precision.

Leader studied at Stanford University and ArtCenter College of Design. Throughout his career, he has worked at top design firms such as Landor Associates and Addison, earning numerous accolades for his contributions to branding and corporate identity.

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali

Salvador Dalí was a renowned Spanish surrealist artist, born on 11 May 1904, in Figueres, Spain, and died on 23 January 1989. He is famous for his dreamlike, fantastical imagery and meticulous detail, exemplified in works like "The Persistence of Memory."

Dalí's flamboyant personality and eccentricity often matched his art's surreal nature. Beyond painting, he worked in film, sculpture, and photography, becoming one of the most recognisable and controversial artists of the 20th century.

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“The public is more familiar with bad design than good design. It is, in effect, conditioned to prefer bad design, because that is what it lives with. The new becomes threatening, the old reassuring.” – Paul Rand

Paul Rand was a pioneering American graphic designer, born on 15 August 1914, in Brooklyn, New York, and died on 26 November 1996. He is best known for his corporate logo designs for IBM, UPS, ABC, and others.

Rand's design philosophy combined modernist principles with simplicity and functionality, creating timeless and influential corporate identities. An esteemed author and educator, Rand's work and writings have profoundly influenced the field of graphic design.

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