That’s a very relevant comment, and I’m glad you took the time to leave your thoughts. Thanks very much.

Are there design competitions that I can enter? No.
Would I choose the FSB over a design-specific body if I could only join one organisation? You bet.

Oh, membership is 100 quid a year and, no, I have no affiliation with them beyond basic membership.

Historically, we would choose an agency or designer based on the quality of their work, their understanding of our business, and (to a point) their personality (i.e. are they easy to get on with!).

I’m not questioning the value of the above organisations, but simply agreeing with other commenters that it probably doesn’t influence the client’s decision very much.

The DBA events are almost always available to non-members at a slightly higher cost. Unless you’re going to all of them then its far more cost effective to pay the premium and save yourself a few bob by avoiding the membership fee.

Another worth a mention: Typographic Circle

Adi,

Thanks very much for the clarification. I’ve since removed the Design Council from this post, and appreciate you taking the time.

Thanks for the article (and everyone’s comments) – it’s always good to understand how designers view the organisations that are representing them…or claiming that they do!

One small correction, though: The Design Council [disclaimer: I work for them] isn’t a trade body for designers.

From our “What we do” page:

What is the Design Council?

We are the national strategic body for design.

What does that mean?

We believe design can help people to do what they do, better. We’re funded by the UK government, and we promote the use of design throughout the UK’s businesses and public services. We demonstrate that design can play a vital role in strengthening our economy and improving our society.
Why does the Design Council exist?

We have a goal – to help UK managers become the best users of design in the world, supported by the most skilled and capable design professionals.

Hope that clears things up a little bit!

Cheers,

Adi

Yeah I could have saved on my flights too… didn’t I read somewhere that your car got smashed? Didn’t you get an insurance payout for that?

I can picture there being a lot more ruthlessness in the web arena, given its prevalence online.

Marc,

Great to know you gain a benefit from RDG, even though you’ve not actually joined. They must be doing a good job.

Matthew (firebubble),

Yes, the DBA does seem steep, but I’m looking into what they offer above and beyond the others. It’s probably more appropriate for larger design firms than small one-man shows like mine.

Jeff,

Interesting point about AIGA and the annual design salaries report. I’ve known quite a few other designers to hold it in high regard, even though I’ve yet to read it.

Mark,

We may both be spoilt for choice, but as a psychotherapist, your increased sense of well-being leaves you in a much better frame of mind for making a decision.

George,

That’s great advice — choosing the organisation you’re most likely to attend the meetings of. There’s the Institute of Designers in Ireland, so I’ll look into it.

Julie,

Thanks for leaving your thoughts about the CSD. You back up what David had to say about his recent resignation.

Mark,

Here’s hoping a form of umbrella organisation isn’t far off.

Jacob,

That’s something I’m curious about, why would the NAPP call themselves a national association, when they accept international members? Do they get specific funding for operating in the US, then accept international members for the extra income? I don’t presume you have the answer, just thought I’d throw a few thoughts out there.

And ‘discounts on just about everything’? You should’ve told me before I just splashed out on my new car.

Steve O,

I think stagnant’s a good descriptive term, from my brief introduction anyhow. Thanks for your take on D&AD membership. Personal recommendations hold a lot of weight.

The CSD sounds like it has become a stagnant organisation and merely some letters to add to stationary. I’ve never had a client that even knew about a Chartered Society for Designers! I guess we don’t have as bad a rep as some other professions (builders, mechanics, etc.) where people will check their associations.

I was a member of D&AD over the last 12 months, taking great advantage of the discounts and enjoying the publications, but never making it to any talks or events. That was mainly due to timing and location though. I’ll be picking up the membership again, no problem.

NAPP costs USD$99 a year and you get a lot with it (as long as you make the most of it):

* Where everyone learns Photoshop
* You get Photoshop User magazine
* Members-only online community
* Discounts on just about everything
* Online portfolio
* Photoshop tech support
* Photoshop World is your convention

Although in saying this, I truthfully haven’t really used any of these services except the Photoshop User magazine but you have to read it online (or download to your desktop). But $99 for a yearly magazine subscription is pretty fair, let alone the other services they offer.

The most respected association in Australia is AGDA and their modest member fee is $220 ($45 for students) and their SOP is:

AGDA is uniquely placed to assist you in your development as a professional. AGDA is an association for designers who want to take control of their careers and businesses.

But like as others have mentioned, what you put in, is what you get out. Personally I’ll keep my cash – for now.