
The Business of Graphic Design
The RGD is thrilled to announce the launch of an updated reprint of our Handbook, The Business of Graphic Design: The RGD Professional Handbook.
Used as a text in many design programs across Canada, the Handbook is the first and only comprehensive Canadian guide to maintaining a graphic design business. The Handbook is the basis for one of the sections of the Online Test as part of the RGD's Certification Process.
"It is nerve-racking to design something for our own peers. Especially with something that is meant to be essential and useful. It will be closely scrutinized. But it is gratifying to see how well-received the Handbook has been," says Gilbert Li RGD, Principal, The Office of Gilbert Li, who designed this 3rd edition of the book and designed and directed the updates in this reprint.
Updates to the Handbook, designed by The Office of Gilbert Li, include portrait illustrations by Josephine Guan of some of our Provisional RGD Members, inclusion of the updated Code of Ethics and revisions to the chapter on intellectual property to cover changes to the law and administrative practices.
He further shares thoughts on the process, "We designed the Handbook to not just be utilitarian, but hoped that it could also be a source of creative inspiration. Each section of the Handbook features a different artistic collaborator who worked with us to uniquely visualize the different aspects of the design industry. This was the most enjoyable part of the process. So it was great to update the images for the section on becoming a graphic designer. Since it featured portraits of Provisional RGDs, it made sense that after six years we should reflect the latest generation of designers embarking on their careers. Illustrator Josephine Guan beautifully used a looser style to portray the emerging designers as not yet fully formed but full of potential."
The Handbook, a go to for new and seasoned design entrepreneurs alike, covers sustainable design principles, marketing design services, hiring and managing creative talent, administering a design business, sample forms and agreements and more.
With this reprint, the RGD will have printed 20,000 copies of the three editions.
Check out the Table of Contents.
Order your copy of The Business of Graphic Design.
Pricing*
Non-Member: $60
Certified RGD, Prov RGD, Affiliates: $45**
Student RGD, RGD Emeritus, Jr Affiliate: $35
* plus applicable sales taxes and shipping
** New Certified RGD, Prov RGD and Affiliate Members receive one copy free with the payment of $15 for shipping across North America
Special thanks to the RGD Print Partner Flash Reproductions and Paper Partner Domtar for their contributions of the printing and paper for the new books.
All RGD Handbook forms are available for download below