50 amazingly talented graphic designers to follow on Instagram

In its early days, Instagram used to be all about filtered pictures of your lunch and your pets, but since then it has grown into an immeasurably useful creative tool.

Nowadays Instagram⁠(opens in a new tab or window) can be used for just about anything, and a lot of creatives have opted to use it as a cataloged portfolio of their work and a platform to network with others in their field.

From handcrafted typographers, illustrators and painters, right through to animators and 3D designers, there is an Instagram page for just about every creative niche and to prove this, we’ve decided to compile a list of some inspiring designers and avid ‘Grammers that we think will bring some style and creativity to your daily feed.

Mike Perry’s Instagram⁠(opens in a new tab or window) feed is an explosion of color, handcrafted type, and psychedelic animation. You might recognize some of his work from the title card of Comedy Central’s sitcom Broad City, a vibrant piece of animated typography with plenty of character.

Based in New York, Timothy Goodman is a man of many talents, some of which are shown in his well-curated Instagram feed. He made headlines when he released a book with fellow designer Jessica Walsh called '40 Days of Dating'. He also did a collaboration with Target and endless other projects on the go. Goodman’s feed is definitely a hub of inspiration!

Mister Doodle⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer who specializes in handcrafted typography. The pairing of beautiful scenic photos, thought-provokingly sincere quotes and carefully crafted hand-type makes for an Instagram that just about everyone can find something of value in.

A jack of many trades, Jon Contino⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is self-dubbed as an ‘Alphastructaesthetitologist’, a term he has created to explain his various workings as an artist, illustrator, apparel designer, and branding consultant. In short, Jon Contino does it all and he does it well. Check out his Instagram for frequent creative inspiration across all creative fields.

Neil Secretario⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a talented typographer from California that produces elegant and sophisticated type. His Instagram is packed to the brim with inspiring typography, right from the initial sketching stage, through to the digital development and final product. If you’re looking for some behind-the-scenes typographical wisdom, look no further than Neil’s page!

Andreas M. Hansen⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer and typographer that specialises in sleek, sharp type. His Instagram page is the definition of sophisticated design, with bold blacks and clean whites in all his photos, the near-monochromatic scheme of his work and photos makes for an inspiring page to have on your feed.

Specialising in bold, sharp lines and strong pops of colour, Steven Harrington⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is an illustrative designer with a distinctive and effective style. With a feed full of bold and dynamic designs and the occasional progress picture, this is one Instagram to keep your eye on.

Operating under the moniker ‘Velvet Spectrum⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’, Luke Choice is an Australian-bred and New York-residing graphic designer with a “unique, playful aesthetic, thats covers multiple facets of design, illustration and typography.” His vibrant Instagram feed showcases his latest and greatest works, from independent projects to collaborations with larger brands such as Nike. A one stop shop for all things colourful and quirky.

Sean McCabe⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’s Instagram profile is one half inspiring design work with a focus on typography, and the other half is inspiring advice about making it in the creative industry. So, for more eloquent advice and well-crafted designs on your Instagram feed, be sure to check out Sean McCabe’s page.

Ornamental Conifer⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is the alias of designer Nicolai Sclater, who specialises in surface typography and design that packs a punch. With such a distinct style of bright pops of colour, strong use of lines and shapes, this Instagram page is a treasure trove for all types of creative inspiration.

Headed by David Schwen, Dschwen LLC.⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a collaborative studio of designers that churn out beautiful, colourful and engaging works, some of which are collected on their Instagram page. If you’re looking to see a few spruces of colour, some fun projects and mesmerising animations on your Instagram feed, look no further than right here.

Cyril Vouilloz (known in the creative sphere as ‘Rylsee⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’) specialises in hand drawn typography with a bit of a difference. By working with experimental perspective and dimension, Rylsee’s work, as is showcased on his Instagram, is original, unique and engaging.

Specialising in sharp shapes and punchy typography, Stephen Powers⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’ Instagram feed is a endless supply of inspiring design work. Powers’ work includes hand painting murals, an artform that requires a lot of patience and effort, but produces fantastically effective results.

Self proclaimed ‘typoholic’, David Milan⁠(opens in a new tab or window) has a special talent for transforming words from a cluster of letters into something that leaps off the page. With careful construction of his hand-type and minimal illustrative elements, Milan manages to put his own unique spin on hand-crafted typography that is sure to inspire you to break out the pens yourself.

With high profile clients such as Nike, Google, Target and Facebook, on top of co-founding Friends of Type and Title Case, it’s amazing Erik Marinovich⁠(opens in a new tab or window) has any spare time for social media at all. But fortunately, he does, and has managed to collect together a few snapshots of his awesome typographical and design work on Instagram, including his current project “Hip Hop Hullabaloo”.

Rob Draper⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer, illustrator and letterer with an eye for detail. His typographical creations have incredibly fine detail and intriguing depth. On top of the crazy detail of his designs, his creativity with what counts as a canvas (from coffee cups to hot dogs!) makes for an Instagram page that is just as unexpected as it is inspiring.

