GDC has been Canada’s national certification body for graphic and communication designers since 1956, establishing professional standards and actively regulating professional conduct. GDC is a member-based organization of design professionals, educators, administrators, students and affiliates in communications, marketing, media and design-related fields. Our members come together to advance the profession, grow professionally, mentor each other, show off their work, and enjoy the camaraderie.
What do we do?
As Canada’s national certification body for graphic and communication designers, GDC licenses the unique CGD™ certification mark only to designers, educators and administrators whose services meet rigorous, standardized criteria. The CGD certification mark is recognized across Canada.
Structure and Governance
GDC is a not-for-profit, adaptive and vibrant organization fueled by member participation. Members are encouraged to become involved with and access GDC through their local Chapter.
The National Council is essentially the united nations of GDC chapters, consisting of representatives from all over the country. The National Executive is the organizing and governing board of GDC. It is comprised of elected representatives who are charged with the responsibility of executing strategic initiatives and directions developed at the annual general meetings.
Our Constitution
GDC governs itself and conducts business activities using an official Constitution. Our Constitution is a living document that guides the Society and its members in a fair and balanced way. Modifications to the Constitution are considered at National AGMs or during extraordinary meetings. More detail on this and all other aspects of governance can be found in the GDC Constitution itself.
Our History
In 1956 a visionary group of designers [Frank Davies, John Gibson, Frank Newfeld, and Leslie (Sam) Smart] met in Toronto to form the Society of Typographic Designers of Canada (TDC).
Due to the rapid evolution of the profession, in 1968 the organization changed its name to the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC). Thanks to the efforts of a number of dedicated designers and design educators, negotiations between members of the original society, the federal government, and designers from every region of the country culminated in the granting of a Federal Charter in 1976, unifying the country under one national association. It was then that GDC truly became the national organization it is today.
In 1996 GDC’s five Ontario Chapters amalgamated 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 (seen above).
Today GDC has chapters throughout Canada and proudly boasts representation in every province and territory as well as many international members.
Friends and Affiliates of GDC
GDC is well-respected internationally. Our organization is a member of the International Council of Communication Design Assocations (Icograda), the worldwide non-governmental body representing graphic and communication designers. This allows our members to attain international recognition, professional development, and a global perspective on graphic design. GDC is one of the ten largest association members in Icograda and has been a member since 1974.
GDC is also allied with the Societe des Designers Graphiques du Quebec (SDGQ), representing graphic designers in Quebec, the University and College Designers Association (UCDA), the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).
Past GDC Presidents
1957-58: First President Leslie (Sam) Smart
1958-59: Frank Davies
1959-60: Frank Newfeld
1960-62: William Toye
1963-65: Gerry Moses
1965-66: Harold Kurschenska
1966-67: Hugh Michaelson
1967-68: John Gibson
1968-69: Carl Brett
1969-70: William Newton
1970-71: George Rolfe
1972-74: Burton Kramer
1968: TDC name changed to the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC).
1974: Founding meeting of the Council of Regional Representatives. Carl Brett, First National Interim President.
1975: Peter Dorn (Acting President)
1976: National Charter of Incorporation granted.
1976-78: First National elections, John Gibson, President
1978: Peter Dorn (Acting President)
1978-81: Walter Jungkind
1981-83: Jan van Kampen
1983-85: Gregory Silver
1985-87: Judith Gregory
1987-90: Don Dickson
1990-92: Michael Maynard
1992-94: Paul-Michael Brunelle
1994-96: Mary Ann Maruska
1996-98: Steven Rosenberg
1998-2000: David Coates
2000-2002: Cynthia Hoffos
2002-2004: Matthew Warburton
2004-2006: Peggy Cady
2006-2008: Dean McNeill
2008-2010: Rod Roodenburg
2010-2012: Jim Hudson
2012-2016: Adrian Jean
