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What does RGD mean? |
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The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario encourages practitioners to become accredited because, "The R.G.D. designation is a signal of competence and quality to buyers of graphic design services, helping them distinguish between professional graphic designers and those persons with little or no training who purport to offer graphic design services."
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In 1996, the Ontario government passed legislation making graphic design a registered profession. Accreditation (RGD) ensures that certain standards have been met by the designer: combined education/experience of at least seven years including a minimum of three years post-secondary design training and a minimum three years of industry experience; successful completion of a written exam and portfolio review; demonstrated knowledge of business practices, adherence to a code of ethics and provision of satisfactory references. Although it is not necessary to be registered in order to practice graphic design, it is illegal to call yourself a registered graphic designer if you are not.
There are many highly qualified designers who are not yet registered. Unfortunately, there are also many people who have purchased a computer and offer "design services". All too often their clients receive artwork that cannot be commercially printed, used for signage, enlarged, modifed and so on. Before hiring any designer, check to see if the designer has done other work similar to your job, tell them all the different uses you have in mind for your project and ask for references or work samples. |
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