AIGA ??
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- scdoody
I am thinking of joining my local AIGA chapter in Portland. Are there any other members out there (don't have to be from Portland). I want opinions about whether or not it is worth it to join. As well, I want to know if anyone has been able to use the AIGA to find a great job.
Thanks!
- monkeyshine0
IMO, AIGA is a great way to network and learn. It has been worth it to me. But I think you get as much from it as you invest too.
- madirish0
portland, ME or OR? if ME, i will be one of those members in about 8 months....
- boxcar0
It's really difficult to say whether or not it is worth it. Joining really depends on the actual chapter itself. AIGA MN is, for the most part, pretty worthless. It only seems to focus on a narrow view of design (the business side) and barely fosters any sort of design community despite the fact that Minneapolis / St. Paul is one of the design strong holds of the country.
Then again a community is what you personally make it. If you feel it is worth the money, then do it. However, if you feel that the AIGA borders on useless because they offer its members an AIGA/VISA sponsored credit card, then it's probably not worth it.
But, if you do join, and are still in school, join as a student. You get better rates when joining later on.
- fits0
yes, i think it depends on where the chapter is and how involved they are with the local events and networking.
in dallas AIGA hasnt had much going on at all... we have http://www.dsvc.org which always has nice things going on.
- designaked0
I joined in Boston for a year. Basically, it looks good on a resume but thats about it. I got really annoyed with how much events and other things still cost members. I felt like my membership fees only went to cover the cost of the 80 pounds of (mostly) junk mail that I received from AIGA. That said, for the most part I do think it is what you make it and it does make a difference which chapter you belong to....some are much much much more active than others. Boston I think had like 4-7 events the year I was a member and there didn't seem to be too much effort on really building a community. I will probably join again because I did receive some positive response from having it on my resume and website....to me that alone might be worth the initial $295, or whatever it is now. Its weird because anyone who knows anything about it knows that ANYONE can join.....you don't have to have a single ounce of talent, just pay the fee....so, really, it shouldn't mean much if you have it on your resume but people do, for the most part, respect it.
.....that was a bit long....rant over.
- royalremarkable0
totally worth it. i've got a portfolio on the design jobs site. i've had job offers from viacom, fashion magazines, ecko unltd. they've all found me on aiga and contacted me through it.
i do agree however, you get out of it, what you put into it.
- bukka0
I agree with most people here, I think its great if you are a student and if you can make it to events. The Los Angeles Chapter always has alot going on but I am not always able to make it to events. Its a good way to meet people in your area but its a great way for printers to give you their card. I haven't renewed yet this year still pondering whether its worth it....
- kyl30
anybody a member in colorado? Thinking about it. You get the annual for free right?
- kreydle0
I am the interactive chair on the Raleigh AIGA board. You really get out of it what you put in... as cheesy as that sounds.
I've met a ton of people, made a few friends, and get to go on trips. I think its def. worth it.
- blastofv0
i was a member in San Diego for a few years, and it was an awesome group – lots going on, a great regional conference (Y conference), and non-exclusive people
last year I joined up in Boston, and I had a much less envigorating experience. and the expense is nasty – I figured I'd finally go to the national conference as it was hosting 20 minutes away in downtown Boston, but there's no way I'm going to part with that kind of cash. frustrating.
that being said, the national network is huge, the website has great resources (great contracts for customization, design practice info, copyright/trademark legalities etc)
- rasko40
I am bumping this in the name of aesthetics.
- rasko40
cant get it quite right
- monkeyshine0
Another thing about the cost...AIGA just instituted an installment plan which gives members the option of either paying in full or paying in 3 installments.