What some may see as only a logo and a set of colors is actually one of the most crucial parts of owning a business. Branding is a vital part of business that you need to invest in before you dream of achieving success. To help you build a strong brand identity, here are ten of the best brand design consultants you can consider for the new year.
Table of Contents
- Paula Scher
- David Carson
- Michael Bierut
- Brian Collins
- Jessica Walsh
- Kenya Hara
- Stefan Sagmeister
- Sagi Haviv
- Debbie Millman
- Lindon Leader
1. Paula Scher
One of the most influential graphic designers in the world, Paula Scher, is an expert in innovative design strategy. She is a partner at Pentagram, the world’s largest independent design consultancy. Paula is known for her work on brand identities for major clients, including The Public Theater, Microsoft, Adobe, and the Walt Disney Company.
Furthermore, Paula Scher has received hundreds of awards and honors. These include the 2000 Chrysler Award for Innovation in Design, the 2006 Type Directors Club Medal, and the 2013 National Design Award for Communication Design, among many others.
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2. David Carson
Self-taught graphic designer and art director David Carson is renowned for transforming the field of graphic design. He did this through his unconventional grid-free designs and branding projects. His impressive list of clients includes top brands American Express, Levi’s, Nike, Nine Inch Nails, and many others. His expertise lies in his disruptive design philosophy, which uses a revolutionary approach to visual communication.
David Carson specializes in crafting memorable and unconventional brand experiences. This earned him the title of one of America’s most important artists by Smithsonian Institute magazine in 2014. This, along with other accolades he received, such as the 2014 AIGA Gold Medal. It has earned him the title “the most important work coming out of America” from The American Center for Graphic Design.
3. Michael Bierut
With a long history of creating brand identities for big-name brands, Michael Bierut is an expert in strategic visual branding. He is known for his transformative design solutions and legendary approach to brand identity development. His impressive client list includes the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the New York Jets, Benetton, Princeton University, and many others.
Additionally, Michael’s work can be seen in permanent collections worldwide. Institutions such as the Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Museum of Design in Zürich, Switzerland, are some examples. In 2003, he was named to the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame and received the AIGA medal in 2006.
4. Brian Collins
Specializing in holistic brand experience design, Brian Collins is a designer, creative director, and educator. He is the founder of COLLINS, an innovation and brand design consultancy. He is famous for his work on brand strategy and design. His works include those he did for top brands Avon, Airbnb, Facebook, Coca-Cola, IBM, and many others.
Brian has received several honors and awards, including the 2005 American Design Master from Fast Company, the 2009 Gold Pencil from The One Club, and more. More importantly, he is known for his comprehensive approach to brand transformation, which focuses on strategic narrative development.
5. Jessica Walsh
The co-founder of &Walsh, a design studio specializing in brand identity, packaging, and digital design, Jessica Walsh is a brand design consultant extraordinaire. She has worked on projects for clients including Adobe, Levi’s BMW, and Snapchat, among others. Jessica is known for her contemporary brand storytelling and cutting-edge design approach.
Furthermore, Jessica teaches design and typography at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She has received several awards and recognitions. This includes the 2010 New Star of Design by Computer Arts, the 2011 Young Gun Award from the Art Directors Club, and the Gold Award for Graphis, Design Annual 2012.
6. Kenya Hara
A graphic designer, curator, and writer from Japan, Kenya Hara would be an excellent brand design consultant. He is one of the leading designers in his country and is recognized for authoring the books Designing Design and White. These are considered essentials for anyone studying design theory and aesthetics. His notable clients include Xiaomi, Umeda Hospital, and Pierre Hermé Paris.
Kenya specializes in minimalist design philosophy using Japanese design principles. His work emphasizes emptiness and simplicity. His approach is rooted in cultural and conceptual depth, which has won him several awards and honors.
7. Stefan Sagmeister
Founder of Sagmeister & Walsh with Jessica Walsh, Stefan Sagmeister is an Austrian graphic designer, storyteller, and typographer based in New York City. His expertise lies in experimental design, which leans toward a provocative and unconventional philosophy. He is known for challenging traditional branding paradigms by creating emotionally resonant visual experiences.
Stefan’s Sagmeister Inc. has a diverse yet impressive client list, including HBO, the Rolling Stones, Time Warner, and the Guggenheim Museum. He has received various awards for his designs and art direction works from the Grammy Awards and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
8. Sagi Haviv
Innovative brand design consultant Sagi Haviv has iconic brand transformations under his belt. His most notable logo designs include Discovery+, Conservation International, Harvard University Press, and L.A. Reid’s Hitco Entertainment. He is an Israeli-American graphic designer and a partner in the design studio Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv.
The New Yorker calls Sagi Haviv a “logo prodigy” for his expertise in effective logo design. Sagi is also an accomplished author. He has written several books about visual and brand identity. In addition, he teaches corporate identity design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
9. Debbie Millman
A prominent designer, educator, and brand strategist, Debbie Millman is also the co-founder and host of the podcast Design Matters. She has influenced the design world with her work on some of the world’s top brand identities. This includes Pepsi, 7-Up, and Burger King. Debbie is also an author focusing mainly on branding, design, and personal growth.
Moreover, Debbie’s illustrations and writing have appeared in several publications. This includes The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, Fast Company, and The Washington Post. She is also President Emeritus of AIGA and has received many awards and honors for her work and podcast.
10. Lindon Leader
An American graphic designer known for crafting some of the world’s most iconic logos, Lindon Leader is the founder of Leader Creative. His 30-year career enabled him to work with brands such as CIGNA, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, and many others. Lindon’s design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and clarity, receiving several honors and recognition for his fantastic work.
Additionally, Lindon and his design firm have received recognition from some of the most prestigious award-giving bodies worldwide. These include the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, the International Brand Packaging Council, Rolling Stone Magazine, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Working with Penji
As we approach the new year, a cohesive brand identity is what can make your business stand out and crush the competition. However, finding the right brand design consultant can be challenging. This list will help you discover some of the leading experts in the field. They can bring years of experience and proven success to the table.
If you’re looking for affordable and high-quality design service, Penji is ready to work with you and help your business thrive in the competitive landscape of 2025. Watch our demo video here or click this link to get started.
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