Celebrating Women in the Design World & Their Influence on Designs Today

March is International Women’s Month, which makes it the perfect time to celebrate the women who have shaped the design world! Design is everywhere—from the instantly recognizable logos to the websites we navigate daily. But have you ever stopped to think about the creative minds shaping the industry?

While design has historically been male-dominated, women have played a major role in pushing the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and visual storytelling. Despite challenges, female designers have transformed how we see and interact with the world.

In this post, we highlight three powerhouse women in design—April Greiman, Paula Scher, and Jessica Walsh—who have redefined what’s possible. From pioneering digital design to shaping iconic brand identities, their influence is undeniable. Let’s dive into their stories and explore how their work inspires designers today.

April Greiman: A Digital Design Pioneer

Imagine a time when graphic design was strictly about rulers, grids, and physical layouts—before computers became a standard design tool. That was the world April Greiman stepped into, and she completely changed the game. She was one of the first designers to embrace digital technology, proving that computers weren’t just for data and numbers—they were the future of creativity.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, most designers saw computers as cold and mechanical, but Greiman saw endless possibilities. She started making use of pixelation and other digitization “errors” as integral parts of digital art. She layered type in ways that felt dynamic and resisted traditional design rules. Her work introduced a bold, high-tech aesthetic that set the stage for modern digital design.

One of her most famous works, Does It Make Sense?, a groundbreaking poster created for Design Quarterly in 1986, challenged how people viewed graphic design by incorporating digital distortions, 3D elements, and vibrant colors—all created on early Macintosh computers.

Greiman’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries made her a pioneer. She didn’t just use technology—she celebrated it, proving that digital tools could be just as expressive and artistic as traditional methods. Her influence is everywhere today, from motion graphics to interactive web design. Without her, the design world might have taken much longer to embrace the power of digital.

Paula Scher: The Mastermind Behind Iconic Brand Identities

If you’ve ever seen the bold, dynamic typography of The Public Theater, the sleek and simple Windows 8 logo, or the instantly recognizable Citibank logo, then you’ve seen Paula Scher’s work in action. She’s a legend in the design world, known for creating brand identities that aren’t just visually striking, but deeply meaningful.

Scher has emerged as a central figure in contemporary graphic design, combining exceptional skills in typography, layout, and brand strategy. She doesn’t just place words on a page—she turns them into art. Her hand-drawn, expressive lettering style has influenced countless designers and brands.

One of her most famous projects is the Windows 8 logo redesign. Microsoft wanted a fresh, modern look, and Scher delivered a clean, minimalist design that stripped away unnecessary elements while staying true to the brand.

She’s also responsible for the bold typographic identity of The Public Theater, a design that changed the way people saw theater advertising. Her work proves that branding isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating a visual language that tells a story.

Another notable collaboration Scher had was with the Coca-Cola brand, where she contributed her unique ability to reinvent the brand’s visual identity in various campaigns over the years. She’s shown that branding can be playful and powerful, and she’s paved the way for designers to experiment with typography in bold, unexpected ways. If there’s one thing to learn from her career, it’s that great design is about making a statement—and owning it.

Jessica Walsh: A Bold Voice in Modern Design

Jessica Walsh is the definition of a creative powerhouse. At just 25 years old, she became a partner at the prestigious design firm Sagmeister & Walsh, a move that put her on the map as one of the youngest and most influential designers in the industry. But her talent goes far beyond just landing an impressive title—she’s built a career on fearless creativity, bold visuals, and pushing the boundaries of design.

Walsh is known for her vibrant, experimental, and emotionally charged work. Whether she’s working on branding, editorial design, or advertising campaigns, her style is unmistakable—bold colors, striking typography, and a touch of surrealism. She’s collaborated with major brands like Adobe, Levi’s, and Aizone, creating campaigns that feel more like pieces of art than traditional ads. Her noteworthy designs include the Adobe logo “remix competition” with business partner Stefan Sagmeister, ads and editorials for Aizone and Levi’s, branding efforts for the Jewish Museum of New York, and a blog and a book (co-written with designer Ted Goodman)–”40 Days of Dating”.

Walsh is the founder and creative director of the world-renowned creative agency, &Walsh. &Walsh is one of the very few creative agencies founded by a woman. She isn’t just about aesthetics—she’s a strong advocate for women in design and has used her platform to address issues of gender inequality in the creative industry.

In 2019, she launched Ladies, Wine & Design, a global initiative that offers mentorship and support to women in the creative field. The initiative started in New York but has since spread to over 280 cities worldwide, proving that when women support women, the whole industry benefits.

Her influence on the design world today is undeniable. She’s shown that being young doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader, and being bold doesn’t mean you can’t be taken seriously. Jessica Walsh continues to break barriers, proving creativity thrives when you’re willing to take risks and stay true to your vision.

Final Thoughts

The impact of women in design is undeniable. April Greiman, Paula Scher, and Jessica Walsh have each reshaped the industry—whether by pioneering digital design, redefining brand identities, or pushing creative boundaries with fearless innovation. Their work has inspired countless designers and set new standards for what’s possible in visual storytelling.

As we celebrate International Women’s Month, it’s important to recognize the contributions of female designers, both past and present, and continue advocating for diversity and inclusion in the creative industry. Their influence isn’t just in the designs we see every day—it’s in the way they’ve paved the path for future generations of designers to break the mold and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

At Dream Media Designs, we’re passionate about great design and the powerful stories behind it. If you’re looking to create bold, innovative branding that makes an impact, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Let’s design something incredible together! Contact us today to get started.