AIGA
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- nylon
Worth joining?
Benefits?
- Miguex0
I was never a member, but I have done work for them in the past.
I probably attend 2 events in my city that they organized, and they were documentary screenings, which I would have gone even if they were not involved.I think it's a lot of money, and from a few people that I have talked to, is not that useful for getting work.
But in the end is up to you, if you find a way to truly get involved with them (as in participating, not just attending) then It might work.
If you are just going to be another spectator sitting in the back, is going to feel like paying a monthly sum, just so you can call yourself a designer, and you don't really need to do that.
- i like the last paragraph, i have that same thought.k_temp
- nylon0
Nice advice... Danke bitte
- d_rek0
I think a lot of whether or not you will benefit from a membership depends on where you're located and the type of person/designer you are:
pros:
-discounts for sponsored events + competitions
-good for local networking if you're located in a bigger city/urban/metro area
-some of the chapters have a strong sense of community (some, moreso than others)
-can look good on a resumecons:
-kinda costly
-the sponsored events + competitions aren't all that lucrative most of the time
-If you don't live in a major city/urban/metro area then it's kinda worthless as you'll have nobody around you to really network with
-doesn't exactly bestow you with any professional pedigree of any sort AKA clients don't give a shit if you're a member or not
- d_rek0
I was a member during college, in which i saw little benefit in being a member outside of appeasing a few of my instructors.
Once I graduated, I abandoned AIGA for a few years because my membership lapsed and I didn't want to pay for it.
I renewed my membership when I was looking for a new job, in which it became somewhat useful for the fact I was able to use their job board for searching and also went to a few events to do some networking.
However, the membership was not responsible for me landing my current gig. And, as my membership is again about to lapse, I will probably not renew it because I don't really take advantage of it.
Anyway, for me it has not been all that useful. I know for a few of my peers they are very into the whole AIGA thing and attend lots of events and participate and whatnot. But that's not really my style. But if it's yours, you might benefit from it.
- Jacque0
I was quite involved in AIGA during my 4 years at my university, and headed our student group my senior year. I've been a member after college but I find it a little hard to be involved with our regional organization, mainly due to the fact that the events aren't usually nearby.
I'm on the fence with renewing my membership. Might be able to get work to pay for it though...
I'd say it might be worth it to you if you're moving to a new area, in which case you can use the organization to get to know like-minded folk and make some connections.
You can also get discounts on software and some shipping services though AIGA, but those are super minor reasons to join.
- gramme0
I was a student member, then had the entry-level membership for a couple years after school. I let it lapse for a long time while I was working for people who had corporate memberships. I renewed my membership not long after starting my own business three years ago.
St Louis doesn't have the size or vibrancy of a New York design community, but there's ample opportunities for networking. It's particularly useful for people who own small shops like me, who sometimes just want a bit of camaraderie.
As others have said, it's not particularly useful for getting work per se. However, I became friends with a local designer through AIGA events last year. He had too much work on his plate this past year and needed some help. He and I have collaborated on a couple projects, one of which is still in the works and has been really exciting.
So, you never know where work will come from. At any rate, it's totally been worth the membership for me.
- OSFA0
Depends on the city you live in.
NY - Go for it.
Miami - Pffftttttt
- monospaced0
I have had a membership for years and get to at least one event a month. Company pays for it, so I feel obligated to go so that they don't waste money. Other than attending lectures and such in NYC, I haven't taken advantage of any networking really.
- akrok0
^
what osfa said.
- akrok0
there's this also (no the same but still)...just thought i would add it.
http://www.creativemornings.com/…
- jaylarson0
i organize the aiga minnesota's cocktails with creatives' monthly events. they're free and thus, quite well attended. good for building community, especially if you're new to a town. they are more of an educational institution rather than a job farm. take what you will.
- OSFA0
I've been trying to get involved and help my local chapter so that more designers care a bit more and we can create a good design community. But the female-dictators in 'charge' seem to think they are doing a great job.
What a fucking shame...