@ R G D | R G D . C A

64-PAG E F I E L D G U I D E + N OT E B O O K

M A D E I N C A N A DA

YO U R G U I D E TO R G D M E M B E R S H I P, W I T H A H A N DY N OT E B O O K FO R T H O U G H T S,

I D E A S A N D G E N E R A L O B S E R VAT I O N S.

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 2 0 1 6

What is RGD?

Membership Categories

Programs

Emerging Designer Programs

Member Benefits

Connect with Us

2016 at a Glance

Notes

RGD Certification Exam

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COMMUNITY

ADVOCACY

ETHICS

CERTIFIED RGD

PROVISIONAL RGD

STUDENT RGD

AFFILIATE RGD

CORPORATE

DESIGNTHINKERS CONFERENCE

DESIGNTHINKER OF THE YEAR

BRING A CLIENT

DESIGNTHINKERS SCHOLARSHIPS

DESIGN EDUCATORS CONFERENCE

FUTURE BY DESIGN

WEBINARS

SO(CIAL) GOOD DESIGN AWARDS

IN-HOUSE DESIGN AWARDS

STUDENT AWARDS

CREATIVE DIRECTIONS CONFERENCE

MENTORSHIP

Resources18RGD.CA

VIDEO ARCHIVE

CREATIVEEARNERS NATIONAL SALARY SURVEY

ACCESSIBILITY

THE BUSINESS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN HANDBOOK

How You Can Help16CERTIFIED RGDS

PROVISIONAL RGDS

STUDENT RGDS

What’s Inside?

USE THIS GUIDE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER

DESIGNERS. ONCE YOU’VE LEARNED EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, GIVE THIS FIELD

GUIDE A SECOND LIFE BY USING THE NOTE PAGES FOUND IN THE BACK. ENJOY!

THE ASSOCIATION OF

REGISTERED GRAPHIC

DESIGNERS (RGD) PROMOTES

KNOWLEDGE SHARING,

CONTINUOUS LEARNING,

RESEARCH, ADVOCACY

AND MENTORSHIP FOR THE

GRAPHIC DESIGN COMMUNITY.

WE WORK TO ESTABLISH

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS,

BEST PRACTICES AND

INNOVATIVE THINKING WITHIN

OUR INDUSTRY AND BEYOND.

H O W T O U S E T H I S F I E L D G U I D E 1

ERIK SPIEKERMANN, 2014 DESIGNTHINKERS SPEAKER

FIGURE 1.1

RGD was created in 1996 by an Act of the Ontario

Legislature (Bill Pr 56) and given the responsibility

of accrediting, often now referred to as certifying,

graphic designers. RGD is the only graphic design

association in North America to have this type of

government legislation and is the largest graphic

design association in Canada.

COMMUNITY

RGD is a non-profit organization dedicated to

fostering cooperation, communication and

community within the graphic design industry.

We offer programs and opportunities that educate,

inform and encourage design practitioners,

managers, educators and students. RGD strives

to be a unifying voice for graphic designers,

supporting their efforts to be recognized,

valued and respected as vital partners within

the marketing and communications sectors.

350COMMUNITIES REPRESENTED

780CERTIFIED RGDS

3,252CURRENT MEMBERS

ADVOCACY

RGD’s ethical guidelines for designers and their clients are outlined in our Rules of Professional Conduct, to which all Members agree to adhere. We combat requests for spec and crowdsourcing of design and provide best practices in the areas of accessible design, salaries and billing, pro bono work and internships.

RGD’s vision is for a graphic design profession broadly valued for its contributions to life, commerce and society.

W H A T I S R G D ?A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 32

CERTIFIED RGD The RGD (or Registered Graphic Designer) designation raises the standards of professionalism, ethics and knowledge in the graphic design industry and are signals of quality and competence to the profession, public and government. Registered Graphic Designers are professionals who have demonstrated their ability to practice in the profession through the completion of a rigorous Certification Exam.

Being a Certified RGD is about more than the tangible benefits of Membership. By completing RGD’s Certification Exam, Certified RGDs signal their commitment to promote professional and ethical standards, raise the credibility of graphic design as a regulated profession and give back to the community.

