The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada is Canadaʼs national certification body for graphic and communication design and since 1956 has established standards for design professionals, educators, and leaders. GDC licenses and certifies members whose services the standardized criteria. GDC was Canada’s first distinct group to professionalize graphic design as a distinct field.
History
In 1956 designers Frank Davies, John Gibson, Frank Newfeld, and Leslie Smart met in Toronto to form the Society of Typographic Designers of Canada. In 1968 the organization changed its name to the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada with the Federal Charter approved on in 1976, unifying the country under one national association. In 1996 GDC’s five Ontario Chapters combined to form the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario and received provincial legislation granting them authority to use the title of Registered Graphic Designer and the R.G.D. designation within the province of Ontario. GDC celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2006 with a commemorative stamp from Canada Post. Today GDC has chapters throughout Canada and has representation in every province and territory as well as many international members.
Friends and Affiliates of GDC
GDC is well-respected internationally and is a member of the International Council of Design, the worldwide non-governmental body representing graphic and communication designers, allowing members to attain international recognition, professional development, and a global perspective on graphic design. GDC is one of the ten largest association members in ico-D and has been a member since 1974. GDC is also allied with the Societe des Designers Graphiques du Quebec, representing graphic designers in Quebec, the University and College Designers Association, the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators, and the Australian Graphic Design Association. In September 2010 the GDC adopted membership changes to replace the MGDC and LGDC certifications with a new CGD™ certification in order to reduce confusion over the meaning of the MGDC designation.
Activities
The GDC maintains a national certified body of graphic and communication designers and promotes standards of graphic design and ethical business practices for the benefit of Canadian industry, commerce, public service and education. Through the media, publications, seminars, events, conferences and exhibits, the GDC builds awareness of graphic and communication design and its essential role in business and society. Since 1960, the GDC has been recognizing as Fellows those designers who make major contributions to Canadian graphic design. Designers who have received the honour include Allan Fleming, Burton Kramer, Chris Yaneff, Paul Arthur, Jim Rimmer, and Mark Busse.
Organization
As of July 2014, GDC consists of nine chapters across Canada, facilitating a national, ongoing exchange of ideas and information for designers and students:
GDC is a professional member of ico-D, the worldwide non-governmental body representing the graphic design profession. This provides GDC members with the opportunity for international recognition, professional development, and a global perspective on graphic design. The Société des designers graphiques du Québec, representing graphic designers in the province of Quebec, has a formal relationship with the GDC.
CGD Certification
GDC certifies and licenses members whose services meet the standardized criteria. The CGD certification mark is recognized across Canada as the mark of professional services and ethical business conduct. Current certification requirements and guidelines can be found at gdc.design.
