Graphic design companies in California play a critical role in shaping the visual communication landscape. They combine creativity with technology to produce branding, marketing materials, and digital solutions. The industry consists of agencies, studios, and freelancers, each specializing in various services such as logo design, packaging, and user experience. Remarkably, these firms often adapt quickly to technological advancements and evolving business needs, which opens opportunities for innovation and collaboration. As demand for online presence and digital marketing grows, the industry is positioning itself to integrate the latest technologies, like AI and AR, enhancing design engagements for clients.

The companies in this listing illustrate a blend of sizes and specialties within California’s graphic design sector. From small creative studios to larger agencies, they span various locations across the state. Established primarily in the past two decades, they focus on branding, user experience design, and management solutions. Notable names like Mucho and Akqa highlight the ecosystem's competitiveness, ensuring that clients receive tailored and effective design services to elevate their brand strategies.

Read on to discover the top graphic design companies in California.

Top 20 Graphic Design Companies Companies in California

1. Mucho

• Website: wearemucho.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: Spain 71%, United States (USA) 15%, Australia 8%, Other 6%
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: mucho

Mucho is a family-owned design and branding agency founded in 2002, with its headquarters in San Francisco, California. The company has expanded its operations to include offices in Barcelona and Melbourne, showcasing its international presence. Mucho specializes in creating impactful brand identities and strategies tailored to the needs of its clients, which range from large multinational corporations to small family businesses. Their services cover various aspects of design, including brand strategy, identity, and management, as well as digital and packaging design. Mucho prides itself on a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to develop unique solutions that resonate with their target audiences. The agency has worked with prominent clients such as Apple, Visa, and PayPal, reflecting its strong reputation in the industry. With a team of skilled designers and strategists, Mucho continues to contribute to the evolution of brand design and identity across different sectors.

2. Buck

• Website: buck.co
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 76%, Netherlands 13%, Australia 9%, Other 2%
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: buck

Buck is a creative agency based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2004. The company specializes in art, design, and technology, providing innovative solutions that enhance brand storytelling and experiences for businesses and organizations. With a team of talented professionals, Buck operates globally, emphasizing collaboration and creativity to deliver impactful results. Their work has garnered recognition, including awards at prestigious events like Cannes Lions and D&AD, showcasing their commitment to excellence in design. Buck's culture fosters partnership and creative ambition, making it a notable player in the graphic design industry.

3. Ammunition

• Website: ammunitiongroup.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: ammunition

Ammunition is a design studio based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007 by Robert Brunner and Matt Rolandson. The firm specializes in product development and branding, offering a range of services that include industrial design, user experience, graphic design, and packaging design. Ammunition has worked with both startups and established brands, helping them create innovative solutions that enhance their product offerings and connect effectively with consumers. Their portfolio features collaborations with high-profile clients such as Beats by Dr. Dre, Adobe, and UNICEF, showcasing their ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. The studio has received over 200 awards, including the 2016 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Product Design, highlighting their impact in the design industry.

4. Imaginary Forces

• Website: imaginaryforces.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: imaginaryforces

Imaginary Forces is a Los Angeles-based creative agency founded in 1996, specializing in design and content creation. With a team of around 91 employees, the agency focuses on delivering innovative visual storytelling and branding solutions primarily for clients in the entertainment and media industries. Their services include title sequences, brand identity, and graphic systems, showcasing their expertise in creating compelling visual narratives. Imaginary Forces has collaborated with major brands and events, producing work for the Emmy Awards, the Olympic Games, and various Netflix projects. Their commitment to creativity and quality has earned them recognition in the industry, making them a significant player in the graphic design space.

