Key Graphic Design Organizations

by Sarah Clark
Sarah.clark@graphicdesignschoolreview.com
Graphic Design School Review Columnist

Just about every career counselor will tell you that relevant professional contacts are important to any job search. Professional knowledge is also key in job-hunting success. Where can you get both? Learn what the following graphic design organizations can do for your career.

Color Association of the United States

Want to learn more about color and its impact on graphic design and global communication? The Color Association has been keeping its members on the forefront of trends and noteworthy developments in the use of color since 1915. Don't make a faux pas and use color in a culturally insensitive manner--take your cues on hues from the Color Association.

The Art Directors Club

If the field you're interested in is better described as visual arts rather than the more narrowly-focused graphic arts, then consider looking into the Art Director's Club. Like the Color Association, it also has a long history, beginning with its founding in 1920. Illustrators, filmmakers, graphic designers, and multimedia artists come together in various forums hosted by the Art Director's Club. Learn more about their events, including contests geared toward aspiring visual artists like you.

The Society for News Design

Are you interested in graphic design and journalism? If you answered yes, check out the Society for News Design, an organization dedicated to promoting the profession of visual journalism. Learn more about how images, graphics, and text make the news more informative, engaging, and credible.

American Institute of Graphic Arts

This New York-based professional association is the epicenter of much activity in the world of graphic design. The American Institute of Graphic Arts provides numerous opportunities to rub shoulders with innovators in graphic design, including a variety of well-attended conferences and smaller professional gatherings. AIGA's website also includes a section devoted to educating young people about careers in graphic design.

The Society of Publication Designers

If the publishing industry is where you want to pursue your career after graphic design school, start your job search with the Society of Publication Designers, a group founded in 1965 to advance the community of publication designers and art directors. Want to become the next art director or graphic artist working at the New Yorker magazine? Join the SPD and start mingling with some of the publishing industry elite.

The right organization can be the key to your future.

Sources
AIGA
The Art Director's Club
The Color Association of America
The Society for News Design

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in education and career development.