RGD

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<p>The Association of Registered Graphic Designers represents over 4,000 design practitioners, including firm owners, freelancers, managers, educators and students. </p><p> </p><p>RGD was created by an Act of the Ontario Legislature (Bill Pr 56) to grant designers with the designation "Registered Graphic Designer"​ or "RGD," and is the only graphic design association in North America to have this type of legislation. </p><p> </p><p>The RGD designation is a signal of quality and competence. Successful candidates have met a rigorous set of standards and completed a test and portfolio interview, administered by the Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers.</p><p></p><p>Through RGD, Canadian designers exchange ideas, educate and inspire, set professional standards and build a strong, supportive community dedicated to advocating for the value of design. Our vision is for a graphic design profession that is valued for its contribution to life, commerce and society.</p><p></p><p>Other initiatives include:</p><p></p><p>Programming: </p><p>- Annual DesignThinkers Conference (spring in Vancouver/autumn in Toronto)</p><p>- Local events, eg. film screenings, Design Socials and Portfolio Reviews </p><p>- Mentorship Program</p><p></p><p>Professional development:</p><p>- Weekly professional development webinars </p><p>- The Business of Graphic Design: A Professional’s Handbook</p><p></p><p>Communications: </p><p>- RGD Newsletter </p><p>- Updates on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn</p><p></p><p>Awards: </p><p>- International Social Good Design Awards </p><p>- National Student Awards</p><p>- In-House Design Awards</p><p>- DesignThinker of the Year Award</p><p>- Design Educator of the Year Award </p><p></p><p>Advocacy:</p><p>- Creative Earners Survey of Salaries &amp; Billing Practices in the Canadian Design Industry</p><p>- No SPEC</p><p>- Free, Fee or Flee</p><p></p><p>Accessibility: </p><p>- AccessAbility Handbook and resources</p>