Eligibility:Graduation from a 3- or 4-year graphic design program (with transcript submission) combined with relevant professional work experience totaling 7 years OR a combination of other education and/or relevant professional work experience totaling 10 years. Successful completion of the RGD Certification Exam. Candidates with 15 or more years of relevant professional work experience are exempted from most of the online test but must successfully complete other components of the Certification Exam.

ANNUAL FEE: $335

Through our large, active membership base, RGD Members connect to

a network of peers with shared ethical principles and community values.

Through RGD, Members contribute to a vibrant, ongoing dialogue and exchange

of information and ideas. Together we demonstrate the diverse expertise of

professional designers and heighten understanding of the value designers

bring to business and society. RGD Membership communicates dedication

and commitment to the profession.

Which Membership is for You?

CORPORATEThere are three types of RGD Corporate Membership: Creative Team, Educator and Supplier. All offer customized promotional benefits as well as group access to the many discounts and special offers available for RGD programs and provided by RGD partners.

Eligibility:A creative team within a company or agency OR a post-secondary school engaged in the instruction of graphic design OR an organization engaged in the supply of materials, services or processes used by graphic designers.

PRICING VARIES BASED ON NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING STAFF.

STUDENT RGD With over 1,800 Student Members, RGD recognizes that students are the future of our profession. As a Student RGD, you have the opportunity to attend events at special rates, sharpen your portfolio with one-on-one reviews, enter our annual Student Awards and enjoy many other benefits.

Eligibility:Part-time or full-time enrollment in a post-secondary program.

ANNUAL FEE: $30

AFFILIATE RGDAn Affiliate is an individual engaged in the practice or instruction of graphic design, or actively engaged in an allied profession. An Affiliate supports the mandate of the Association, participates in RGD programs in a meaningful way and benefits from the services, discounts and special offers available to RGD Members.

ANNUAL FEE: $225

PROVISIONAL RGD As a Provisional RGD, you carry a professional designation, have access to a network of prospective employers, attend events at special rates and enjoy many other benefits.

Eligibility:Graduation from a 3- or 4-year graphic design program (with transcript submission) OR graduation from a 2- to 4-year post-secondary program (with transcript submission) and full-time employment in the field.

Less than 8 years combined relevant education and experience.

ANNUAL FEE: $90

M E M B E R S H I P C A T E G O R I E SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 54

Distinguish Yourself as a Certified RGD

75QUESTIONS ON ONLINE TEST

6PORTFOLIO PIECES WITH RATIONALES

7YEARS MINIMUM REQUIRED

FIGURE 3.1

SHANE COLLIER RGD RECEIVING HIS RGD CERTIFICATE

In a world of increasing competition, graphic design professionals need to be

able to set themselves apart. Putting the RGD designation after your name lets

clients know that you are a design professional who understands not only their

design needs, but also their business objectives.

Taking the steps to become a Certified

RGD is less daunting and more

rewarding than you might think.

The Examination involves three steps:

• Application Process

• Online Test

• Virtual Portfolio Interview

APPLICATION PROCESS

Upon achieving experience and/or

education requirements, candidates

complete an online application; send

relevant transcripts to RGD; and

complete an online form of written

rationales for projects to be presented

in the Interview. Upon confirmation

of eligibility, there is an Exam

Administration fee of $150.

ONLINE TEST

The 75-minute Test has 5 sections

of 15 multiple-choice questions each.

The 5 sections are:

• Business

• Accessibility

(has replaced Design History)

• Design Research

• Design Principles

• RGD’s Rules of Professional

Conduct

The Test may be completed at

any time (over a week), anywhere

(with computer, Internet and solitude).

Questions are based on texts listed

on RGD’s website; these and any

printed notes may be consulted

during the Test.

VIRTUAL PORTFOLIO INTERVIEW

Interviews are 30 minutes with

3 RGD Examiners. Candidates present

6 projects virtually to demonstrate their

highest level of professional work as

a Practitioner, Educator or Manager.

Practitioners should demonstrate

an ability to develop and implement

solutions to complex problems

encountered in all phases of the design

process. Educators should demonstrate

their teaching philosophy and

academic contributions to implement

effective strategies and solutions for

design education. Managers should

demonstrate an ability to manage

the design process and develop and

implement strategies that support

a thriving creative team.

