It's never been a better time to join Canada's professional association for design.
A design association is a collective of likeminded designers (web, ux, motion, print etc.), educators, students and passionate people from complementary industries who all believe that more can be accomplished for the enrichment and growth of the design profession when we work together. GDC has been Canada's national professional design association for more than 60 years.
The reasons to join GDC are different for everyone, but here are some reasons our current members have shared with us about what they value about GDC membership:
I already know the ropes, but I want to take my professional practice to the next level.
I want to extend my leadership skills from my practice to my profession.
I want to connect with other pros to enrich my network
Certification helps me lead by example, both amongst my peers and my clients.
I'm always looking for leading tools and resources to enrich my curriculum.
I want to remain connected to the profession and with other educators across the country/world.
I want to offer my students relevant career building value.
I want to advance my school's design program.
I want to connect with the professional world to get a jump on my career.
I want access to mentorship opportunities locally, and across Canada.
I want to access professional tools and resources that will help me earn fair wages for my skills.
I want to connect with other design leaders, educators and students across Canada
When you join GDC, all members receive the following benefits and perks. But the returns on membership extend far beyond discounts — with experiences and personal connections that inspire and inform and help furnish a stronger command of design and forge a stronger connection to Canada's national design community.
Partner perks are extras provided by GDC's support partners who want to support Canada's design profession by offering tools, services and products that help enrich Canadian designers' professional practice.
Click a membership level for details:
CGD Certification is licensed to practicing designers and educators whose services have been demonstrated to meet CGD national standards. Those who are CGD certified agree to abide by GDC rules of professional and ethical conduct and sustainable design practices. CGD certification requires you to hold yourself, your work, and your business to a higher standard.
GDC membership is open to all Canadian graphic and communication designers and educators. GDC members are firm owners, creative leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, in-house designers, freelancers, and students.
GDC Student membership is available for all students of graphic and communication design programs, and for up to 2 years after graduation.
Affiliate membership is available to any and all affiliated professions, organizations or individuals who support GDC's activities and goals and wishes to professionally link themselves with the organization.
*Monthly instalment plans incur a $2.50/month admin charge to cover additional banking fees. Refunds: Memberships may be cancelled within 15 days subject to a $60 administration fee. Refunds will be issued in the same tender used to make the purchase.
**Note: By listing these offers GDC does not specifically endorse the 3rd party resource (organization, company, product or service) nor does it take responsibility for member dealings with the 3rd party resource.