Professional Membership Categories:
Professional (MGDC)
For practicing designers, including Web and new media designers, professional design educators and design administrators with at least seven years of graphic design education and professional practice.
Please note: although three or four year course of studies in graphic design is recommended, it is not required.
Licentiate (LGDC)
Licentiate is the "half-way" point to becoming an MGDC. It is intended for junior designers who have completed at least five years and less than seven years, in total, of combined graphic design education and professional practice. Web and new media designers are eligible to apply for LGDC status.
Please note: although three or four year course of studies in graphic design is recommended, it is not required.
Find out more about the value of joining as a Professional member
Find out more about the benefits of joining as a Professional member
Download a PDF of membership fees
Find out more about the certification process
Read the eligibility details before applying
Associate Membership Categories:
Associate
Available to any professional engaged in a field related to graphic design. Related fields can include communications, marketing, print production, printing, illustration, photography, writing, computers and technology, web programming, etc.
Student
Available to any student currently enrolled in a graphic design program.
Graduate
Available to an individual who has graduated within the previous three years from a two-year or more full-time degree or diploma program in graphic design at a recognized academic institution.
Find out more about the benefits of joining as a Associate member
Download a PDF of membership fees
Read the eligibility details before applying
Ready to join as an Associate member? Click here
Member at Large:
If you do not live in geographical proximity to an existing GDC Chapter. You can still join as a GDC member in any of the categories listed above. Members at Large have the same rights and responsibilities, and National benefits as members attached to a GDC Chapter. A Member at Large applicant pays membership fees directly to the National Society.
Other Categories:
Sponsor
As a volunteer organization, sponsors are an integral component of the GDC. Several levels of sponsorship opportunities exist.
Find out how to become a sponsor of the GDC.
Find out more about sponsorship
Patron
Patron status is granted to those who further the objectives and goals of the GDC through a financial endowment, substantial financial contribution or major gift.
To find out more contact the GDC Sponsorship Chair at sponsorship@gdc.net
Fellow
Fellowship (FGDC) Awarded to those who have made a major contribution to Canadian graphic design. This highest honour, conferred under special circumstances, carries full voting rights.
Find out about GDC Fellowship.
Find out more about GDC Fellows.
- If you do not live in geographical proximity to an existing GDC Chapter. You can still join as a GDC member.
- Choose from Professional or Associate membership.
- Take a look at the membership options below and see which one will work best for you.
- Become a certified professional member of the GDC.
- All members subscribe to the objectives, general goals and code of ethics of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada.
- Membership in the GDC is open to Canadian citizens, residents of Canada or Canadian citizens working abroad.
