Members of the GDC do not take part in design contests, and do not provide speculative creative or free concepts in response to RFPs.

We recommend that clients invest in the design process to get the most value for their organization.

A well-conceived and well-executed design makes the investment of time and money worthwhile. Should evaluation of designers on a competition basis be desired, this is the course of action the GDC recommends:

1. Evaluate firms through interviews. Meet and evaluate designers and review samples of work. Check references to evaluate the firm's reputation and existing client relationships. Visit Find a Designer to locate nationally certified designers. Look for the CGD certification mark.
2. Select for competition only those designers in whom there is serious interest. Limit the competition to three to five firms.
3. Prepare a thorough and detailed outline of the project and adequately brief the contending firms. Be sure that the contenders are all quoting on the same project description.
4. If preliminary creative work is required prior to commissioning the successful competitor, pay each firm equal compensation in accordance with the work. A professional designer does not engage in speculative, commercial projects. GDC members do occasional pro bono work for charitable organizations, and this work has its own set of guidelines.

Click here to download the Design Buyer's Guide.