Empowering the freelance generation of Graphic Designers

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Hi there!

We are the Association of Graphic Designers and our mission is to give you what you need to be able to do what you do best.

How? Join up and we give you access to a hub of information including templates for contracts, professional advice and guides as well as financial structuring documents, plans and strategies; everything and more to help you shrug off the day-to-day niggly stuff and focus on being you... a creative.

Why are we doing this?

Let’s be honest, none of us really like spending more time on doing things that aren’t our favourite tasks. And so why should you? You should focus on being you, being creative, and loving your career, not number crunching, fighting those late paying clients and thinking about the IP and copyright of what you are producing. We are here to eliminate these aspects by providing you simple and easy to use solutions.

Join the movement!

Drop us your name and some details and we’ll provide you with all the need-to-know necessities once they’re released.

Sign me up!

But, there’s more!

Our mission is two fold. It’s not just to help you with running your ‘businessy’ bits. We want to change the world of freelance graphic design by devising an accreditation of quality that becomes globally recognised and respected.

Why? We all want to be able to demonstrate our skill and experience to prospective clients, but it can be tough if they've had a poor experience with design previously.

Currently we use our portfolios to help provide qualification of our abilities. Credentials and communication are also essential in demonstrating the wider landscape of our skills. Becoming an accredited member of the AOGD is helping to build a certification that will become globally recognised.

The reasons to apply for an accreditation varies from designer to designer, but here are a few key aspects to think about:

  • Conversation starter

    Using the AMAOGD (Accredited Member of the Association of Graphic Designers) after your name and having our accredited member logo on your website prompts intrigue and starts discussion between you and your potential clients.

  • Make ‘em look

    Having the AOGD accreditation on your site and to your name will drive other designers to investigate the cause, and, in turn, join the association, meaning a bigger and better pool of design standards across our profession, helping our accreditation to become globally respected.

  • Conversation starter

    We are developing a global accreditation and want this to go global. Being a part of our association will mean you have access to everything you need to build your business as well as drive change within our profession, subsequently, educating all that need to know on the importance of good design and how we should be treated. Think of it in a kind of chain-reaction way!

‘But I don’t need accreditation...’

I hear you. If you think you don’t need or don’t want accreditation, that’s absolutely fine. You are more than welcome to join the AOGD as a member and have access to all of the other great features that we have to offer.

But, maybe have a think about these points:

  • ‘Accreditation isn’t relevant to my clients’

    We deal with a lot of people that aren’t aware of the different skills and levels of skill within our industry. Having an accreditation is a way to initiate discussion with your clients about these differences, subsequently strengthening the relationship and dialogue you have with your clients, especially in a competitive marketplace. You show them you know about the industry and they’ll love you for it!

  • ‘I’ve been operating without accreditation. It won’t make any difference’

    The accreditation is perfect for you if you are already established. Why? Because it’s a mark of experience, accomplishment and expertise. The more we build this accreditation, the greater standing it will have for our profession.

  • ‘How can you judge something that’s subjective?’

    We know that design is subjective. We are not an artistic judgement association. We pride ourselves on being fair and unbiased when it comes to awarding our accreditations. It’s a quantitative measure of a designer’s demonstrated skills.

Tell me more!

Drop us your name and some details and we’ll provide you with all the need-to-know necessities once they’re released.

Sign me up!

How will it all work?

We have simple membership structures that will allow you to become a part of the association and/or an accredited member.

We will be releasing more details around the specifics of our memberships soon, but for now, here’s an outline.

  • AOGD

    Founding Member

  • AOGD

    Member

  • AOGD

    Influencer

  • AOGD

    Accredited Member

  • AOGD

    Partner

  • AOGD

    Supplier

Get in touch to find out more

We champion the new talent coming out into the industry and as such, we will have special discounted rates for educational institutes and students looking to join the Association of Graphic Designers. Please register your interest below for more details.

Register for Educational Discount

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Keep in touch!

Drop us your name and some details and we’ll provide you with all the need-to-know necessities once they’re released.

Sign me up!

Contact us

We want to hear your thoughts and opinions. This is an association built for you and so if you have any feedback, please get in touch. We’re all ears!

Drop us a message in the form below and we’ll be sure to look out for your comments.