Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Guild?

We are a national union dedicated to protecting the interests of graphic artists. Our organization is over 30 years old; our national office is in New York City; there are ten regional Chapters.

• We publish the Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines, a highly respected resource for professional artists.

• We meet on a regular basis with the U.S. Copyright Office to discuss the concerns of individual creators.         

• We have successfully represented employees in collective bargaining.

• We provide up-to-date information on industry trends to keep our members informed.

• We established the Contract Monitor to review publishers' and other companies' contracts for fairness.

• In California, we led a legislative effort to reform sales tax laws as they apply to designers and illustrators.

• We are a democratic organization where members' involvement is strongly encouraged.

What are the benefits of membership?

• Provide legal and professional referrals.

• Grievance committee that will intervene on your behalf in client disputes.

• The Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines with FREE updated editions as they are published.

• Group Health Insurance as well as disability plans may be available to members at favorable rates depending on location and availability of plan provider and coverage.

• Discounted admission to our frequent educational events and events held by many groups allied with the Guild.

• Award-winning National Bimonthly Newsletter that covers industry news like copyright issues, contracts, stock art, etc.

• Monthly local Chapter Newsletter to keep you informed of local legislative issues, events and news.

• Link to your personal website from the Chapter member links page.

• Access to the Guild's National Jobline News and email newsletter.

• Significant discounts on ads in creative sourcebooks (The iSpot, Directory of Illustration, Black Book, American Showcase, etc.).

• Access to Members America Credit Union.

• Many discounts on goods and services, such as Airborne Express, long-distance carriers, and rental cars.

• Enhanced professional status in your community.

• On-going opportunities to meet with other professional artists to share information in a non-competitive environment.

How much does it cost to join?

There are two categories of membership: Member and Associate Member. Only working graphic artists are eligible to become full voting Members. Interested people in related fields who support the goals and purposes of the Guild are welcome to join as Associate Members, as are graphic arts students and retired artists. Associate Members may participate in all Guild activities and programs, but not hold office or vote. There is a one-time $30 initiation/application fee for the administrative expense of processing new memberships.

Membership dues are as follows:

Associate Membership

For people in allied professions and for enrolled graphic arts students (must provide current student ID), and retired artists. Associates cannot vote and cannot hold officer positions, but are invited to participate fully in all other respects.

Associate Member Dues:

"Lifetime"(new) Age 65 and/or retired with 15 years past membership: $75 per year

Students (with current ID): $75 per year

Standard associates: $170 per year

Full Membership:

Professional Member Dues: $200 per year

Okay, I'm convinced -- How do I Join?

Simply use our Online Application, or download a Membership Application below, print out, complete and mail it to the Graphic Artists Guild, 90 John Street, Suite 403, New York, NY 10038-3202.

• Online Application (link: allianceatlantis.com/synergy)

• GuildApp.PDF (Adobe Acrobat PDF)

Or call the National Guild office at 212-791-3400 and you will be mailed an application.

Do it in person -- Come to one of the regular Northern California Chapter events. There will be a membership person there who can help you with the application. You can fill in credit card information or give us a check -- and we'll send it to the national office for you. Plus, if you join the Guild at one of our events, you get in for free!

I own the Pricing and Ethical Guidelines, why should I join?

If you generally agree with the basic principles and mission of the Guild, you should join because there is strength in numbers. To affect legislative change and influence industry practices, the Guild needs to be a large and strong union. The members also do the work of the Guild and we need your help. The work that the Guild does benefits all graphic artists, whether or not they are members. We are currently a very small organization, and we pay the way for everyone. So, talk to your accountant -- for most people, membership dues are a legitimate business expense -- and join! We also offer alternative books with your membership, so you can get your hands on a different title if you already own PEGS.

I'm curious, but I don't know if I want to join. What can the Guild offer me?

At the very least, call us and get on the mailing list. You will be sent the chapter newsletter and announcements about our events for a limited time. Also, subscribe to our e-mail announcements list at no cost. Then, come to a meeting or event and introduce yourself to us. Frankly, our experience is that too often, graphic artists resist joining until they get into some sort of trouble: a client who won't pay, don't know how to price a job, have sales tax questions or worse are experiencing an audit. Take a proactive position and join the Guild before you get into a pickle -- it's a wise investment in your business.

I'm curious, but I don't know if I want to join. What can the Guild offer me?

At the very least, call us and get on the mailing list. You will get a free copy of the chapter newsletter and announcements about our events for a limited time. Also, subscribe to our e-mail announcements list at no cost. Then, come to a meeting or event and introduce yourself to us. Frankly, our experience is that too often, graphic artists resist joining until they get into some sort of trouble: a client who won't pay; have sales tax questions or an audit; don't know how to price a job... Take a proactive position and join the Guild before you get into a pickle -- it's a wise investment in your business.