R G D C E R T I F I C A T I O N E X A MA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 76

DesignThinkers is Canada’s largest,

and only, annual conference for visual

communicators. Attending is a must for any

informed, forward-thinking, design-savvy

creative communications professional or

team working in this country.

Presented over two days, with additional

programs over a week, 30+ speakers present

in four concurrent streams: inspiration,

strategy, trends and interactions. Past speakers

represent every type of designer from rock stars

like Karim Rashid and Jessica Walsh; to legends

like Paula Scher and the late Massimo Vignelli;

to thinkers like Steven Heller and Ellen Lupton.

According to a survey, 90% of 2014 delegates

planned to return in 2015. Why? Perhaps

ClarkHuot Partner & Managing Director Diego

Casco RGD says it best: “Each DesignThinkers

Conference I have attended has made me a

better designer, thinker, employer and peer.”

DESIGNTHINKER OF THE YEAR

Since 2013, RGD has partnered with Rotman School of Management to recognize Canadian corporate leaders whose appreciation for the role of design drives innovation and business success within their organizations. Each year, designers of all disciplines are invited to submit nominations for the DesignThinker of the Year Award. Nominees must be corporate leaders who are employed by companies, organizations or institutions based in Canada.

FIGURE 4.1

16CONFERENCES SINCE 2000

45PRESENTATIONS IN 2015

1,657CONFERENCE ATTENDEES IN 2014

Celebrate Design at DesignThinkers

1 3

2

1 DESIGNTHINKERS ATTENDEES

2 BOB HAMBLY RGD AND LARRY ROSEN, 2014 DESIGNTHINKER OF THE YEAR AWARDS PRESENTATION

3 AARON DRAPLIN, 2014 DESIGNTHINKERS SPEAKER

P R O G R A M SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 98

FUTURE BY DESIGN #RGDFBD

This webcasted series features expert

panelists on topics ranging from the

Future of Type (with Jessica Hische);

the Future of Story-telling (with Jake

Barton) and the Future of Design

Collaboration (with Emily Oberman).

Designers from across Canada host

local screenings where the community

gathers to participate and have its

own discussions. In 2016, Future By

Design will incorporate more interactive

programming into local screenings.

WEBINARS

Accessible from anywhere in North

America, RGD hosts bi-weekly

professional development webinars

on design and business topics. Take

advantage of these live, lunch-time

sessions to stay abreast of industry

trends, build your business acumen

and develop insights into the creative

process.

FIGURE 4.2

61SATELLITE VENUES FOR FUTURE BY DESIGN IN 2015

Engage in Professional Development

DESIGNTHINKERS SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year, industry sponsors provide

financial assistance for Members to attend

DesignThinkers. Applications are assessed

based on motivation and applicability of

the skills anticipated to be gained from the

experience of attending. Priority is given to

applicants who reside at least 100 km from

the conference location.

DESIGN EDUCATORS CONFERENCE

Each year, in partnership with a different

educational institution, RGD invites design

educators to consider the future of creative

education at the annual Design Educators

Conference. Coinciding with DesignThinkers,

this one-day event features keynotes, academic

presentations, group discussions and a

networking reception. In May educators from

around the world are invited to submit papers

for peer review and possible presentation at

the event. In 2015, our partner was George

Brown School of Design. Our 2016 partner will

be Humber College.

BRING A CLIENT

Every year, Certified RGD and Prov RGD Members attending DesignThinkers can ‘Bring a Client’ to designated conference sessions. This is a great way for Members to welcome clients into our world and kickstart a conversation about how design can impact the success of their businesses. In 2015, there were 20 session options and Members could invite one client on each day.

1 FBD SEPTEMBER 2015: THE FUTURE OF TYPOGRAPHY, LIVE SCREENING AT BLOK DESIGN, TORONTO

2 FBD SEPTEMBER 2015: THE FUTURE OF TYPOGRAPHY, LIVE SCREENING AT EMPIRE LIFE, KINGSTON

34WEBINARS IN 2015

48PRESENTERS AT THE 2015 DESIGN EDUCATORS CONFERENCE

P R O G R A M SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 1 11 0

From our annual DesignThinkers conference to our So(cial)

Good Design Awards to our new In-House Design Awards,

RGD recognizes and promotes excellence to demonstrate the

value design brings to business and society.

