Graphic Design Organizations,

Communities, and Resources

Hanna Jung
Abigail Van Bremen
Erin Zolkosky

SI520 Winter 2010

Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  Share graphic designers’ works and provide feedback to each other.

•  Encourage collaboration and communal experience.
•  Less Costly - More Effective way to find graphic design resources.
•  Graphic designers find potential clients and business opportunities.

1. American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

-Design Archives
- AIGA – Detroit, Michigan community
2. Graphic Design Community 2.0
3.  Graphics.com
4.  International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

www.aiga.org

•  The oldest and largest

professional membership
organization for design.

•  Membership
•  Events
•  Competition
•  News
•  Jobs & Community
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) - Membership

•  Discount on products and

services such as Adobe,
Apple, Fedex.

•  Professional development
tools, information and
resources.

•  Special offers.

•  Designer directory
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) - Events"

•  Events
•  Conferences
•  Exhibitions
•  Leadership Retreat
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – Design Competition

•  Eligibility Requirements
•  Award of $10,000
•  Scholarship
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – Job Opportunities"

Match talented candidates with

jobs from firms including:
•  Amazon
•  Bloomberg
•  Facebook
•  IDEO
•  Nokia
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – Design Archive"

designarchives.aiga.org"
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – Detroit

detroit.aiga.org"

•  375+ members with

a network reaching out
to the entire Michigan
creative community.

•  Events
•  Membership
•  Job opportunities
•  Blog
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  Graphic Design Community 2.0

www.graphicdesigncommunity.com

•  A social networking
community site for
professionals and
students.

•  Free to join

•  Resource directory

•  Events
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  Graphic Design Community 2.0 - Members

Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  Graphic Design Community 2.0 – Rate’em

Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)

www.icograda.org
Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)

Graphic Design Organizations and Communities

•  International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)

•  Galeria
•  International Design Exhibit
Other Online Resources
Other Online Resources

Communities have Resources, often Free,

to simultaneously promote themselves and help
others expand design capabilities.

                                             "
Other Online Resources
Blogs May Provide Good Examples
Tutorials for Software Francesco Mugani
www.francescomugnai.com

Inspiration Inspired Magazine Online

inspiredm.com
Free WallPapers                       Smashing Magazine
Fonts                                          www.smashingmagazine.com
Icon Sets Da Font
Photo Editing Software www.dafont.com
Creative Applications
www.creativeapplications.net

GIMP
www.gimp.org
Art Business Information Art Biz Blog
www.artbizblog.com
A Good Way to Find Them?

Check the Bottom of the Page!

Magazines
Print

•  “Design for Curious Minds”

•  Bimonthly magazine about visual

culture and design.

•  www.printmag.com
–  Reviews
–  Articles
–  Galleries
–  Interviews
CMYK

•  “Create. Showcase. Inspire.”

•  Quarterly magazine featuring work

by rising stars and industry tips.

•  www.cmykmag.com
–  Articles
–  Blog
–  Portfolios
–  Email newsletter
HOW

•  “Design. Creativity. Business.”

•  Bimonthly magazine serving the

business, technological and
creative needs of graphic-design
professionals.

•  www.howdesign.com
–  Design exercises
–  Articles
–  Blog
–  Tips
–  Email newsletter
Communication Arts

•  Leading trade journal for visual

communications, showcasing
work in graphic design,
advertising, illustration,
photography and interactive
design.

•  www.commarts.com
–  Articles
–  Profiles
–  Ad campaigns
Computer Arts

•  One-stop shop for professional

advice on creating digital art and
illustrations.

•  Print copy comes with CD that

includes software, stock imagery,
free fonts, actions and textures.

•  www.computerarts.co.uk
–  Gallery
–  News
–  Reviews
–  Tutorials
Need More Inspiration?
Visit Your Local Library or Bookstore

Browsing is FREE!
Log on to Scribd

Class presentations are a valuable reference tool

Beyond SI520
Software Certification

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

•  Demonstrate a “professional level” in proficiency with one or
more Adobe software products.
–  Pass one or more product-specific proficiency exams.

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

•  Certifies individuals have the entry-level skills to plan, design,
build, and maintain effective communications using different
forms of digital media.
–  Exams for Rich Media Communication, Web
Communication, and Visual Communication.
Should I get Adobe Certified?

•  Pros
–  Credential looks good on your resume.
–  Requires you to develop thorough knowledge of the
software’s capabilities.

•  Cons
–  Extra $
–  Recertification necessary for product upgrades.
–  A great portfolio can demonstrate your skills without the
time or expense of certification.
Graphic Design and Your Career

Now You’re a(n)… Applied Graphic Design Skills

Interaction Designer Mockups
User Experience Designer Wireframes
Web Designer Storyboards

Librarian Signage
School Media Specialist Bulletin boards
Archivist Public exhibits

Product Manager Flow charts

Presentations

Policy Analyst Reports