Membership in the GDC is open to Canadian citizens, residents of Canada, or Canadian citizens working abroad.
A certificate is given to members, certifying their membership status. MGDC members wear a silver lapel pin as a symbol of their professional status.
Associate, Graduate and Student applicants are required to submit a membership form (this can be completed online). Professional (MGDC) and Licentiate (LGDC) applicants must submit a membership form and resume as well as undergo a confidential portfolio review. Fellows (FGDC) and Honorary Fellows (Hon/FGDC) are nominated.
The R.G.D. (Registered Graphic Designer) designation is currently available only in Ontario through the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario, a provincial Association which was created by the GDC in 1996. Applicants are required to pass an exam administered by the Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers, meet educational requirements and present their portfolio to a review committee.
Professional Categories
Professional (MGDC)
Awarded to a practicing designer who has completed at least seven years, in total, of combined graphic design education and professional practice, and whose work and professional integrity are of acceptable standards. Applicants must submit a membership form and resume as well as undergo a confidential portfolio review. Practicing Web and new media designers are eligible to apply for MGDC status. Also included in this category are professional design educators and design administrators. N.B. A three or four year course of studies in graphic design is recommended, but not required.
Licentiate (LGDC)
Awarded to a practicing designer who has completed at least five years and less than seven years, in total, of combined graphic design education and professional practice, and whose work and professional integrity are of acceptable standards. Applicants must submit a membership form and resume as well as undergo a confidential portfolio review. Practicing Web and new media designers are eligible to apply for LGDC status. N.B. A three or four year course of studies in graphic design is recommended, but not required.
Professional (MGDC) Retired
Membership privileges are maintained after retirement with Chapter dues at a reduced rate.
Associate 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.
Graduate
Available to an individual who has graduated from a 2, 3, or 4 year full-time degree or diploma program of studies in graphic design at an academic institution within the previous three years.
Student
Available to any student attending a program of studies in graphic design.
Find out more about the value of joining as a Professional member
Find out more about the benefits of joining as a Professional member
Find out more about the certification process
Find out more about the benefits of joining as a Associate member
Read the eligibility details before applying
Download a PDF of membership fees
Ready to join as an Associate member? Click here
- 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.
