The GDC is important to me because it recognizes the importance of a standard for quality graphic design. Dean Kulbida MGDC, Saskatchewan South Chapter

During more than 40 years’ membership in GDC and other design associations, I have observed and had the benefit of pooling professional experience while maintaining contact with local, national, international colleagues of like mind. I have learned much from those with differing approaches and views, and have made some friends for life along the way. Walter Jungkind FGDC, Alberta North Chapter

The GDC values and Code of Ethics have always been part of my professional creed, which is why I became a member and advocate. Over the years, the GDC quickly became my full-time ‘mentor.’ It consistently provides me with current and relevant news in my chosen profession as a graphic designer. Grant Tomchuk MGDC, Atlantic Chapter

The GDC unites and connects us as Canada-wide professionals. Elida Arrizza Graduate, Member at Large, Quebec

As a member of the GDC, I continue to learn more about my profession through services such as the Listserv, the website and the occasional social. My ongoing involvement with the design community helps me to continually redefine what I do and improve my skills and knowledge of design beyond what I experienced in school. I also value the direct connection that I have with other designers working in other parts of Canada. The design profession is changing and evolving like a comet, and as an active member I can keep up with that advancement. The GDC is a great way for me to stay involved and informed. Lauren Trimble Graduate, Vancouver Island Chapter

In the early ’90s, when I chose self-employment, and one thing I missed as a sole proprietor was creative interaction. The Vancouver Island Chapter was just being formed, and I got involved. I acquired a steadily-growing community of people who spoke my language, had answers to my questions and were willing to go to the wall over the shape of a serif. I was home! I’ve gained so much from my membership and involvement with the GDC: opportunities to expand my professional knowledge and leadership skills, represent my profession to a broader community and help bring valuable resources to my profession; I’ve been inspired by colleagues and made friends. My involvement with the GDC has been among the most rewarding relationships of my career. Miriam MacPhail MGDC, Vancouver Island Chapter

Being a member of the GDC helped me to understand the working standards of graphic designers in Canada. I have a university degree in Graphic Design from Cuba and more than 10 years’ experience. As soon as I became an MGDC, I was able to find a better job by attending GDC meetings, workshops and conferences, meeting other designers and understanding the industry in Canada. Yails Hernandez MGDC, Saskatchewan North Chapter

The GDC provides me with a professional body to show clients and peers that graphic design is a profession. Not a hobby. Not a skill. It’s a vocation and needs to be respected as such. “Everyone is a graphic designer,” or so the saying goes. My retort is: not if you’re not a member of the GDC. Todd Yeadon LGDC, Atlantic Chapter

In early 2006, I packed up my business and moved 6,000 km and 4 time zones away from my network of clients and industry peers. That distance is equivalent to a few countries in other parts of the world. Because of my GDC involvement and membership, starting over in new city was simple—as easy as attending a chapter event. Having access to a network of peers who share common professional standards is worth 10 years or more of membership fees for the time, energy and money it saved me. I believe that a GDC member could go to any chapter in the country and be welcomed as I was. Jennifer Romita MGDC, BC Chapter

The GDC is an essential asset to me both personally and professionally. Living above the 60th parallel is a wonderful adventure, but it can also be isolating. Being a part of the GDC gives me the network and access to all things design. It keeps me up to date with the latest and greatest things happening in the design world outside the north. I’m proud and happy to be part of this great organization. It’s brought the talented designers of our northern territories together. Allison Howie MGDC, Arctic Chapter

I value my GDC membership for so many reasons...the most precious is knowing I am part of a family of like-minded designers who know in their hearts how and why they must use their professional skills to improve the world. David Berman R.G.D., FGDC, Member-at-Large, Ontario

Today, communities are not defined by specific geographic location only, but by many other criteria. I am proud to live and work in Canada, and the GDC provides a safe community where I can share my thoughts and ideas with others who “get it.” I do not have to preface my comments before making them. It’s great to be a member of GDC and be both contributor to and recipient of the collective knowledge that each member brings to the information-sharing community on the Listserv. Segun Olude MGDC, Manitoba Chapter

GDC membership is valuable because you become part of a community that extends from the local level to the national to the international. Sue Colberg MGDC, Alberta North Chapter

