World Graphics Day marks the birthday of Icograda, the International Council of Graphic Design Associations. Ours is one of the most influential professions in the world. It shapes the daily lives of people everywhere. World Graphics Day is an opportunity to recognise communication design and its role in the world.

GDC joins in celebrating design organizations around the world – bringing value to our profession, giving designers a voice, showcasing our work and providing us with a national and international presence.

Communication designers around the world, connected by a passion for their profession, are asked to take a moment to collectively feel pride in the work they do in their communities. Let's reflect, and hope that our profession will continue to contribute to a better, sustainable world.

Our talents are needed.

What an amazing time to be a designer!  We can see events unfolding all around the world. We can communicate instantly with each other in many different ways. It is my hope that design professionals will use their considerable talents and connections and act to aid in the recovery efforts for the immense, on-going tragedy in Japan. Many may already be involved with non-profit organizations offering assistance to those affected by the disaster. Now is the time to step up your involvement and be pro-active. We can help.

Icograda is taking action: President Elect, Leimei Julia Chiu has announced that Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organisation (JIDPO) and the Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. (JAGDA) are collaborating to collect case studies about how design can contribute to improving the quality of life in transitional shelters, an initiative they hope to make a global resource.  Designers can submit case studies via Facebook to Icograda www.facebook.com/Icograda and Designers 4 Japan, or e-mail

The The Institute for Information Design Japan has asked for our help. See www.gdc.net/designers/index/articles1070.php.

AIGA has offered support and is asking its members to get ivolved.

Donations are still welcomed and desperately needed to fund recovery efforts and to help those whose lives have been irrevocably changed by the the disaster. You can help by donating to the Red Cross and the new Aquent Japan Relief Fund.

Take World Design Day to heart. Take action.

                                                                                                    Peggy Cady FGDC