While some people get creative with where they put their type, others get creative with what they create their type with! Meet Becca Clason⁠(opens in a new tab or window) and have a look at her clever and diverse use of materials to create her type. From thumb tacks to carrot bits, anything is a creative tool if you’re talented enough.

Gemma O’Brien⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is the creative mind behind “The Spew Bag Challenge” that encourages traveling artists and designers to make use of the paper sick bags found on flights by turning them into pun-based typographical works. Check out some of her typographical spew bags as well as her other equally as dynamic and clever works on her Instagram page.

Designer and illustrator, Joshua Noom⁠(opens in a new tab or window) manages to perfectly blend the two disciplines to create simple but effective works. Check out his Instagram page to see the wonderful marriage Noom creates between bold illustration and organic hand-crafted typography.

With a distinct air of class and sophistication to his work, Nicholas Moegly⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is one to follow if beautiful type is where your passions lie. Nicholas Moegly uses simple but effective layouts and well-crafted typographical pieces to produce an entire portfolio of work that is definitely worth a follow.

Author of blog-turned-book Daily Dishonesty and specialising in colourful and quirky typographical treatments, Lauren Hom⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is definitely one designer to follow if you have a softspot for nice letterforms, motivating messages and cheesy puns.

A designer with a strong style and yet a high degree of flexibility is the best way to describe Tad Carpenter⁠(opens in a new tab or window) and his work. From classy typography to organic and playful illustrations, Tad Carpenter produces individual works that have strong enough legs to stand on alone, but are easily grouped together cohesively. Check out his Instagram feed to see for yourself!

One half of the design force Sagmeister & Walsh, Jessica Walsh⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is arguably one of the biggest names in the current world of design. Her instagram is a trove of her own personal inspiration and past works, including current press for her newly released book ‘40 Days of Dating’. Be sure to check out her carefully curated Instagram page for plenty of day-to-day inspiration.

Pavlov Visuals⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a collective of designers that work to produce beautiful, sleek graphics. If your interest lies in vectors, check out Pavlov Visuals’ Instagram page for some sophisticated, modern and detailed works ranging from typography to illustrations, right through to movie posters.

Positivity meets authenticity meets typography is the best way to describe Zachary Smith⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’s Instagram feed. His work references all things natural in the great outdoors to create slightly weathered and classic designs that look like they’ve been around for hundreds of years. If you’re looking to peruse some work that has an undeniable authenticity to it, don’t look past Zachary Smith’s Instagram profile.

Designer of many disciplines, Leta Sobierajski⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’s work focusses on the bizarre and wonderful side to art, just as you can see in her Instagram. Sobierajski also collaborated on the ‘The Complements Project’ with her partner and fellow designer Wade Jeffree that is described as “a reinterpretation of those hilariously cringeworthy couple portraits that circulate the internet—a way to reveal the humor and romance behind their relationship.” To glimpse these weird and wonderful portraits, and much more be sure to check Leta Sobierajski out!

The aforementioned other half of ‘The Complements Project’, Wade Jeffree⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is an Australian designer residing in NYC with an affinity for vibrant, punchy designs. His Instagram is packed to capacity with current and past projects, including work with partner Leta Sobierajski and projects produced while working at Sagmeister & Walsh. So, if you’re looking for well-rounded and regular graphic design inspiration of your Instagram feed, look no further!

Typographer and designer with an eye for detail, Jen Mussari⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is definitely worth a follow on Instagram. With a distinctly sharp style, a handful of awesome projects under her belt and what seems like a natural talent for all things creative, Jen Mussari makes it all look deceptively easy.

Master of typography both on the screen and off, Matti Vandersee⁠(opens in a new tab or window) has an undeniable flair for design. Working with many different styles of typography and triumphing them all, Matti Vandersee is one Instagram designer that you definitely won’t regret inviting onto your feed.

Rodrigo Corral⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a bit of a hidden gem on Instagram. Designer of some amazing book covers for novels by authors such as John Green and Chuck Palahniuk, you have probably seen some of his work before on bookshelves. So, if you’re a bit of a bookworm, or just like judging books by their (well designed) covers, don’t pass up a look at Rodrigo Corral’s Instagram.

Every Hey⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is the brainchild of design collective Hey Studios. Taking iconic characters and public figures and transforming them into quirky illustrations makes for a simple dose of consistent inspiration. Have a browse through their extensive library of characters on their Instagram and stay reminded that sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most effective.

Thomas Burden⁠(opens in a new tab or window) describes his own work as referencing “anything from indigenous art and folk costumes, to alpine souvenirs and all the toys I was never allowed as a child.” These influences and more are very recognisable in his playful, intricate and dimensional works. Get ready to stop and stare at the incomprehensible detail of this Instagram.

Mikey Burton⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a “designy illustrator” who seamlessly blends the two disciplines to create an Instagram full of effective and memorable work. So, if you’re interested in equal parts design and illustration (that are both done very well) be sure to check out Mikey Burton’s page for a frequent dose of some inspiration.

Tobias Hall⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is another typographer that manages to make both hand-crafted and digital type look deceptively easy. His attention to detail and the intricate flow of his letterforms are what set him apart from the crowd. With a few snapshots of his works’ process and progress, his Instagram page is definitely worth a look for those of you who love all things typographic.