I joined the GDC because peer review attests that my level of skill is of national, professional calibre; and the GDC professional designation separates me from legions of dtp software jockeys and dime-a-dozen “creative freelancers.” Having a network of professionals united in ethical practice and graphic pursuit helps my professional growth as well. It’s one of the best things I have done for my career. Jon Whipple MGDC, BC Chapter

Investing in GDC’s collective process has provided ongoing opportunities for learning, sharing with peers, creative stimulation, collaboration, and contributing to best practices. I see the GDC as a family, and I can’t imagine not being part of it. Robert L. Peters FGDC, Manitoba Chapter

I know that my money is going to Canada’s largest group of designers with the common goal of keeping graphic design recognized as a profession deserving respect. That alone keeps me paying my dues each year. Being a GDC member gives me access to a massive network of like-minded Canadians from all walks of life. It also gives me the opportunity to showcase my work, both on the website and through Icograda. Furthermore it has opened many doors in my career, including my current position with an advertising agency in Atlantic Canada. Danielle Autran LGDC, Atlantic Chapter

GDC membership has helped link me to the design community both locally and nationally. Margo Visser MGDC, Alberta South Chapter

It used to be that graphic designers were skilled in combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines or books. Today, the emphasis has shifted to designing our entire life cycle. Canada’s new economies are being lead by right-brained design talent. The GDC represents Canada’s largest unified front for the advocacy of design professionals for these new economies. Reginald Hamilton MGDC, Alberta South Chapter

My GDC membership is important to me because it provides me with a real sense of community. Also, the resources available to members, such as the website and newsletters, are invaluable for keeping up to date with the graphic design community. Sheila P. Morrison LGDC, Alberta North Chapter

Since joining the GDC and becoming more involved in the association, I have found the primary value is the MGDC title itself. This seems to set me apart—which clients appreciate—and that has been valuable to me and my business. Mark Busse MGDC, BC Chapter

We are very fortunate to have the GDC to help build, enhance and promote the credibility of our profession and to have such a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and resources freely for the benefit of all members. Anyone who is a professional should belong. Catharine Bradbury MGDC, Saskatchewan South Chapter

Certification, ethics, community. The GDC backs me up with national certification and the GDC Code of Ethics. It stands by me, as it educates the public about speculative work and hiring practices. And it connects me to a vibrant network of inspiring colleagues. Peggy Cady FGDC, Vancouver Island Chapter

It’s a one-stop designer co-op. Collective experience, expertise and excellence. Need I say more? Lee Huscroft, Associate, Manitoba Chapter

The GDC represents far more than an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, it is a true affirmation of belonging. It is a lasting statement in support of my chosen profession. I can’t imagine not being a contributing member of the professional organization representing my field. My affiliation with the GDC has contributed substantially to my network, career, confidence, self-worth and prosperity. Dean McNeill MGDC, Atlantic Chapter

Being a member of the GDC gives me the opportunity to exchange new ideas with fellow professional designers and sponsors within my community. It is comforting to know that support is there when I need it. Tara Joy Kerner LGDC, Vancouver Island Chapter

My status as a GDC member is important to me because it tells my clients I’ve been certified by my peers to have a measurable standard of expertise as a professional designer. It signals to my peers that I care about our profession and want to give back to it, and help shape how it is perceived and evolves. And for myself, it connects me to a community of like-minded individuals, all committed to improving our world through design and communication. Matthew Warburton FGDC, BC Chapter

The GDC has given me the opportunity to connect with some pretty amazing people from across Canada. Ben Kunz MGDC, Alberta South Chapter

I find graphic designers are such bright, creative and passionate people. [It’s really a shame that they didn’t decide to do something more useful with their life. ;)] Being involved in the GDC is a practical way to meet, engage with and be inspired by great designers in Saskatoon, around Saskatchewan, across Canada and, in fact, throughout the whole wide world. Randy Hergott MGDC, Saskatchewan North Chapter

As a student, the GDC gives me an opportunity to network with professional designers in my area and across the country. It provides a valuable resource of current happenings in the industry. The scholarship opportunities aren’t too shabby either. Janaya Gillis, Student, Atlantic Chapter