SO(CIAL) GOOD DESIGN AWARDS

Since 2012, RGD has invited submissions of graphic design

projects from around the world done under the theme of

communication design for social good, work with the power to

incite action and make meaningful change in the way we live

our lives. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges and

selected for recognition in a printed Awards Annual and on the

RGD website. Winners also receive a physical Award.

IN-HOUSE DESIGN AWARDS

RGD’s new In-House Design Awards, launching in 2016,

will recognize the best creative work produced by designers

working in-house for corporations, government and charities.

From corporate identity to promotional materials, employee

communication to websites, this awards program will celebrate

the work of an under-recognized but extremely important

segment of the design industry.

42SO GOOD AWARD WINNERS IN 2015

5,000SO GOOD ANNUALS DISTRIBUTED IN 2015

60%OF RGD MEMBERS WORK IN-HOUSE

FIGURE 4.3

21

3

1 2014 SO GOOD PHYSICAL AWARD

2 2015 SO(CIAL) GOOD DESIGN AWARDS IDENTITY

3 SO GOOD EXHIBIT AT PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN 2015

Recognize Inspiring Design

P R O G R A M SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 1 31 2

CREATIVE DIRECTIONS

RGD’s annual career development

conference includes opportunities to visit

leading creative studios, connect with industry

influencers, receive constructive feedback in

one-on-one portfolio interviews and hear frank

career insights from Creative Directors and

Designers representing a variety of disciplines

and experience levels. In 2016, we will be

adding more opportunities for networking

and more senior-level content.

MENTORSHIP

This program matches protégés (final year

Student RGDs or Provisional RGDs) with

Mentors (Provisional RGDs or RGDs) to help

protégés develop the necessary skills to enter

or continue on a professional career path

in graphic design. In 2016, Virtual Mentors

from across Canada will be profiled on the

RGD website.

Advance Your Career

STUDENT AWARDS

This annual program brings industry professionals together with emerging designers to recognize the highest levels of creativity, design and strategic thinking. In the program’s 18-year history, RGD has distributed over $250,000 in cash. Students who enter can win up to $2,000, be recognized in a printed piece and receive feedback on their work from among our 50 judges.

$20,000STUDENT AWARDS TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN 2016

1,181PORTFOLIO REVIEWS IN 2015

FIGURE 5.1

100AVAILABLE MENTORS IN 2016

1 3

2

1 PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY AT CAMBRIAN COLLEGE, SUDBURY

2 PANEL DISCUSSION AT CREATIVE DIRECTIONS 2015

3 RGD STUDENT AWARDS EXHIBIT AT DESIGNTHINKERS 2014

E M E R G I N G D E S I G N E R P R O G R A M SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 1 51 4

Get Involved

CERTIFIED RGDS

RGD is led by a volunteer Board elected

by Members. The Board is supported

by Committees, covering areas such as

certification, communications, education,

ethics and PR. Participating in RGD connects

you with peers, provides opportunities to

give back and helps RGD stay relevant.

Other ways to get involved include being a

Mentor; writing for the RGD website; speaking

at events (virtually or in person); reviewing

portfolios (virtually or in person); contributing

pro bono design and judging awards.

PROVISIONAL RGDS

A Provisional Committee develops programs

and services that tap into the knowledge of

RGD Members to benefit emerging designers.

Initiatives include Exam Study Groups;

Welcome Wagons (virtual meetings to welcome

new Members) and Design Socials. Their latest

program, Ask an RGD, has RGDs recording

videos of themselves answering career-related

questions from Provisional RGDs.

STUDENT RGDS

Student RGDs have the

opportunity to participate

in RGD’s Volunteer Program

or serve on our Student

Rep Committee. Student

Volunteers contribute

40 hours of time, either

at RGD or remotely, and

volunteer at DesignThinkers

and other RGD events.

RGD’s Student Rep

Committee advises on how

to best serve student needs,

raises student awareness

of RGD and unites students

from schools across Canada.

FIGURE 6.1

1 RGDS AND STUDENT RGDS SPEAK OUT AGAINST SPEC WORK WITH HASHTAG #MYTIMEHASVALUE

2 PROVISIONAL RGD DESIGN SOCIAL

2

1

20,000STAFF AND VOLUNTEER HOURS CONTRIBUTED IN 2015

70COMMITTEE MEMBERS

17BOARD MEMBERS

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 1 71 6 H O W Y O U C A N H E L P

VIDEO ARCHIVE

RGD Members have access to over 500 recorded presentations from webinars, past DesignThinkers Conferences and other professional development events. Videos are hosted through Vimeo and are password-protected.

