FAQs

For your convenience here are the answers to many of our most commonly asked questions.

Membership

How can I join the Guild? Is there a review process?

You can join the Guild on our website or by downloading the PDF application and sending by email to membership@graphicartistsguild.org” or mailing it to:

Graphic Artists Guild, Inc.
Attn: Membership
31 West 34th Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10001

The Guild does not have a review process, we take you as you are.

What’s the status of my membership? What about renewing my membership?

The Graphic Artists Guild considers you a member once we receive your application in the office. Full processing of your application takes approximately 3-4 weeks. This includes receiving your membership pack and copy of the printed edition of the Handbook. Click here to become a new member of the Guild.

Guild membership renewal is based on your anniversary date. For example, if you join May 13, 2019, you will be billed approximately two weeks before the beginning of May each year. We send out three notices, spaced about a month apart, for renewal. If at the end of those three months you have not renewed, you are considered an expired member. You can also renew online by logging into the members area. If you are having difficulty logging in, you may be past the three month mark for renewal and will need to call the office, 212-791-3400 or email, membership@graphicartistsguild.org.

May I pay my dues by credit card over the phone?

You may renew your membership with a credit card over the phone. New members need to submit the full application with your signature and payment, so that needs to be mailed or completed with the online application.

I haven’t received my handbook from the Guild even though I paid. You guys haven’t forgotten me, have you?

Never. It typically takes about 3-4 weeks for you to receive your copy of the printed Handbook. If it’s been longer than that, please call us right away and we’ll chase it down: 212-791-3400 or email membership@graphicartistsguild.org.

How do I notify the Guild of a name, region or address change?

Send us an email membership@graphicartistsguild.org. We’ll take it from there.

What’s the difference between being a full member and an associate member?

The membership application explains this, so you may choose the option that best defines you when you sign up. Simply, “Professional Members” are working artists who derive more than half of their income from work they do as graphic artists. “Professional Members” are allowed upload up to nine images and to be listed under three disciplines in the portfolio section of the web site. “Professional Members” can upload up to three images to their portfolio.

“Associate Members” are people engaged in the graphic arts field in some way that supports the goals and mission of the Guild, such as lawyers, agents and artists’ reps, or they are people who make less than half of their income from their graphic artwork. “Student Members” are also considered Associate members. “Associate Members” do not have voting rights and cannot hold office. Associate level members can choose three disciplines and can upload up to three images to their portfolio.

Am I eligible to become a member of the Guild? What sort of artist must I be?

The Guild supports all graphic artists (including, but not limited to: designers, illustrators, cartoonists, animators, digital artists, and photographers) The Guild embraces graphic artists at all skill levels. See the Enrollment page to learn more about levels of membership.

Where’s my nearest region?

Guild Regions are: New England, East, Midwest, South and West.
See the map below to identify your region.

How do I find out about events sponsored by my region?

Find out about local events by visiting the web page for that region.

Guild Regions are: New England, East, Midwest, South and West.
See the map below to identify your region.

I lost my proof of membership. How can I get another copy?

Please send us an email at membership@graphicartistsguild.org we’ll send you a replacement.

What is the difference between the Guild and AIGA?

The Guild’s mission is to promote and protect the social, economic and professional interests of its members. The Guild is committed to improving conditions for all graphic artists and raising standards for the entire industry. The Guild embraces graphic artists at all skill levels. Our Professional members include – but are not limited to – animators, cartoonists, designers, illustrators, and digital artists who derive more than 50% of their income from the creation of Graphic Arts. Associate members include – but are not limited to – educators, intellectual property lawyers, artists representatives and others in related industries.

We fulfill our mission through education, legislation and community.

AIGA’s mission is to advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force.

I live outside of the USA. Can I join the Guild?

Yes, we do accept international artists, however our information is based on U.S. law.

Resources

I already have the Handbook. Are there any other books I can receive as part of my membership?

Sure. Contact us at membership@graphicartistsguild.org on how to receive another book of equal or lesser value.

Does the Guild offer classes?

The National office offers webinars. There are about 10-12 new webinars a year. Click here to see our upcoming webinars. All the webinars are available to members as part of their membership. Archives of all the webinars are inside the members only area. Non-members can attend any of our webinars at a cost of $45.00/webinar. A link to the webinar recording will be sent to registrants after the recording has been edited. You can view the recording at your leisure.

Can the Guild help me in any way with health insurance?

The Guild does not directly offer any insurance; however, depending on where you live, we can point you to organizations who offer individual policies.

Click here for additional Information.

I need some legal help with my business. Can you help me or recommend someone?

The Guild office cannot provide you with legal advice. The Guild has a national network of lawyers who are expert in the issues we most commonly face: copyright and intellectual property, contract negotiations, internet issues, licensing, royalties, and collections. This network is available to members.

Every state is different, so you will be best served to consult a lawyer in your state who knows the particular laws affecting your situation and who is licensed to practice where you work.

We can e-mail you information about lawyers available in your area. Although we know we don’t have lawyers in every state, we will do our best to connect you with someone. Please forward your requests to the Guild at membership@graphicartistsguild.org.

Note: We suggest that you discuss fees with the attorney before you accept advice or assistance. Only you can decide if the attorney is appropriate for your situation. The Guild will not interfere in the attorney/client relationship, and is not responsible for the lawyer or his/her fees.

Do you have digital electronic copies of contracts I can use?

MEMBERS

Customizable digital contracts are a Guild member benefit. Members can access the contracts in the members only section of the Guild website or email us: membership@graphicartistsguild.org for copies.

Printed versions of the contracts can be found in the handbook. Members receive the handbook when they become members.

NON-MEMBERS

If you’re not a member, our book, Graphic Artists Guild: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines Handbook has a number of sample contracts for your use. A link to these customizable digital contracts are available to people who show proof of a book purchase.

I’m confused about how Copyright laws work or how to register my work. Where can I get this information?

Our Tools+Resources section provides a lot of information about copyright. If you need more detailed information, try www.copyright.gov. Chapter Two of the printed edition of the Handbook covers your legal rights including copyright information. If none of these sources works for you, please email admin@graphicartistsguild.org with your specific question.

Are you a union? Do you have a bug or logo I can put on my work?

The Guild changed its status from Union to Trade Association. We have an image that shows you’re a Guild Member that you can put on your work.
Note: October 2014 the Guild membership voted to change from a union to a trade association.

How do I locate a certain type of artist in my area?

We have a list of member portfolios on the site with their regions provided. Select the type of artist you need and then take a look at the work presented. Links are provided to the individual members’ website.