I feel that being part of the GDC lets me have a voice to speak to the public about good design and business practices. The benefits of being part of a large organization have helped my business gain credibility with my current and potential clients. The GDC as a whole body promotes and advocates good design, which raises the bar of design practices in Canada. I am more than pleased with my membership as it gives me great news and resources, and keeps me up-to-date with legal practices and ethics in the sometimes complex design business world. As a right-brain creative type, I need all the help I can get in learning the business side of design. Kim Picket associate, BC Chapter

Exploring the natural and curious aspects of rural Manitoba keeps me creative; the GDC helps me stay connected. Melanie Martin, Student, Manitoba Chapter

If you consider yourself a professional, membership is imperative. Full stop. The biggest bonus I get from my membership is that the GDC helps turn competitors into friends. This informal network is a powerful tool to help raise the bar for the industry. When we are familiar with each other’s practices, it empowers us all to be more confident in our dealings with clients. Oh, and the parties are great, too! David Coates FGDC, BC Chapter

GDC membership is valuable as a networking tool. In this digital age of forums, groups and virtual communities, designers can no longer afford to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. The collective knowledge we can gain is too valuable not to be shared with the whole of our industry. Steven Bamburak LGDC, Manitoba Chapter

I value the GDC as a benchmark of quality, touchstone for the design community, access point for novice and immigrating designers, source of professional development and advocate for design as a professional business practice. Although the industry has changed a great deal at a tactical level, the strategic value of the trained graphic designer as a source of knowledge of our visual language and how it is used to communicate across all media is strongly supported by this organization. I am a proud and grateful member of the GDC. Catherine Worrall MGDC, BC Chapter

The GDC has not only opened my eyes to other individuals excelling in the world of design but created a community to turn to as a young designer. It has helped me continue learning while working in the industry, as well as provided me with a set of standards to aim for in my graphic design career. Danna Beatty, Graduate, Alberta North Chapter

For such a small investment, the GDC provides valuable resources that keep me current in the graphic design industry. The benefits include professional credibility, increased business and industry networking. With these wonderful savings, the GDC has also enabled me to get this cool haircut. Derryl P. Kostynuik MGDC, Alberta South Chapter

Being a professional in any field requires a baseline of accountability and inspiration. The GDC provides both of these things in the context of a peer group where events, executive meetings and informal relationships positively enhance our abilities and compel us to raise the bar. The GDC promotes good will between design firms to share information that serves the profession as a whole, and the great events that the association produces are illuminating, adding the lifelong learning element that is key to our industry. As an opportunity to give back to this wonderful creative community, the GDC is invaluable. Rod Roodenburg MGDC, BC Chapter

Why I feel membership in the GDC is valuable to me: it is entertaining, enlightening, exciting, encouraging, empowering and enduring. Nancy Wu MGDC, BC Chapter

I think it’s very important for us, as designers, to have an organization that represents our collective interests. The GDC offers me opportunities to meet, socialize and exchange ideas with my peers, and the benefits I receive far outweigh my yearly membership fee. I believe my membership in the GDC gives me instant credibility as a professional designer. Jim Hudson MGDC, Atlantic Chapter

I love the GDC. As a professional graphic designer, it’s one of the most important affiliations I have. It connects me with other designers and keeps me abreast of the changing trends within the field. Clients recognize the MGDC as a professional signature. Jenus Friesen MGDC, Vancouver Island Chapter

I believe that the GDC is building a strong community that helps Canadian professionals unite, share and create unique designs that have the power to motivate and effect positive changes in communities at home and around the country. We should not only have the desire to become better designers everyday, but we should also strive to find new ways to bring past and present experiences together to create a foundation that works to make a difference well into the future. Adriana Bernal LGDC, Alberta South Chapter

The GDC is valuable for a new designer because it provides a network and resources for the questions you always wanted to ask. Kara Pecknold, Graduate, BC Chapter

Graphic design is the only career I’ve ever known. For the last two decades, it has allowed me to make a good living in three different countries and there has never been a dull day. Being a part of the GDC enables me to give something back to a profession that has treated me well. As the face of our profession changes and many more people seek to join our field, we all need to support the presence of a credible and unified voice to uphold the expertise that defines professional graphic designers. Judy Snaydon MGDC, BC Chapter

The merger of design education and practice provides an opportunity to explore and experience possibilities for the future with knowledge from the past. The GDC challenges and empowers members to create initiatives of genuine value that benefit individuals, communities and society at large. May Chung MGDC, Atlantic Chapter

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