Whether you find general design interesting, or your a graphic design fanatic, these are some people that have impacted the design world you should know.

1. Massimo Vignelli

This Italian artist did more than just graphic design. Vignelli partnered with his wife, Lella. In 1972, Massimo received the honor of recreating the New York subway map, an icon for modernism. He believed, "If you can design one thing, you can design everything."

2. Milton GlaserEveryone has seen someone walking around with the famous, "I Love NY" t-shirt. This is thanks to Milton Glaser. He was the first graphic designer to receive the National Medal of Arts award in 2009. Some consider him to be the face of modernism.

3. Paula Scher

Paula Scher is the first female designer to work at New York's famous Pentagram. While her career began with CD cover designs, she eventually gave well-known companies such as Coca-Cola, their identity. Her unique pop art inspired designs usually begin from sketches or paintings, rather than going straight to digital.

This designer isn't known for playing by the rules. David Carson is best known for experimental typography in Ray Gun magazine, which consisted of a more grunge and messy layout that some designers would scoff at. After he left Ray Gun, he continued to impress his viewers with designs for companies such as Nike, Budweiser, and American Airlines. He has received a total of 230 awards for his designs.

5. James Victore

This designer believes a great design should punch the viewer in the stomach. Victore's work isn't for just anyone. His work is very expressive, and may knock your socks off. He's not afraid to share his opinions with the world around him.

With his partnership, Sagmeister and Walsh, the dark and surreal works of Stefan Sagmeister are anything but ordinary. Sagmeister isn't afraid to do what it takes to share his views through his designs. He believes every designer is entitled to react to current world issues and take a stance.