CREATIVEEARNERS

RGD produces the only biannual salary survey for graphic designers working in Canada. It documents the status of communications professionals—who they are, the services they offer and how they are compensated.

A new survey (English & French) will launch in 2016. All Canadian creative professionals are invited to contribute to help us raise awareness of Canada’s thriving creative industry with a comprehensive economic profile of our field. Results will be available to all.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible design improves people’s quality of life. It helps organizations deliver superior services and be more competitive. And it helps designers pursue the ideals of the profession: to provide easier access —to information, to ideas, to public spaces —through smarter, more effective communications engaging the widest possible audience. Working in partnership with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO), RGD has published two documents on accessible design that are available to all in accessible pdf format and distributed to RGD Members in printed form.

WEB ACCESSIBILITY

AccessAbility: A Practical Handbook on Accessible Web Design is aimed at educating graphic design professionals so that they may assist their clients to effectively deliver digital design solutions that meet web accessibility requirements.

GENERAL ACCESSIBILITY

In 2010, RGD produced a handbook, AccessAbility: A Practical Handbook on Accessible Graphic Design, on the principles of accessible graphic design as applied to printed messages, websites and physical environments.

RGD.CA

With a dedicated team of staff and volunteer professionals, RGD fosters an online creativity community where ideas flow and professionals contribute to strengthen the industry. Enjoy articles; project case studies; video recordings of leading international creatives; information on all of our programs and services and much more.

SEARCHABLE DIRECTORYA resource for buyers of design services, RGD’s Directory is a great place for Members to highlight their expertise and work. Prospective clients and employers can search designers based on area of specialty, region, company name and other specific fields.

JOB BOARDWith an average of 10 new postings each week, this online hub connects employers to a wealth of creative talent. Postings are also highlighted in our weekly e-newsletter, RGD Word, distributed to over 12,000 subscribers.

By tapping into the knowledge of our professional RGD Members and other

thought leaders within the creative community, RGD offers a variety of

valuable resources.

Take Advantage of Professional Resources

13,538SURVEY RESPONSES SINCE 2000

438,483 RGD WEBSITE VISITS IN 2014

280WEBSITE ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN 2015

FIGURE 7.1

THE BUSINESS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

The Business of Graphic Design: The RGD Professional Handbook is the first and only comprehensive Canadian guide to maintaining a graphic design business. 

The RGD Handbook is used as a text in many graphic design programs across Canada, and over 15,000 copies of the first two editions have been distributed across the country and around the world.

The 3rd edition, released in 2015, includes chapters on building a sustainable design practice, understanding intellectual property, hiring and retaining creative talent, administering a design firm and marketing design, in addition to sample forms and agreements.

R E S O U R C E SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 1 91 8

Member Benefits

BENEFITS BENEFITS

Professional Certification +Opportunity to nominate/be nominated for the RGD Board +10 free webinar guest passes +Submit proposals to speak at DesignThinkers +Unlimited free job postings on RGD Job Board +Contribute case studies to RGD website +RGD Certificate and yearly renewal sticker +Opportunities to judge awards +Official Designation + + +Identifier logo for posting to websites and promo materials + + + +3 free job postings on RGD Job Board +Participation in DesignThinkers Bring a Client Program + +Featured Profile with Images in RGD’s Online Directory + +Searchable Listing in RGD’s Online Directory + + +Become a mentor + +Access to DesignThinkers Scholarships + +Discount on Certification Exam fees + +Provide on-site/virtual portfolio reviews + +

Free ad placements on the RGD website + +Receive on-site/virtual portfolio reviews + +Be mentored by an experienced designer + +Free copy of The Business of Graphic Design + + +Mailed copies of all RGD printed publications + + +Free magazine subscriptions + + +Discounts to attend DesignThinkers + + + +Discounts to attend Creative Directions + + + +Discounts with suppliers (incl. 45% off at GoodLife; 20% off at Fonts.com and 25% off at Blurb)

+ + + +

Discounts to enter RGD competitions + + + +Opportunity to live-stream Future By Design + + + +Online access to RGD’s video archive + + + +Participate on RGD Committees + + + +Free professional development webinars + + + +Discounts on health, studio, liability, home & auto insurance + + + +Discounts to events with RGD partners who include DX, EAC, IABC, IDC & Rotman

+ + + +

Free entry into RGD Student Awards +

STUDENTSTUDENT CERTIFIEDCERTIFIED AFFILIATEAFFILIATE PROV.PROV.

