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The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario is a design association based in Ontario, Canada, with over 2,500 members. It serves graphic design professionals, users of graphic design, suppliers to the industry and students. Created in 1996 by an Act (Bill Pr56)[1] of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Association certifies graphic designers, provides professional development programs and services including 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 Act and the bylaws is to serve the best interests of both the graphic design industry and the public in the Province of Ontario:
The founders of RGD Ontario include:[2]
On April 25, 1996 Bill Pr56[1] 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.Ont., O.ST.J., B.A., L.L.B., L.L.D., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Ontario.
The 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, derived from the Standard Committee of the Acccreditation for Professional Graphic Designers Committee, was established in 1999.
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.
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.
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.
RGD Ontario partners with Aquent, the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) and Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ) to produce a biennial survey of salaries and billing practices in the Canadian graphic design industry.
A Professional’s Handbook - RGD Ontario’s second edition of a guide to opening and maintaining a graphic design business.
RGD Ontario provides cash awards, sponsored by industry partners, to student members for outstanding achievements and excellence in the field.
RGD Ontario publishes bimonthly and biweekly electronic newsletters with updates on RGD Ontario programs and events, design news and activities, book reviews and industry articles.
Full-day events provide professional development for professionals in all areas of design and business.
The 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.
RGD Ontario advocates on issues affecting the practice and the profession of graphic design.