Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan) | Canada's national certification body for graphic and communication design. DesCan is a membership-based organization of designers, students, and educators.
RGD | Canada's largest professional Association for graphic design professionals. It hosts conferences and events for creative professionals, provides mentorship opportunities, and produces a survey of Canadian creative industry salaries.
International Associations
AIGA | The profession’s oldest and largest professional membership organization for design AIGA aims to enhance professional development through enriching learning opportunities at all levels.
International Council of Design | With its headquarters in Montreal, Canada, this international council’s mission is to increase the recognition of the value of design, to elevate the global standards of all design disciplines, and to improve the situation of individual designers.
The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) | The Society for Experiential Graphic Design is a multidisciplinary community of professionals who plan, design, and build experiences that connect people to place. SEGD holds an annual conference and other educational symposiums and events.
Design Business Association (DBA) | A UK based association, Design Business Association was founded in 1986 as a trade association for all those working in the field of design, supporting them and championing the transformative power of design. The DBA membership consists of over 350 design consultancies and design-driven businesses including many of the brightest and most respected names.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Applied Arts Magazine | Canada's premier magazine of the visual communication arts. Published twice per year.
Communication Arts Magazine | The leading trade journal for visual communications showcasing graphic design, illustration, photography, and interactive design. Published 6 times per year.
Graphic Design USA | Published 6 times per year this magazine shares news, ideas, people, projects, trends and information for and about the professional graphic design and creative community.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Creative Bloq | Art and design inspiration, advice, and news. Also features product reviews that will appeal to graphic designers of a variety of experience levels.
Design Week | The latest graphic design news, views, and inspiration. Business-related topics include financing, networking, and pitching.
The Design Blog | Daily inspiration featuring works from graphic designers and studios all over the world. Topics include branding, logo design, and typography.
Graphic Design Forum | GDF is one of the largest graphic design forums with over 20,000 members. They cover a variety of graphic design topics, including business issues, software, and recommended resources.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.