5. Hybrid Design Inc.

• Website: hybrid-design.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 87%, Ethiopia 13%
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: hybrid-design-inc-

Hybrid Design Inc., based in San Francisco, California, is a private design agency founded in 2001. With a team of 31 employees, the agency specializes in branding and marketing solutions, offering a wide range of services that include print and digital design, identity creation, and content strategy. Their client base spans various industries, reflecting their ability to tailor design solutions to meet specific business needs. Hybrid Design has collaborated with prominent brands such as Nike, YouTube, and The North Face, indicating their capacity to manage significant projects. The agency operates primarily in a B2B model, focusing on enhancing brand presence and communication for businesses and organizations. Their commitment to craft and detail is evident in their work, which often merges creativity with strategic thinking.

6. Manual

• Website: manualcreative.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 40%, Netherlands 40%, Bangladesh 20%
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: manual

Manual is a design consultancy based in San Francisco and Amsterdam, founded in 2009. The company specializes in branding and creative services, partnering with businesses and organizations to craft unique brand identities and experiences. Their expertise spans art direction, graphic design, and packaging, allowing them to cater to a wide range of clients across multiple industries. Manual's work reflects a commitment to collaboration and innovation, as they engage deeply with their clients to understand their needs and translate them into compelling design solutions. Their portfolio includes projects for well-known brands such as Apple Music, Google, and Nike, demonstrating their capability to handle significant design challenges. With a team of 39 employees, Manual operates with a focus on creating value through recognition and desirability in design, making them a relevant player in the graphic design industry.

7. Clever Creative

• Website: clevercreative.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: clever-creative-agency

Clever Creative is a branding agency based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2005. With a team of 25 employees, the agency specializes in building people-first brands through strategic marketing and design services. They focus on creating impactful brand identities and marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences. Their offerings include brand strategy, visual identity, and integrated marketing solutions, which are crucial in today's competitive market. Clever Creative has worked with a variety of clients across multiple sectors, including entertainment giants like Netflix and established brands in the pet care industry such as VCA Animal Hospitals. Their approach combines research-driven insights with creative execution, allowing them to craft compelling narratives and visual identities that connect with consumers. The agency is female-founded and has over 20 years of experience in the industry, reflecting a commitment to innovation and adaptability in their work.

8. EAT Studio

• Website: eat.studio
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 63%, France 25%, Brazil 12%
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: weareeat

EAT Studio, based in Los Angeles and Paris, is a design studio that specializes in branding and graphic design. Founded in 2010, the studio has carved out a niche by offering a range of services that include brand analysis, graphic design, and creative workshops. EAT Studio aims to help businesses enhance their brand identity through innovative and culturally relevant design solutions. Their client roster features prominent names across various industries, indicating their capability to cater to diverse needs. The studio prides itself on its creative process, which emphasizes collaboration and understanding of a brand's personality. With a team that includes members from different cultural backgrounds, EAT Studio brings a unique perspective to its projects, ensuring that their designs resonate on a global scale. The company is also recognized for its commitment to social values, being immigrant-owned and founded by women and LGBTQ+ individuals, which adds to its appeal in today's market.

9. Leroy & Rose

• Website: leroyandrose.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 80%, France 18%, Other 2%
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: leroy-and-rose

Leroy & Rose is a creative agency based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2013. The agency employs a team of passionate professionals, including art directors, designers, writers, illustrators, animators, and editors. They focus on delivering bold and impactful creative solutions that enhance branding and marketing efforts for their clients. Leroy & Rose has collaborated with various businesses and organizations, producing visual content for high-profile projects such as 'Blonde' for Netflix and 'PAM & TOMMY' for Hulu. Their work reflects a commitment to storytelling through design, making them a relevant player in the graphic design industry.

10. Chen Design Associates Inc.

• Website: chendesign.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Oakland, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 70%, China 15%, Singapore 15%
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: chen-design-associates

Chen Design Associates Inc., based in Oakland, California, is a family-owned branding and design consultancy founded in 1991. The firm specializes in crafting brand identities and experiences that resonate with audiences. Their services include brand strategy, visual identity design, and experience design, which help clients articulate their unique value propositions. Over the years, Chen Design Associates has collaborated with a variety of clients, ranging from architecture firms to food brands, demonstrating their versatility in the creative services sector. The company emphasizes a collaborative approach, believing that creativity flourishes through teamwork and experimentation. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to quality and innovation, making them a notable player in the graphic design industry.