For type that seems to (quite literally) leap off the page, look no further than Tolga Girgin⁠(opens in a new tab or window)! His careful, deliberate and educated use of shadows, dimension, perspective and shading pushes his type from 2D to what seems like 3D. You’ll find yourself doubting that all his work is on flat sheets of paper when you browse through his carefully curated Instagram page.

Sergi Delgado⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a graphic designer, artist and typographer with an affinity for sharp lines and saturated colours. Just as you may see on his Instagram page, Delgado has a strong style and aesthetic in his design, he works with strong shapes, turning them into something typographical or illustrative.

Jacob Eisinger (who operates under the alias of ‘Yippiehey⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’) is a designer who works in the third dimension, with 3D type and illustrations that look so real you could just reach out and touch them. By using vibrant color, experimental perspective, and strong concepts, Yippiehey is one Instagram you’re going to want to keep your eye on.

Lee Crutchley⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer with a unique flair. The blending of his own handwritten type with various sharper digital and graphic elements makes for an original and surprising aesthetic. With bonus pieces of cheerful life advice tucked within each effective design, Lee Crutchley’s Instagram has something for just about everyone.

Successful and prolific designer herself, Margherita Urbani⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’s Instagram page is a well documented collection of creative work she comes across in her day-to-day. Full of bright, clever and strong design works, Margherita’s extensive catalogue might be just the thing you need on your Instagram feed every day.

Jennet Liaw⁠(opens in a new tab or window)’s Instagram page is a wonderful mixed bag of serene photography and her latest typographical, illustrative and graphic works. Liaw’s work is clean, minimal, simple and best of all, effective. So, if you’re in the mood to peruse some beautiful examples of creativity coupled with stunning photography (who isn’t?) then be sure to check out Jennet Liaw’s page.

June Digan⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a graphic designer with an inherent flair for creativity. Her Instagram page is predominantly dedicated to her beautifully detailed watercolor quotes, and while her talent with a paintbrush is undeniable, her talent with a camera is also worth noting. Each beautiful artwork is made even more so with a wonderfully composed photograph that helps introduce her tools, inspiration and other miscellaneous bits and pieces. June Digan is most definitely one designer to keep your eye on.

Sam Larson⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer that uses carefully selected color palettes⁠(opens in a new tab or window) to stand out from the crowd. Using fluorescent reds and blues to create beautiful nature-themed illustrative works, Sam Larson’s style is as punchy as it is effective. Be sure to check him out on Instagram for some inspiration on the regular!

Melbourne-based artist, Kate Pullen⁠(opens in a new tab or window) has a knack for all things creative, from typography right through to nail art! Her style blends sharp colours with bold patterns to create stunning typographic and illustrative designs. Check out her Instagram for some undeniably inspiring snapshots.

Amadeus Malmén⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a typographer with a strong sense of motion and dimension. The fact that he works on flat surfaces is hard to believe when some of his designs are almost tangibly 3D. Amadeus Malmén also works occasionally with surface typography, transforming everyday objects like chairs and bottles into beautiful pieces of art. Check out his Instagram for an awesomely curated portfolio of his work.

Lucas Young⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer that blends illustrative elements with typographical ones seamlessly to create slick and effective design. Be sure to have a look at this Instagram if your interest lies in business cards⁠(opens in a new tab or window) as well, as Young has begun a series of playful business card designs that are sure to inspire.

“Typography, illustration, motion design and other useless things” is how Maztrone⁠(opens in a new tab or window) describes his own work but his current 14.1k followers would beg to differ on that last part. Maztrone’s work as displayed on his Instagram varies from carefully crafted typography to fluid and mesmerising animations that breathe life into his already sleek designs.

James Victore⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is an artist that has been featured in MOMA, has worked with high profile clients such as TIME, Adobe and Esquire Magazine, runs his own studio and has managed to squeeze writing a book in too. In short, he does it all, while still managing to maintain a distinct style and well-documented Instagram feed. Be sure to check his Instagram out and ask yourself if he ever actually manages to sleep.

Chris Labrooy⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer that specialises in 3D, using the medium to communicate ideas visually and instantly. His designs are equal parts intricate and sleek, meaning they captivate attention and hold onto it for a while. For dynamic pieces of inspiration, be sure to check out Chris Labrooy’s Instagram page.

One man band behind the design studio Signal Noise⁠(opens in a new tab or window), James White has an impressive list of clients that only prove to reinforce the fact that he’s one designer to keep your eye on. One thing you may notice when perusing James White’s Instagram is his exceptional use of light in his design and illustrative works, having clearly mastered the understanding of how light and shadows affects his subjects transforms his work into something special and mesmerising.

Neil A. Stevens⁠(opens in a new tab or window) is a designer and illustrator with a clear talent for both. Specialising in poster⁠(opens in a new tab or window) design, he manages to combine type and graphic elements seamlessly to create eye-catchingly dynamic pieces, some of which are documented in his Instagram page. If you’re a fan of sharp, sleek graphics and type that is executed well, Neil is your guy.