Professional membership in the GDC provides designers with an opportunity to prove their professional excellence and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.

Are GDC members accredited or certified?
GDC professional members are nationally certified. A designer with the CGD designation is recognized across Canada as a highly qualified professional with an excellent standard of work and ethical business conduct.

What are the advantages and benefits of being a professional member and will it mean more business for me? Your national Certification ( CGD ) will give you an advantage when submitting your qualifications for work. More and more, CGD is becoming recognized by government and business as a signal of excellence in the field of graphic and communication design. The GDC Code of Ethics will set you apart from non-members in the field of design. Employers and contractors respect those who adhere to ethical guidelines in their business dealings. You will also have a portfolio review and therefore be “pre-qualified” for prospective employers or contractors.

In terms of gaining more business: Professionally certified members often command and can justify higher hourly rates and have certain advantages in the marketplace. For instance, Government communications officers and other employers are urged to consider the CGD designation as a requirement for hiring. Canada Post will only commission stamp design contracts to professional members of the GDC, SDGQ or RGDON.

Your CGD designation makes you a more valuable employee, and opens doors to employment opportunities. GDC chapters promote professional members and the value of hiring an CGD.

Find out more about the benefits of GDC membership