Many years ago, before even becoming a member, I would visit the website at AIGA.org just to read the articles.  There were brilliant design essays written by Steven Heller, business advice from Tad Crawford, inspiration from Milton Glaser, and resources I could download and put to use immediately.  Today the writing is as strong as ever, the topics are relevant and the site always serves as a starting point for me on the ever evolving industry of design.  Perhaps you have visited that web site as well.  Or perhaps you haven’t even heard of AIGA.

AIGA – The professional association for design, consists of some of the best designers and creative minds in the nation.  It not only embraces graphic design but a host of uniting disciplines such as photography, illustration, web design, programming, and writing. The organization works to promote professional development for designers and creatives at any stage of their career and it serves as a source for inspiration and education for its members and the public on matters of design value, best practices and The Living Principals.

Despite all that, I really couldn’t imagine what membership might bring to me… after all, I was already able to read all those great articles online. I could browse resources.  And if I really wanted to attend an event I’d just pay the extra $10, $20, $50 bucks as a non-member and go to the events that interested me. Finally, at the urging of Fred Caserta, I took the plunge and invested the $300 to become an official card carrying member.

I honestly can’t explain what happened once I received the organization’s email confirming my membership and then the silver ID card which later arrived in the mail.  It was an unexpected feeling.  I can only explain it as somehow I felt like a part of something bigger. I was no longer a solo writer/designer working in my home office and the principles which guided my business became higher inspired.

When I attended my first AIGA event and introduced myself, I found that these people were really quite gracious.  I was welcomed warmly and best of all they understood and supported my obsessive search for the perfect drawing pen.  They knew what I meant when I spoke about the beauty of paper and they knew what it felt like to put a  successful design out into the world.

Designers also think differently. Nearly all of them have this creative yet analytical way of attacking a problem.  They are not afraid to take something apart and put it back together again for the betterment of all involved. For a gal that loves process, I was in my element. I was among friends.

The feeling of belonging has not diminished. In fact, it has become more powerful over the last two years.  I know that as a member of AIGA I can pick up a phone and call any one of them… From my friend Fred Caserta to Pam Williams, Debbie Millman, Alexander Isley and maybe even one day *gulp* Milton Glaser, and get a response and the support I need to get a job done.  Seriously, it’s an awesome thing and despite the fact that your parents may never understand what it is that you do for a living… the people in AIGA always will.

“I think what I like the most is exactly what we are doing right now,” explains Brent Robertson, Sponsorship Director of AIGA Connecticut, “It’s being able to sit around a table with like minded people and have a great conversation about design. There are no egos, borders disappear and we are able to connect with other creative thinkers across different channels and different disciplines….from independent contractors and freelancers to agency owners.  In what other venue do you have that kind of opportunity? That’s my favorite part of being in this organization… being able to create incredible bonds and friendship.”

AIGA Connecticut President, Mike Scricco, adds “When we went out to the retreat, everyone there was in the same spirit. They view design as not only a business they are involved with and take tremendous pride in, but also the quality and effectiveness of the work they do.  There is the understanding of the power of design and how it can affect the community and how it can help people.”

While AIGA National is the oldest and largest professional organization for design, AIGA Connecticut has only just recently come into existence. Only a mere two years old, the Connecticut chapter now takes its place among the other 65 chapters in the nation and has provided quality events featuring the likes of Sean Adams, William Drenttel, Pam Williams, and Patrick Coyne. There have been summer retreats, XTown networking and Bad Ass Movie nights.  I’ve shared conversation and dinners with amazing people who love design, photography, typography, color, art, culture and green living.

So is it worth the $300?  Did it bring to me more than simply reading online articles alone in my office?  Absolutely!  It brought me, as Rich Hollant, Communications Director noted, “accessibility to creativity.”

Please look for my upcoming article in INK Publications for more about the mission of AIGA, AIGA CT, and creative minds behind it.