Wednesday 15 June 2011

YEAR 1 - Professional and Contextual analysis - Professional Bodies


The association of illustrators is a non governmental body with the purpose of protecting illustrators and their works. In particular, if an illustrator is worried about the usage of orphan work, and other copyrights. The group is made up of freelance illustrators, agents, clients looking for illustrative works, students and lecturers. There is no assessment required to join the association. The services they offer include portfolio advice, law and business advice, client directories, discounts on art related projects, a dedicated online portfolio site, and support for students and newly qualified illustrators. The body identifies itself and it's services by being a member of the following associations; Pro-Action Campaign and Liaison Group, the British Copyright Council, the Creators Rights Alliance and the European Illustrators Forum. The benefit of membership to the AOI is that there is a possibility of becoming a featured artist, which is represented monthly, and thus gaining creditability from the spotlight. As well as supporting long-term members, there is also a section dedicated in showcasing new subscribed members, giving vital connections to inspiring illustrators.


The Chartered Society of Designers describes itself as the 'professional body for designers and the authority on professional design practice' and holds it's headquarters in London. The CSD is international, with members spanning '33 countries' involved. The group exists to promote and encourage 'sound' design principles, as well as add a form of regulation and control the practice of the design industry. It is a registered charity, and is not a trade body or an association. The CSD prides itself on the quality of it's establishment. As such, there is a professional requirement in order to join the society, in form of an assessment of your capabilities. Membership is co-ordinated through a tier-system, consisting of 'Student', 'Graduate', titles in the form of 'MCSD (Member of the Chartered Society of Designers) or FCSD (Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers), and associate. The CSD is influential in the power it holds through these titles, thus seasoned designers are attracted to join the society.


Design Nation is an 'exempt' charity, originally called the Design Trust. It is a British establishment, with the aim of 'promoting the excellence of British design'. The main functions of charity is to help designers with business propositions after they have qualified and to manage the 'Eureka' Project, which creates communication between designers, retailers, and manufacturers. The Design Nation is it's own identity, while the activities provided under their previous name (The Design Trust) is funded and carried out by the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design of London Metropolitan University. In order to join the Design Nation, there is a selection process based on the quality of your work, and if it is exceptional design, then the charity might consider helping with the production of your design. The Design Nation website features british design available (based on it's membership) for commission. The charity categorizes design by five types; Furniture, Ceramics & Glass, Interior/exterior design & products, Silver, gold, metalwork & jewellery, and Textiles & fashion accessories.
By being a part of the design nation, budding designers can use it as a platform to showcase their designs as well as gaining a secure connection to potential clientele. Due to the selection process, membership also represents an assurance that your work is of a standard quality, and thus you gain more confidence in your commissions. The design nation prides itself on it's contacts, boasting a selection panel including Jasper Morrison, Jeremy Myerson, Jane Priestman, Robin Levien, Frances Sorrell (Sorrell Foundation), Paul Dyson (Goldsmiths Company), Sheridan Coakley.


D&AD stands for Design and Art Direction, and is an educational based charity, with the aim to promote quality design and advertisement. Their education department has several programs designed to support and encourage 'creative professionals' within their career. There is a dedicated student programme for helping students break into the industry, including student edition awards. With D&AD. their support continues beyond graduating with their 'Continuing Professional Development' program, which sets to challenge and inspire creatives. To continue with the educational theme of D&AD, there is an annual program of lectures and professional events which run both nationally and internationally. D&AD describes itself as an organisation wishing to 'push the boundaries' of the creative industry. Anybody can apply for fee-based membership, however to be distinguished within the body, there is a tier of membership for those whom have high quality design recognized by the organization and awarded.

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