What the Graphic Artists Guild Is and Is Not.

• We are graphic designers, Web designers, digital artists, illustrators, cartoonists, animators, art directors, surface designers, and various combinations of these disciplines.
• We are staff artists and freelancers.
• We are not an artists’ showplace.
• We are not an artists’ club.
• We don’t judge your work as a condition of membership.
• We are a Guild: a union of men and women in the same craft or trade whose purpose is to uphold and improve standards and protect the rights of its members.
• We don’t fix prices, but we do publish guidelines reflecting the current market for graphic artwork of all kinds.
• We don’t call strikes, but we did get our start when a group of illustrators working for the same client protested the existing structure of fees and rights and held out for more.
• We do lobby. And we win. For example, the Northern California Chapter achieved a victory for state tax reform when illustrator Heather Preston won her tax case against the California Board of Equalization in 2001. The Chapter, which had been pursuing sales tax reform in the state since 1996, provided direct support to Preston throughout her case and filed an amicus curae with the court. We’ve also made great gains for artists on copyright, health, and additional tax issues.
• We resolve disputes. Through our Grievance Committee, we assist you in resolving artist/client disputes on a case-by-case basis.
• We do collective bargain, where and when it’s appropriate. Currently, the Guild is the collective bargaining unit for graphic designers at the PBS New York station.
• We strive to move the industry closer to the guidelines that are fair to both artists and buyers of art.
• We need you. As more and more artists conduct business within the guidelines, the more firmly those guidelines become established. The stronger our numbers, the louder our voice on legislative issues affecting your interests—and your livelihood.

You need us. We know you have talent, but business savvy usually must be learned. We help our members build successful careers by equipping them with the skills needed to compete more effectively in an ever-changing field.

We’re all in it together. A career in art, especially as a freelancer, can be an isolating existence. You work in a void, painting yourself into corners of indecision. The Guild is a great way to stay connected—making friends, attending programs and parties, taking courses, talking shop, getting help from fellow members, or getting involved as a volunteer in whatever aspect or activity peaks your interest. Personally and professionally, your links with other artists will become the most vital necessities and rewarding aspects of your career.

In a world where organizations talk to other organizations and organizations talk to government, the Guild speaks for your concerns as graphic artists. Our union structure makes our organization very democratic, so your voiced opinions and your votes for officers make your voice heard. As a group, our opinions carry more weight with the powers that be.
—John Schmelzer, former Guild National President

Sometimes You Get What You Give.

The Guild’s national office provides “how to” guidelines and encourages chapters to provide the initiative, the volunteers, and the momentum to make local services available. If the services listed in the 2008 Members’ Guide to Benefits are not yet available in your area, it’s because we are waiting for you to invest the time needed to promote them.

Member involvement makes it work. Your dues are just the beginning of Guild membership – many more benefits become available only when you get involved. As a creative professional, you have the ability to come up with new ideas and to focus your energy to make them happen. Whether you’re interested in editing the newsletter, managing the Web site, organizing an event, resolving artist-client disputes, or serving as a chapter officer, you can contribute to the unique character of your chapter. So sitting around, waiting for things to happen isn’t enough. Get things started by becoming more active! Contact your chapter administrator today and ask how you can get involved.

The Guild is a place where people come when they have a need for support and help with business problems. It should also be a place to stay and help others who will profit from your knowledge and experience.
—John Schmelzer, former Guild National President