11. MiresBall

• Website: miresball.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: miresball

MiresBall is a San Diego-based creative agency that has been providing branding and design services since its inception in 1985. With a team of 17 employees, the agency focuses on various capabilities, including naming, visual identity, packaging, and digital campaigns. MiresBall has worked with a range of clients, from nonprofits to established brands like Intel and Shure, helping them enhance their market presence and brand impact. The agency's work has been recognized in the industry, notably winning awards for their design projects, such as the brand identity for the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego. Their commitment to quality and innovation in design has made them a respected player in the graphic design field.

12. Design Force

• Website: designforce.co
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: designforcehq

Design Force, based in Irvine, California, is a private design agency established in 2020. The company specializes in a broad spectrum of creative services, including digital design, branding, user experience design, and more. They cater primarily to marketing and creative teams, helping them navigate design challenges and enhance their branding efforts. With a team of skilled designers, Design Force emphasizes high-quality, on-demand design solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients. Their innovative Design-as-a-Service (DaaS) model allows businesses to access top-tier design talent without the overhead of traditional hiring. This approach has made them a valuable partner for various organizations, from startups to established enterprises, looking to streamline their design processes and improve productivity.

13. Nice People

• Website: nicepeopleco.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 76%, Spain 24%
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: nicepeople

Nice People is a design studio based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2018. The company specializes in branding, packaging, and website development, catering to a wide range of clients from startups to established brands. With a team of 17 employees, Nice People emphasizes human-centered design, ensuring that their clients' brands connect meaningfully with their audiences. The studio has worked with over 100 clients and has been recognized for its work, receiving awards such as Dieline’s 2023 Studio of the Year and multiple placements in the Dieline Awards. Their projects have been featured in prominent media outlets, showcasing their ability to create compelling visual identities and online experiences. Nice People operates with a commitment to quality and creativity, making them a notable player in the graphic design industry.

14. Graphic Design Eye

• Website: graphicdesigneye.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: graphicdesigneye

Graphic Design Eye, based in Los Angeles, California, is a graphic design agency that has been operational since 2016. The company specializes in a wide range of services, including logo design, branding, web design, and photo editing. They cater to both businesses and individual consumers, aiming to enhance branding and marketing efforts through professional design solutions. With a team of skilled designers, Graphic Design Eye focuses on delivering high-quality work while maintaining affordability and ensuring timely project completion. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their operational practices, which include offering free trials and flexible payment options. The company has built a reputation for reliability and professionalism, making it a noteworthy player in the graphic design sector.

15. Anyone Collective

• Website: weareanyone.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: South Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 71%, Pakistan 14%, India 14%
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: anyone-collective-llc

Anyone Collective is a creative agency based in South Pasadena, California, founded in 2011. The agency focuses on brand management and marketing strategies, offering a wide range of services that include graphic design, video production, and social media management. With a team of 11-50 employees, Anyone Collective has worked with global brands to enhance their market presence and improve brand awareness. Their client portfolio spans various industries, including entertainment, food and beverage, sports, and consumer products. The agency has received numerous accolades, such as Emmy and Webby Awards, which highlight their expertise and innovation in creative development. Their approach combines ideation and creative execution, ensuring that brands communicate effectively across both physical and digital platforms.

16. Tolleson

• Website: tolleson.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: tolleson-design

Tolleson is a San Francisco-based creative agency founded in 1984, specializing in branding and design services. With a team of 11-50 employees, they have built a reputation for enhancing brand identities through strategic messaging and visual language. Their expertise spans various areas, including identity design, print, packaging, and interactive media. Tolleson has collaborated with a range of clients, from emerging brands to established companies, demonstrating their ability to adapt and innovate in a competitive market. Their approach combines clear thinking with rich storytelling, aiming to create meaningful brand experiences. The agency's work reflects a commitment to quality and creativity, making them a notable player in the graphic design industry.