M E M B E R B E N E F I T SA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 2 12 0

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@RGDFollow RGD for the latest news, fun facts and cool finds.

RGD.CAINFO@RGD.CA1.888.274.3668

@RGDHUBFollow RGD’s photo stream on Instagram.

@RGDHUBGet ideas and enjoy some designer inspiration by following RGD’s pins.

/RGDONTARIOView shots from past events and programs on our Flickr page.

/RGDHUBLike RGD on Facebook to stay in the loop and network with others.

RGD – ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERSJoin active discussions in our LinkedIn group and follow our company page.

The Association of Registered Graphic Designers is a hub for the graphic

design community. Stay in the loop and participate through RGD’s various

communication channels.

2 0 1 6 A T A G L A N C EA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 2 32 2

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20 FRI

21 SAT

22 SUN

23 MON

24 TUE

25 WED

26 THU

27 FRI

28 SAT

29 SUN

30 MON

31 TUE

CREATIVE DIRECTIONS

CREATIVE DIRECTIONS

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINARST. PATRICK’S DAY

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

DEADLINE FOR RGD BOARD NOMINATIONS

NEW YEAR’S DAY

CHINESE NEW YEAR

VALENTINE’S DAY

GOOD FRIDAY

EASTER MONDAY

MOTHER’S DAY

VICTORIA DAY

FATHER’S DAY

FAMILY DAY

FUTURE BY DESIGN

DT ADVANCED SUPER EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

ANNUAL MEETING

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

FUTURE BY DESIGN

IN-HOUSE DESIGN AWARDS EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

DT SUPER EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

DESIGN EDUCATORS ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE

STUDENT AWARDS DEADLINE

FUTURE BY DESIGN

IN-HOUSE DESIGN AWARDS DEADLINE

2 0 1 6 A T A G L A N C EA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 2 52 4

