This literature review contemplates the various ways in which classical aesthetic ideals still influence contemporary graphic design. The review provides an overview of both historical and contemporary texts that contribute to aesthetic theory and design discourse. Classical geometric proportions such as the golden ratio are still employed today by many designers who aspire to create balanced and ordered work, a notion based on aesthetic ideals from antiquity. The presentation of taste judgements as objective facts by esteemed designers such as Jan Tschichold and Beatrice Warde have influenced contemporary aesthetic judgement, with beautiful design often being defined as that which is classically-influenced.