As graphic designers, we all need a little guidance from the titans of our industry. The designers quoted in this list are at the top of the design industry, having experienced almost everything that it has to offer.

When it comes to finding design inspiration, where do you check first? Do you search through Dribbble, pull up Pinterest, or scroll through Instagram? I often find that one of the best places to get inspiration is directly from some of the world’s best designers, who have faced and overcome numerous challenges within the design world.

With that in mind, let’s look at some inspiring quotes from some of the world’s most iconic design giants.

“Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.” – Paul Rand

Paul Rand was an American graphic designer who was best known for unique corporate logo design, like that of ABC and IBM.

“Design is not for philosophy, it’s for life.” – Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake is a Japanese fashion designer that is known for tech-driven exhibitions and designs.

“Bad design is smoke, while good design is a mirror.” - Juan-Carlos Fernandez

Juan-Carlos Fernandez is a Chicago-based print and web designer.

“Thinking about design is hard, but not thinking about it can be disastrous.” – Ralph Caplan

Ralph Caplan is a design consultant, writer and public speaker.

“Design is the intermediary between information and understanding.” – Hans Hofmann

Hans Hofmann was a painter and teacher, known for being one of the most iconic post-war American artists, specialising in abstract and colour-block artwork.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was an American businessman and entrepreneur, most known for co-founding the tech giant Apple alongside Steve Wozniak.

“The alternative to good design is always bad design. There is no such thing as no design.” – Adam Judge

Adam Judge is the author of The Little Black Book of Design and The Little Blue Book of Design, both of which focus on giving guidance and advice to graphic designers.