7 Professional Organizations for Graphic Designers
1. America Advertising Federation
The American Advertising Federation was established in 1905 and includes members from all disciplines of advertising. The organization has over 35,000 members and aims to promote diversity within the advertising industry while providing opportunities for professionals to build relationships with other like-minded individuals.
Member Benefits
Connect with leading names in the advertising industry
Member-only resource for industry job searches
Build relationships with professionals
2. AIGA
AIGA was founded in 1914 and is the oldest and largest membership-based organization within the design industry. The organization has over 75 chapters and more than 25,000 members, making it a significant community for design professionals. As the oldest and largest professional organization for graphic designers, AIGA offers extensive networking opportunities that are invaluable for career growth and collaboration. Members can also benefit from a variety of online workshops, which provide ongoing education and skill development tailored to the evolving needs of the design field.
Member Benefits
Association Healthcare Program Assistance
Access To Online Workshops
Networking Opportunities
Access to AIGA Community
3. Graphic Arts Guild
The Graphic Artists Guild has been around since 1967 and provides professional resources for freelancers and growing creative businesses. The Guild works to help designers and creatives ensure they are being treated and compensated fairly within the industry. They offer a wide range of downloadable resources and events for designers of all skill levels.
Member Benefits
Virtual meetups
Insurance Assistance
access to editable digital contracts
Monthly webinars
advice on the daily tasks of running a creative business.
4. Freelancers Union
Freelancers Union is a nonprofit organization based in New York, serving as a support system for freelancers big and small. The Union has over 500,000 members across the U.S. and provides education, advocacy, tools, and benefits for freelancers alike no matter the industry or income level.
Membership Benefits
Networking Opportunities
How-To Guides for Freelancers
Insurance & Healthcare Opportunities
Online Events
Free to join
5. One Club For Creativity
The One Club for Creativity is a nonprofit organization with a strong focus on advancing the global creative community. They achieve this through various initiatives such as education, diversity and inclusion, creative development, and promoting gender equality.
Member Benefits
Creative Development programs
In-Person Events
One on One Coaching
Reciprocal benefits at over 1,000 art museums across the United States and Canada.
6. Type Directors Club
The Type Directors Club is an international organization dedicated to the study of typography and type design. Since its establishment in 1946, the Type Directors Club has been working to support the growth of creative professionals within type design through traveling exhibits, events, conferences, courses, and workshops.
Membership Benefits
Annual Book Highlighting " The World’s Best Type and Typography"
Access to archives for past TDC lectures, exhibitions, and gatherings.
Reciprocal benefits at more than 800 art museums in the US and Canada,
7. Design History Society
The Design History Society, founded in 1977, is an organization dedicated to preserving the history of art and design. The society provides a platform for scholars, educators, and enthusiasts to share research and insights through conferences, publications, and workshops. Members benefit from access to a vast network of professionals and resources that support the study and appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of design.
Membership Benefits
Online access to the Journal of Design History Archive
Eligibility e for various grants and awards for design history research.
Professional networking opportunities within the field.
Voting rights on Society business and elections.