"The RGD is thrilled to have an individual like Faron volunteer their time for our community. Faron's steering of the Education Committee has been full of thoughtful collaboration (read: Faron loves a Google doc!) He is the first person to ask if we have all the right people at the table and is quick to remind us of the wildly varied experiences of design educators and the institutions they work for. Thank you, Faron, for the perspective you bring!"

   

     — Nicola Hamilton RGD, RGD President. 

 

How long have you been volunteering with the RGD and in what capacity?

I have been volunteering with the RGD for nearly 2 years, first as a Member of the Education Committee and presently, I sit on the RGD Board as Vice President & Chair of the Education Committee. 

 

What contribution are you most proud of / What experience/memory stands out for you?

The RGD experience that stands out most to me is attending DesignThinkers with my students. Not only do I get recharged and re-invigorated as a designer, but I get to see my students discover who they could be as future creatives. 

 

 

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing to come out of volunteering with the RGD?

The most surprising to me while volunteering with the RGD is the amount of work that is achieved by such a modest-sized group. It's quite amazing when you realize the amount of programs, offerings and benefits that are available through the Association as a result of the hard work put forth by the RGD Board, staff and Member volunteers.

  

Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the role of the organization in the industry?

The RGD plays a powerful and essential role in the graphic design industry by exposing designers to a community of liked-minded creative people to learn from, lend support to and create opportunities with. By setting the standards for this profession, designers can be proud of the industry they contribute to and feel supported through the RGD's community.

 

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer and why would you recommend it to other members who might be thinking of getting involved?

I have gained a great sense of support, accomplishment and awareness from being an RGD Volunteer. Knowing my contribution to the Association, no matter how large or small it may be, is meaningful and welcomed is quite rewarding. For those thinking of volunteering with the RGD, I would advise you to be prepared to meet some amazing individuals who are passionate about the design industry we serve. 

 

With nearly 20 years of experience as a professional graphic designer, Faron has worked with clients from a variety of sectors, providing solutions in visual identity, print, user interface design for web, video production and more. During his years as a Lead Instructor of the Graphic Design diploma program at McKenzie College, he had the great pleasure of passing his experience and expertise onto the next generation of designers, mentoring and directing them in a classroom studio environment.