How you can learn, connect and be inspired through RGD from home
01/04/20
Many creatives are rightfully staying inside during this crucial time of physical distancing. But in an industry focused on collaboration and building strong relationships with clients and co-workers, it's easy to feel disengaged and disconnected. That's why we wanted to highlight the ways that you can learn, connect and feel inspired through RGD from home.

 

Like so many of you, we've had to change up some of our programming and events, so we hope to offer new and different ways to support and encourage you as this unsettling and difficult situation unfolds.

 

Our current list of available resources and options is below:

 

To read...

1. Resource Lists

RGD Members round up their most-loved resources and share them with the design community.

Great for: discovering new design-related books, tools, brands & more.

 

2. Insights

Some fun and casual reading, RGD's Insights articles cover favourite topics, days in the life of a designer, case studies, book reviews & more.

Great for: perusing when you're looking to read something informational or lighthearted.

 

3. AccessAbility 2

RGD's most recent edition of its Handbook on Accessible Graphic Design is available online for free in PDF format.

Great for: furthering your knowledge of accessibility standards and practices.

 

Photo of AccessAbility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To watch...

1. RGD Webinars

RGD's weekly webinars happen on Thursdays at noon EST (9:00 a.m. PST). RGD Members can tune in for free, and Non-Members can pay a one-time fee or purchase a viewing package.

Great for: feeling connected to others in real time while learning new skills.

 

2. Video Archive

RGD Members have access to RGD's entire Video Archive of over 500 recordings, including DesignThinkers presentations going back to 2011. Find videos on a variety of topics and by many of the world's design superstars past and present.

Great for: being inspired by amazing international design work and exploring different topics of interest on your own time.

 

Lauren Hom at DesignThinkers 2019 Toronto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Featured Video

Every few weeks, RGD makes a different video from its Archive free and available to all.

Great for: watching something new that's been curated from RGD's full archive.

 

To share & gain knowledge...

1. Portfolio Reviews

As part of its virtual Creative Directions Conference, RGD is offering online Portfolio Reviews for students and emerging designers.

Great for: those looking for feedback on their portfolio & presentation skills.

Note: Senior design professionals are invited to volunteer to review portfolios. Click here to apply.

 

2. Mentorship

RGD's Mentorship Program pairs senior design professionals with emerging designers in an effort to facilitate connection and career-related knowledge-sharing.

Great for: Provisional RGDs who would like to receive support and professional guidance from an industry expert.

Our next round of mentors will be released in early April.

 

3. Content Contribution

RGD is always looking for Members to contribute to the Association through article writing.

Great for: sharing your interests and expertise with the creative community.

RGD is looking for creatives to contribute to our new article series on working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Email Rebecca at if you'd like to learn more.

 

4. Webinar Proposals

RGD Webinars cover a range of professional development topics. If you're passionate about a design-related subject and would like to share your expertise with the design community, please submit a Webinar proposal.

Great for: stepping out of your comfort zone and honing your presentation skills.

 

To get involved...

1. Creative Directions | April 27, 29 & May 1

Creative Directions is a Virtual Conference designed to help graduates and emerging designers gain the tools and knowledge needed to embark upon and build a career in the creative communications industries.

Great for: anyone looking to connect, be inspired, fine tune their skills and knowledge and learn during this time of physical distancing.

Full details on the schedule, pricing & more are available here.

 

2. Slack Workspace

RGD Members can ask questions, share information and build community through the RGD Slack Workspace.

Great for: connecting with designers across the country.

 

3. Awards Programs

RGD's Awards Programs are a great opportunity to highlight your work and be inspired by great creative.

RGD's Student Awards are great for: full-time college or university students in design-related programs in Canada (more details here).

RGD's ULTRABOLD Awards are great for: designers 35 and under who want to highlight their impact on the design community (details to be released soon).

The winners of our 2020 So(cial) Good Design Awards will be announced in May.

 

4. RGD Certification or Membership

If you have extra time on your hands, now is a great time to consider getting your RGD Certification. The process is 100% virtual and can be done on your own schedule.

Great for: those looking to take the next step in the creative careers (click here to learn more).

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for RGD Certification, RGD has Membership Categories for students, new grads & more. Click here for those details.

 

Close-up of RGD Certificate