This year, we’re kicking things off with a brand new annual post, where we take a look at the best graphic designs from 2019–2020.
[superfeatured]7076[/superfeatured]
If you’re new here and found us through Google, don’t miss out—subscribe to our email list to get the latest updates on design and exclusive courses: Subscribe now
As part of our mission to start the year inspired and on the right foot, we’ve decided to launch this new series (since these kinds of posts are always a hit), and we hope to make it a yearly tradition.
WOW! Our new post featuring the best graphic designs of 2020–2021 is out now!
So, here’s our personal ranking of what we consider the standout graphic design projects of 2019–2020. As you’ll see, originality and creativity were key factors in our selection process.
We’ve curated 20 graphic design projects, each with in-depth commentary, all to spark your inspiration.
Let’s dive right in!
Best Graphic Designs of 2019–2020
The Happy Show by Stefan Sagmeister
We’re starting strong with our list of the best graphic designs from 2019–2020. First up—though not necessarily the most important—is Stefan Sagmeister’s project for the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. Sagmeister took over the entire second floor, the gallery, and the access ramps to give us a glimpse into the complexity of his mind. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through happiness and meditation—a cognitive and mental therapy that’s a testament to his boundless creative potential.
With yellow as the dominant color, paired with white figures and black typography, Sagmeister (always bold and boundary-pushing) ensures his work leaves a lasting impression.
It’s no accident he’s considered one of the greatest graphic designers of all time. His success is the result of relentless innovation and immense creativity—not luck.
Excalibur Limited Edition packaging by Fengsheng Cai
Next up is a design project I personally love for its elegance, color palette, forms, and finishing touches. That’s why it absolutely deserves a spot on this list.
This is a packaging design for a whisky brand. The packaging is bold, powerful, and distinctly masculine, inspired by King Arthur’s Excalibur and its legendary context.
The lid resembles a knight’s armor in the shape of a diamond, and the bottle inside rises slowly as you open the outer packaging.
Whisky has long been a drink for celebrating victories, and here, the sword of triumph—Excalibur—serves as the perfect symbol for an exceptional design and packaging concept.
Nike X by Steven Harrington
Switching gears, let’s look at Steven Harrington’s work for the iconic sneaker brand Nike.
Major sports brands have been collaborating with top graphic designers to inject creativity into select product lines.
Steven Harrington created a series of playful, creative illustrations for a special edition of Nike sneakers.
For years, sneaker enthusiasts have been customizing their own shoes. Often, the most creative ideas start in small communities before going mainstream. Nike’s collaboration with Harrington is a prime example of an underground trend hitting the big time.
Harrington’s designs are fresh and youthful—perfect for streetwear sneakers popular among young, active, style-conscious audiences.
Business Cards by Jason Santa Maria
Typography has been a major trend in graphic design throughout 2019, and it’s set to continue into 2020. That’s why we’re highlighting this project by the renowned Jason Santa Maria—a true creative force who makes typography his signature.
For this project, Santa Maria designed his own business cards. What’s unique is that they’re printed on a single sheet, then cut into eight pieces. Collect all eight, and you can assemble the full design; otherwise, you’re left with a single piece, waiting to be completed.
As you’ll see in the images below, the creative process is a real treat. Santa Maria is a true craftsman.
Fanta by Dschwen
David Schwen leads the Dschwen design studio, bringing over 15 years of experience to help brands break through with bold, audience-engaging projects.
The project featured here is Schwen’s work for Fanta, a brand with over 75 years of history that recently underwent a major rebrand.
The goal: launch a new logo and bottle design. The team combined timeless elements with cutting-edge concepts to connect with today’s consumers.
The result is a vibrant, visually striking campaign, featuring three-dimensional illustrations that break away from traditional 2D graphic design.
