The following resources offer a wealth of information for design professionals.
Communiqué is the National AIGA newsletter covering events, activities and initiatives.
AIGA Design:Business contains articles on the practical issues of running a design firm, based on the advice of nationally recognized consultants. It is aimed at those who are interested in learning more about running one’s own business.
Transitions was created for AIGA student members to assist in their education and eventual transition to the workplace as professional designers. It includes straightforward articles on subjects of interest to students, provides personal reading lists from the perspective of famous designers and offers references to other website materials you may find useful.
Many AIGA members have questions regarding copyright issues. Since legal questions require experts in the profession, AIGA has the resources of a lawyer, Frank Martinez, who has volunteered to help. He will answer questions sent to him by email at copyright@aiga.org.
AIGA has released a Business and Ethics Series outlining the critical professional issues encountered by designers and their clients. These articles examine key concerns designers face in maintaining a successful practice and speak directly to the protection of individual rights.
Read more about the Business and Ethics Series.
AIGA members are surveyed annually and the results are compiled in the AIGA Salary Survey. Information is organized by geographic region, design position, years of experience and other categories.
Get the full scoop on what you're worth.
The purpose of the statement of policy on professional practice is to provide all AIGA members with a clear standard of professional conduct. AIGA encourages the highest level of professional conduct in design. The policy is not binding. Rather, it reflects the view of AIGA on the kind of conduct that is in the best interest of the profession, clients, and the public.
A committee comprised of AIGA New York chapter members was formed to research the issue of graphic design work and contracts. This resulted in the creation of the AIGA Standard Form of Agreement for Graphic Design Services. The contract is explained in detail in “AIGA Professional Practices in Graphic Design”.
“AIGA Professional Practices in Graphic Design” is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of the graphic design business, from designer relationships with clients, employees, and suppliers to management issues, marketing strategies, rights, and ethical standards. It covers negotiations principles, setting fees, contracts, structuring the design firm, audits, insurance basics, studio safety, marketing on the World Wide Web, copyright and licensing, trademark infringement, and business ethics. Short and long versions of the AIGA Standard form of Agreement are included for easy reference, and a complete resources section highlights selected publications and organizations for graphic designers.
This document is intended to be used as a basis of agreement between designers and their clients. It has important legal consequences. Consultation with an attorney is encouraged with regard to its completion or modification.
This section of the AIGA website allows AIGA members to post a resume and samples of their work, or browse all job listings by field. Design Jobs also gives employers the opportunity to post their opening where the best designers will find it in a few easy steps.
Why hire a graphic designer? How do design and business work together to yield creative results? What is information design? These and other questions are answered in a unique area of the National AIGA website, designed especially for clients.
Read more on "A Clients Guide to Design: How to get the most out of the process"