JULY

01 FRI

02 SAT

03 SUN

04 MON

05 TUE

06 WED

07 THU

08 FRI

09 SAT

10 SUN

11 MON

12 TUE

13 WED

14 THU

15 FRI

16 SAT

17 SUN

18 MON

19 TUE

20 WED

21 THU

22 FRI

23 SAT

24 SUN

25 MON

26 TUE

27 WED

28 THU

29 FRI

30 SAT

31 SUN

OCTOBER

01 SAT

02 SUN

03 MON

04 TUE

05 WED

06 THU

07 FRI

08 SAT

09 SUN

10 MON

11 TUE

12 WED

13 THU

14 FRI

15 SAT

16 SUN

17 MON

18 TUE

19 WED

20 THU

21 FRI

22 SAT

23 SUN

24 MON

25 TUE

26 WED

27 THU

28 FRI

29 SAT

30 SUN

31 MON

SEPTEMBER

01 THU

02 FRI

03 SAT

04 SUN

05 MON

06 TUE

07 WED

08 THU

09 FRI

10 SAT

11 SUN

12 MON

13 TUE

14 WED

15 THU

16 FRI

17 SAT

18 SUN

19 MON

20 TUE

21 WED

22 THU

23 FRI

24 SAT

25 SUN

26 MON

27 TUE

28 WED

29 THU

30 FRI

DECEMBER

01 THU

02 FRI

03 SAT

04 SUN

05 MON

06 TUE

07 WED

08 THU

09 FRI

10 SAT

11 SUN

12 MON

13 TUE

14 WED

15 THU

16 FRI

17 SAT

18 SUN

19 MON

20 TUE

21 WED

22 THU

23 FRI

24 SAT

25 SUN

26 MON

27 TUE

28 WED

29 THU

30 FRI

31 SAT

AUGUST

01 MON

02 TUE

03 WED

04 THU

05 FRI

06 SAT

07 SUN

08 MON

09 TUE

10 WED

11 THU

12 FRI

13 SAT

14 SUN

15 MON

16 TUE

17 WED

18 THU

19 FRI

20 SAT

21 SUN

22 MON

23 TUE

24 WED

25 THU

26 FRI

27 SAT

28 SUN

29 MON

30 TUE

31 WED

NOVEMBER

01 TUE

02 WED

03 THU

04 FRI

05 SAT

06 SUN

07 MON

08 TUE

09 WED

10 THU

11 FRI

12 SAT

13 SUN

14 MON

15 TUE

16 WED

17 THU

18 FRI

19 SAT

20 SUN

21 MON

22 TUE

23 WED

24 THU

25 FRI

26 SAT

27 SUN

28 MON

29 TUE

30 WED

CANADA DAY CIVIC HOLIDAY

LABOUR DAY

ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS

THANKSGIVING

YOM KIPPUR BEGINS REMEMBRANCE DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY

BOXING DAY

HANUKKAH BEGINS

NEW YEAR’S EVEHALLOWEEN

DESIGNTHINKERS

DESIGN EDUCATORS

DESIGNTHINKERS

YOM KIPPUR ENDS

ROSH HASHANAH ENDS

EID AL-ADHA

EID AL-FITR

DT OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS DEADLINE

DT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE

DT EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

RGD WEBINAR

DT REGISTRATION DEADLINE

WORKSHOPS ANDSTUDIO OPEN DOORS

FUTURE BY DESIGN

2 0 1 6 A T A G L A N C EA D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 2 72 6

Somehow we have to make graphic design come alive for people. We need to show them why we are proud to be designers.Rod McDonald RGD, Type Designer

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 2 92 8

We need to find the drive to create work that is truly world-class, and to make people take note.

Claire Dawson RGD, Underline Studio

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 3 13 0

Designers are first and foremost in business; an integral and viral component in economic development.Tony Jurgilas RGD, 50 Carleton

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 3 33 2

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

Janice Van Eck RGD, Freelance Art Director and Designer

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 3 53 4

Design is a tool for meaningful differentiation, but only if designers understand it’s about more than being cool, beautiful or stylish.Barry Quinn RGD, Juniper Park/TBWA

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 3 73 6

Strive for design solutions that uniquely position your clients.Bob Hambly RGD, Hambly & Woolley

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 3 93 8

Embrace paradoxes; they give rise to beautiful, creative tensions that make design come alive.Vanessa Eckstein RGD, Blok Design

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 4 14 0

With such a wealth of resources and knowledge, RGD has been instrumental in guiding the direction of my career.

Christina Whitfield RGD, Cornerstone Media Productions

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 4 34 2

It’s so satisfying to see design come to life, get used and change people’s lives.Frank Chartrand RGD, Edenspiekermann

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 4 54 4

Being a designer allows me to grow and be challenged every day.Wendy Millard RGD, Empire Life

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 4 74 6

Be creative with purpose.Maurissa Grano, Creative Odyssey Marketing and Design

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 4 94 8

RGD members share a love, respect and appreciation for good design and we stand by it. There is value in our designation because each and

every one of us sets an example for high standards in our profession.Diego Casco RGD, ClarkHuot

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 5 15 0

As designers we have a responsibility to challenge norms, explore possibility and help shape the future of human experience.Gregory Neely RGD, Forge Media + Design

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 5 35 2

Keep it simple—over-complicating the design approach and trying to do too many things leads to crowded design.

Ryan Thompson RGD, Character Creative

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 5 55 4

Re-branding is a collaborative process. You must work closely with the client. Form questions, gather information, analyze and repeat.Marko Zonta RGD, Zync

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 5 75 6

For me, RGD is a resource for information and insight that helps me make sense of the industry as it evolves.

Rory Kelly RGD, Freelance Graphic Designer

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 5 95 8

Great design starts with asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers. Eileen Ugarkovic RGD, NATIONAL Equicom

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 6 16 0

Design is not just giving the client what they want; it’s partnering with them to achieve something they never imagined.

Bruce Wrighte RGD, Freelance Art Director

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E 6 36 2

DESIGN: PRINT: PAPER:

Finch Opaque 12pt/100lbCFinch Opaque 70lbTforgemedia.ca

RGD FIELD GUIDE SPONSORS RGD PARTNERS

A D E S I G N E R ’ S F I E L D G U I D E6 4