Information for foreign-trained graphic designers
(5241) Verified: 2009 09 22
Information on requirements to practise
Most occupations for graphic designers are not regulated in Canada; therefore, job requirements are determined by individual employers in the many branches of publishing, broadcasting, and communications. Most graphic designers must now be familiar with marketing and business practices, a wide range of information and communications technology, and graphic design and illustration software.
Professional membership is available across Canada with a national organization, the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC). GDC offers two categories of professional membership, with national certification. For more information, consult their Web site at http://www.gdc.net/join/member/articles103.htm, or contact:
- Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)
- Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue
- Ottawa ON K1N 6E2 Canada
- Phone : (613) 567-5400
- Phone (alternate): 1-877-496-4453
- Fax : (613) 564-4428
- Email : info@gdc.net
- http://www.gdc.net/
If you plan to practice in Ontario, please contact RGD Ontario, at http://www.rgdontario.com/; in Quebec, please consult the Web site of the Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ) at http://www.sdgq.qc.ca/. For information on professional membership in Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC, and the Arctic, please visit http://www.gdc.net/chapters/index.htm.
Information on assessment of qualifications
If you are asked or wish to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service and consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding:
Specific Provincial/Territorial Information
You may also be interested in the CICIC information pages for: