The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario)

Historical background

The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario is a Canadian Ontario-based design association with over 2,500 members serving graphic design professionals, users of graphic design, suppliers to the industry and students. Created in 1996 by an Act (Bill Pr56)cite journal |title=Office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:1523 ROYAL ASSENT / SANCTION ROYALE|author= [http://hansardindex.ontla.on.ca/hansardeissue/36-1/l064.htm Bill Pr56, An Act respecting the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario] |date=25 April 1996|journal=online] of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Association certifies graphic designers, provides professional development programs and services (including [http://www.designthinkers.com DesignThinkers"'] , an annual graphic design conference), national salary surveys, promotion of awareness of the value of design to business and advocacy on issues affecting the profession and industry.

The Association's mandate in accordance with the [http://www.rgdontario.com/aboutUs/bylaws/default.asp Act and the bylaws] is to serve the best interests of both the graphic design industry and the public in the Province of Ontario:

*Establish, promote and regulate standards of knowledge, skill and ethics for graphic designers in Ontario.
*Provide a unified voice for graphic design practitioners, managers and educators.
*Advise members of developments in laws and practices related to graphic design.
*Promote and advance liaison with organizations engaged in similar fields of endeavour.
*Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information relevant to graphic design.
*Provide members with professional development and continuing education.
*Educate the public on the importance and benefits of graphic design in business and everyday life to enhance the profile of graphic design and create more business opportunities.

The original founders of RGD Ontario include: [ [http://www.rgdontario.com/aboutUs/founders.asp RGD Ontario Founders ] ]

*Pauline Jarworski
*Michael Large R.G.D.
*Ivy Li R.G.D. Emeritus
*Helen Mah
*Rod Nash R.G.D.
*Albert Kai-Wing Ng
*Rene Schoepflin R.G.D. Emeritus
*Robert Smith R.G.D.
*Philip Sung R.G.D.

In December 2007, Mr. Albert Kai-Wing Ng was honoured with the Order of Ontario for his work with RGD Ontario. [ [http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=184227 Order of Ontario adds 27 recipients ] ]

Bill Pr56: an Act of the Ontario Legislature

On April 25, 1996 Bill Pr56 cite journal |title=Office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:1523 ROYAL ASSENT / SANCTION ROYALE|author= [http://hansardindex.ontla.on.ca/hansardeissue/36-1/l064.htm "'Bill Pr56, An Act respecting the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario] |date=25 April 1996|journal=online] was passed and Royal Assent was given to an Act respecting The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Sponsored by Mrs. Margaret Marland, Member of Provincial Parliament and signed by the Honourable Henry N.R. Jackman C.M., O.ST.J., B.A., L.L.B., L.L.D., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Ontario.

Examination Board

The [http://www.rgdexamboard.com Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers] administers the Registered Graphic Designers Qualification Examination. The site includes a schedule of upcoming exam dates, application forms and guidelines for all segments of the examination. The Examination Board was founded by RGD Ontario in 1999.

Member and public services

RGD Ontario offers membership for professional practitioners, managers, educators and students in graphic design, and for persons in allied professions.

Graphic design can provide fully integrated solutions that position products or services in the marketplace for success. Good design can make a company be more visible, look more sophisticated, communicate better, act smarter, faster, and end up more powerful and desirable than the competition.

Registered Graphic Designers have been certified to be able to meet at least the minimum standard of professional practice in graphic design as defined by RGD Ontario.

RGD Ontario programs and services

* [http://www.designthinkers.com DesignThinkers] This annual autumn graphic design conference hosted by RGD Ontario featured over 800 attendees in 2006, two days of inspiring presentations, international speakers, networking events, exhibits and studio tours.

* [http://www.designatwork.ca Design at Work] The annual juried competition showcases the strategic business value of graphic design. Selected case studies are presented in a book distributed to buyers of design.

* [http://www.rgdontario.com/pdf/06_survey.pdf Biennial Salary Survey] RGD Ontario partners with Aquent, the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) and [http://www.sdgq.qc.ca Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ)] to produce a biennial survey of salaries and billing practices in the Canadian graphic design industry.

*The Business of Graphic DesignA Professional’s Handbook - RGD Ontario’s second edition of a guide to opening and maintaining a graphic design business.

*Annual Student AwardsRGD Ontario provides cash awards, sponsored by industry partners, to student members for outstanding achievements and excellence in the field.

*CommunicationsRGD Ontario publishes bimonthly and biweekly electronic newsletters with updates on RGD Ontario programs and events, design news and activities, book reviews and industry articles.

*Professional DevelopmentFull-day events provide professional development for professionals in all areas of design and business.

*MentorshipThe program connects young designers with mentors in a structured program to help them develop the necessary skills to enter into or continue a professional career in graphic design.

*AdvocacyRGD Ontario advocates on issues affecting the practice and the profession of graphic design.

Related organizations

* [http://www.gdc.net Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)]
* [http://www.sdgq.qc.ca Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ)]
*AIGA
*Design Council
*Graphic Artists Guild

References

External links

* [http://www.rgdontario.com The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) Official Web Site ]
* [http://www.designthinkers.com DesignThinkers Official Web Site]