RGD

The RGD has partnered with Creative Arts Financial, designating it as the Financial Partner. Creative Arts Financial, a division of FirstOntario Credit Union, is dedicated to serving the financial needs of the creative community. Its mission is to empower artists, innovators and creative professionals through personalized banking solutions, strong community support and a commitment to helping them thrive.

The RGD's Educational Partner Program connects post-secondary design programs directly with Canada's largest community of graphic designers—and the benefits go far beyond a logo on a website. Through the program, schools that enroll a minimum of 40 students in Student RGD Membership (at a reduced rate of $40 per student) gain access to a suite of promotional, networking and professional development opportunities that strengthen both their programs and their students' career readiness.

Skip to main content From the gleam of ancient coins to the sheen of a space-age flight suit, silver has long been humanity's colour of the future. In the late 1950s, the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) initiated Project Mercury. Its goal: to send humans into space. Seven astronauts were selected to assist the USA in its race against the USSR to put a man on the moon.

This July, we thank Meghan D'Mello RGD for her contribution to the RGD community. How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity? I've been volunteering with the RGD for about 6 years.

From reconciliation action plans to diplomas issued in nine Indigenous languages, design shapes how institutions and communities recognize, celebrate and sustain Indigenous identity in Canada. The projects featured here span brand identity, information design, community communications and government documents.

Design education often begins with “universal” rules, but what happens when those rules are culturally specific? In my early design education, I was introduced to Bauhaus, Swiss typography and grid systems as if they were the natural starting point of all visual thinking. The message was consistent: Learn the rules before you break them. At the time, this felt helpful. These systems gave structure to something that initially felt overwhelming. But over time, I began to notice what was missing.

I always feel creatively invigorated in the summer. This year, my city was engulfed in a long, dark and very cold winter, so the warmer temperatures and sunshine have really helped me get back into a creative groove. And it seems this is the case for many creatives, as I noticed that there are amazing workshops popping up this summer to encourage creatives alike to gather and learn some new skills.

It's incumbent upon designers with clients based in Quebec, or clients who do business in Quebec, as well as Quebec-based designers to be aware of the language laws so that you don't get yourself or your clients into trouble, possibly incurring fines or extra costs. It's an ever-shifting landscape, with the most recent French language laws passed in June 2025, that especially affect language use on signage.

Apply for the RGD Mentorship Program to be paired up with a Mentor who can prepare you to enter the professional design industry. Fill out an application by July 6, 2026. On the form, you will be asked to select your top three choices from the list of mentors presented below.

This June, we thank Zia Somjee RGD for his contribution to the RGD community. How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity? I've been involved with various RGD initiatives for the last year or so, but I formally started volunteering earlier this year as part of the local events committee, and now as a board member and events committee co-chair. What experience/memory stands out for you?