Maria Passarelli RGD:

"I'm so proud to be part of an organization that recognizes my professional experience as well as my demonstrated competence in design principles, research and theory. I want to keep challenging myself as a designer and further my education."

Benefits:

• Signal to business and to the public that graphic design is a true profession with defined standards and best practices that you and your professional peers adhere to.
• Receive a profile in the Designer Directory with up to 10 portfolio images and descriptions
• Get Featured on the website and in the RGD Word newsletter
• Submit Case Studies in various areas of specialty

Dana Aubrey RGD:

"Graphic Design is a profession that can be greatly misunderstood. RGD does a great job of educating and supporting the community at large. They represent our industry in a professional and passionate manner. It’s a privilege to be a part of it."

Benefits:

• Stand up to requests for free work from clients by providing RGD's Spec Policy Statement
• When dealing with ethical issues, receive the advice and support of RGD, as a government-legislated, professional body.
• Join the Ethics Committee to work on our No Spec initiative & other issues to make a difference in your industry.

Joanna Wiebe RGD:
"I have continued to maintain my membership even though I have been in the US since 2005 because I believe in the concept of accreditation for designers and want to support it. My designation has also been a selling point for me when finding new positions, such as my current role as Senior User Interface Designer at Amazon."

Benefits:

• Use the RGD designation to signal to peers, employers and clients that you have reached the benchmark set out by the Association by passing our Certification Process, comprising an online test and portfolio presentation
• Be recognized across Canada and beyond as a qualified professional with the skills and experience for high-level industry positions 
• Present your RGD Certificate with annual sticker renewal to demonstate your status as a Certified RGD

Janice van Eck RGD:

"As a freelancer, the RGD website and Designer Directory has proved useful as a way of connecting with companies searching for RGDs to work on design projects."

Benefits:

• Use the RGD logo across promotional materials and professional platforms like LinkedIn to equate yourself with other Certified professionals such as CAs and APRs.

Victor Szeto RGD: 

"Free access to the webinars, which cover diverse topics, helps me and my colleagues stay actively engaged and up-to-speed with industry insights throughout the year."

Benefits:

• Attend RGD's free webinars which cover a variety of professional development topics, providing opportunities to remain connected to the creative community.
• Access archived presentations which are available for members to view at any time, from any computer

Caroline Bruckner RGD:
"The 'Bring a Client to A DesignThinkers Talk' idea was a great opportunity for client relationship building and is something I would definitely take advantage of again. It also provided a chance to explain my designation to someone in the business community and help communicate the value of the graphic design profession."

Benefits: 

• Invite clients to attend webinars (10 free passes are provided to RGDs)
• Connect with 1-2 clients by inviting them to attend special business-focused sessions at the DesignThinkers Conference.
• Use one-pagers such as Why Hire an RGD? and What do Designers Charge? as valuable resources to pass on to prospective clients and include in proposals.

Jennifer Laing RGD:

"As a sole proprietor I especially value the connection RGD provides to the larger design community. DesignThinkers is a favourite event. Each year, influential speakers from a variety of disciplines remind me to think of design as it relates to all aspects of life and inspire me to consider new possibilities within my creative practice."
 

Benefits:

• Attend the annual DesignThinkers Conference at significantly discounted rates to connect with over 1,500 creative professionals from around the world and hear from a line-up of visionary speakers on the important trends, technologies and issues impacting creativity, communication and marketing
• Participate in local screenings of Future By Design
• Request funding to organize your own local events and initiatives

Bruce Wrighte RGD:
"One of the most rewarding experiences I've had has been participating in Creative Directions. As an opportunity to connect with students at such a critical point -- the time between their education and the start of their careers -- the responsibility of providing feedback and encouragement is extremely important. It is also a great way to keep up with what is being taught, the types of projects being assigned and what areas of focus are being highlighted in the schools."

Benefits:

• Become a Mentor as part of RGD's Mentorship Program
• Apply for the opportunity to judge RGD's annual Student Awards
• Participate in Creative Directions, a career development conference for emerging designers

Emerald Lee RGD: 
"I often refer to the AccessAbility Handbook. In a situation where we were unable to find answers to very specific questions, the RGD team directed us to members who were able to help us. This connection eventually led to great collaboration that quickly resolved the issues at hand. Indeed an excellent example of comradery, even amongst competitors.

Benefits:

• Access relevant, up-to-date resources such as RGD's Accessibility Guidelines, Business Handbook and biannual National Survey
• Connect with and take advantage of expertise from a wide network of creative professionals

Lionel Gadoury RGD:
"The Association provides countless opportunities to connect, contribute and support the design community. I’ve experienced firsthand, on countless occasions, how tremendously rewarding it is to participate with other designers and the accomplished Board of volunteer Directors that guide the Association forward."

• Run for a position on RGD's volunteer Board of Directors
• Contribute to one of many Committees who meet virtually to consider how best to move the Association forward, benefit our members, increase respect for our profession and raise standards in our industry