Who are the graphic designers everyone looks up to in 2026?

When I was a graphic design student between 2002 and 2005, certain designers, photographers and illustrators felt almost like celebrities. Stefan Sagmeister, David Shrigley, Sara Fanelli, Leibovitz.

I’m curious. Who are the equivalent “go-to” graphic designers, illustrators, art directors or visual thinkers in 2026?

Who are students looking at now? Who feels influential, exciting, copied, referenced or culturally relevant?

Anyone pushing boundaries?