I have re-upped my membership with graphic design's flagship organization, AIGA. For those wondering, I called this very scenario months ago, and it played out much as expected.
I'm not super cheery about this development. I have my reasons for rejoining, and the impending conference in Memphis and my presence upon its hallowed stage did play a factor in my decision. Also, I'm looking forward to not being treated like a leper at local AIGA events by a select (and reducing) group of Holier-Than-Thou's. AIGA and I have a had a tumultuous, rocky, roller-coaster of a relationship during my career, where I one point I could, from a certain point of view, credit the organization for everything I had built for myself; and later, using a similar point of view, credit it for taking much of what I had back. However, were that not the case, we probably wouldn't even be here today.
So I will be a member of AIGA for the next 12 months. For me to join again in September of 2010, here is a list of things that I would like to see happen.
- Break Even on Projects. By this I mean to say, like a Hollywood movie, that I expect exactly enough work to come to me directly relating to my membership in AIGA, or by result thereof, to both pay for my current membership and the next one. It has been put to me that paying a greater-than-$300 membership fee to AIGA is expected of me simply for existing in this profession, to which I reply "hogwash." Earn it. Those discounts on Apple and Adobe products are great, but since the little I had saved to purchase those products just went to you, I expect results.
- A Strong, Action-Driven Stance to Destroy Design Contests and Crowdsourcing. Merely skitching behind the beat-up pickup truck that is NOSPEC! (will someone please overhaul that site?) isn't going to cut it from AIGA anymore. Neither is talk. Action is required on behalf of all designers to protect our craft and business model from idiots, sycophants, and villains. As the number-one crisis we face down out here in the trenches, I expect an organization whose stated goal is the promotion of good design to be out front with sword and shield in hand.
- A Greater Percentage of My Membership Fee Going to the Local Chapter. Out of $320 annual membership fee, my local chapter, according to my receipt, gets less than $80. This puts my local touchpoint in a constant position of playing catch-up and raising funds, which retards their ability to think outside of the box and take risks on new an exciting events and initiatives. Really, they have no initiatives to speak of, because they're always playing catch-up. I've seen the powerpoint on where my membership dues go, thank you, and what I'm saying is I care less about national and global initiatives than I do about what's happening in my hometown and community.
- This dude gets a job. Come on New York. Step it up already.
- From the Top Down, Focus on Supporting Small to Midsize Design Firms and Independent Designers. There's an awful lot of AIGA pointed directly to the biggest of the big, branding and design from a world-changing perspective. Budgets of millions. In New York and LA, this is common I gather. For the other 90% of us design, on a daily basis, happens on a smaller scale. Help us. We are hurting now. When an agency of more than 100 people loses five employees in a single month due to declining business, well, that sucks. When a shop of 10-15 loses that many, it may well impede that company's ability to do business at all, forcing even more layoffs. I have seen it happen. Again, action in this area is preferable.
Some very good points, I can tell you've thought long and hard about how AIGA could be better. Which is great. I especially agree with your thoughts on the percentage of membership dues going to local chapters.
well said
Well said and great comic.
You realize that by pointing these things out and expecting much from AIGA, you are volunteering to do your part to solve these problems mentioned? It is time to make a "No Spec" sign and protest in front of Make/Think. I'll notify the media.
Art, I appreciate your point of view. However, I feel that if I was going to volunteer to coordinate these efforts myself, I could well do so without paying someone else $320 to act as a benevolent force on my behalf. The weight and force of AIGA is something I don't have, and I would like to see it applied.
Not that I plan to sit back and do nothing for the next year, of course. But the items listed above are specifically things that are either out of my direct control or simply too big to be dealt with from a local level.
I definitely feel your point of view on the AIGA, or any professional membership, for that matter. Much like tax dollars, we want to see our roads repaired first, and wars in western Asia a distant second, if you feel my metaphor. In New York, the local chapter seems to be making moves, and is even throwing out the numbers to back it up. I can't speak for Omaha, but I think many of your points are universal, and felt throughout the profession.
Onwards and upwards, my friend. And thank you for the love, I'm genuinely speechless.
Just as you decided to rejoin, I decided to let my membership lapse. I like what AIGA overall is doing, but I'd like them to do it other places than the coasts. Yes, there are a few events here and there, but most of them are out of my price range. My biggest issue is actually with my local chapter. We're lucky to get one speaker and one workshop a year. It's looking like they may step it up this year. If so, I may rejoin next year.
oh honey i am working really hard for you and promise to do my best.
lovie loves and see ya next week.
^^ if that is really debbie millman that is hilarious.
if not its still almost as hilarious.
See you next week at make/think
-Martin
Yes Martin, that was Debbie.
Love this comic... laugh out loud. Yeah, it's so good, I spelled out lol!