17. Hello Design

• Website: hellodesign.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Culver City, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 33%, Philippines 33%, Tunisia 33%
• Latest funding: June 2004
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: hello-design

Hello Design, based in Culver City, California, is a design agency founded in 1999. The company specializes in brand strategy, marketing, and product development, working with a range of notable clients across various industries. Their approach emphasizes collaboration and integrated services, helping clients navigate change and achieve growth. With a team of skilled professionals, Hello Design focuses on creating innovative solutions that enhance brand presence. They have built a reputation for delivering high-quality work that resonates with audiences, making them a significant player in the graphic design industry.

18. meat and potatoes, inc.

• Website: meatoes.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: meat-and-potatoes

Meat and Potatoes, Inc. is a creative studio based in Burbank, California, established in 2000. The company specializes in design, branding, and packaging solutions, serving a wide array of clients from global brands to celebrities. Their portfolio includes innovative advertising campaigns and key visuals that enhance their clients' market presence. The studio has worked on notable projects such as branding for the Wynn Las Vegas and packaging designs for Taco Bell. With a team of around 37 employees, they emphasize personal service and a commitment to quality in their creative process. Their founder, Todd Gallopo, has a background in the music industry, which influences their design approach, particularly in projects related to music and entertainment. Meat and Potatoes has also ventured into the NFT space, creating limited edition pop art prints for clients, further showcasing their adaptability in a changing market.

19. Akqa

• Website: akqa.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 27%, Australia 12%, United Kingdom (UK) 10%, Other 51%
• Latest funding: June 2012
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: akqa

AKQA is a digital design agency founded in 1994, headquartered in San Francisco, California. With a workforce of over 2,100 employees, the company operates globally, providing services that include digital product design, brand storytelling, and creative technology. AKQA collaborates with a variety of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate digital transformation and enhance brand engagement. Their expertise extends to brand design and identity, where they create distinctive and meaningful visual narratives. AKQA has garnered significant recognition in the industry, winning numerous awards such as Cannes Lions and Webby Awards, which highlights their impact in the design and technology sectors. The company has a strong commitment to innovation, often integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence into their projects, further showcasing their creative capabilities.

20. Decca Design

• Website: decdesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: decca-design

Decca Design, based in San Jose, California, is a private design and marketing agency that has been operational since 1991. With a team of 24 employees, the firm specializes in branding, graphic design, and strategic marketing services, primarily catering to B2B clients in the technology sector. Decca Design has built a reputation for enhancing brand presence and marketing effectiveness through innovative design solutions. The agency has received numerous accolades, including ADDY and Summit awards, which underscore their creative prowess and industry recognition. They also emphasize community involvement, offering pro bono services to nonprofit organizations, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility. As a certified Women-Owned Small Business, Decca Design actively participates in initiatives that support female entrepreneurs and businesses. Their extensive portfolio includes work for notable clients such as Cisco, NetApp, and Pure Storage, reflecting their capability to handle projects for both startups and established market leaders.

Graphic Design Companies Insights: Key Companies in California

Company	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Ownership
Mucho	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2002	Family Owned
Buck	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2004	Private
Ammunition	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2007	Private
Imaginary Forces	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	51-200	1996	Private
Hybrid Design Inc.	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2001	Private
Manual	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2009	Private
Clever Creative	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2005	Private
EAT Studio	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2010	Private
Leroy & Rose	Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2013	Private
Chen Design Associates Inc.	Oakland, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1991	Family Owned
MiresBall	San Diego, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1985	Private
Design Force	Irvine, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2020	Private
Nice People	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2018	Private
Graphic Design Eye	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2016	Private
Anyone Collective	South Pasadena, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2011	Private
Tolleson	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1984	Private
Hello Design	Culver City, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1999	Corporate
meat and potatoes, inc.	Burbank, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2000	Private
Akqa	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1994	Corporate
Decca Design	San Jose, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1991	Private

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