Art © 2002 John P. Schmelzer
art © 2005 Theresa Brandon
art © 2005 David Opie
art © 2008 Mary E. O'Kiersey
Guild Introduction | Member Survey

Yo, Chicagah!
Git Yer Graphic Mojo Workin'...

Some say it's about the money. Yeah, the Graphic Artists Guild promotes and protects the economic interests of its members. We're a diverse community of visual artists forming a grassroots organization for graphic artist advocacy. Our union welcomes all who create original graphic artwork. We invite designers and artists at all levels of skill and expertise. Become a member. Join our commitment to improving conditions for illustrators, fine artists and graphic designers. Together we will raise professional standards for our entire industry.

Fill out a membership application on-line here.

Meet some of your fellow illustrators and designers at our next event.

View our chapter portfolio here.



cards

Designer & Illustrator Networking Event
(with mini playing card drawing studio)

Join us as members stake their claim to be featured in our deck of Artist and Designer Playing Cards. To promote member work and spread member contact information, graphic designers and illustrators are creating an original deck of playing cards. Read more info about our Artist and Designer Playing Cards project.

You're invited to this Graphic Artists Guild Networking Event–even if you are not a member yet. Fresh art school graduates and the "recently started freelancing" will enjoy this opportunity to network with experienced Guild designers and illustrators.

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Thai Spoon Restaurant, Wabash and Harrison, Chicago
6:00-7:00 pm Meet the Chicago steering committee. Pick your playing card. Draw.
7:00-9:00 pm Enjoy food and drink, network and review everyone's card art drawings!

Join us at 6 pm. Meet the Chicago steering committee. Review our agenda for the Guild's Chicago Chapter. Learn how you can play a hand in this new print promotion: a pack of original Artist and Designer Playing Cards. Become a member of the Guild at this event and pay only $50 per card!

Join us at 7 pm to share drinks, dinner and let your fellow freelance art professionals know what's on your mind. Review everyone's card art drawings. Thirsty for some feedback on your work? Tap into the Guild, your community of illustrators and designers. Your first drink is on the Guild!

Bring your Portfolio. Bring sketches and drawings for your chosen playing card! Reserve your card with a check made out to Graphic Artists Guild Chicago.

RSVP Michael

7 of diamonds, Jeff Grunewald

“Member Diane Barton created this four of hearts. Member artists and designers are proposing border and type treatments for our deck. From these examples we'll choose final layout specs.

“The Guild is sponsoring a Chicago student member
and will sponsor their card art to appear in our promotional playing card deck at no charge (thanks to the generous support of The Workbook).

“To apply for this student scholarship, email portfolio samples representative of your card concept to me at chigagsec@earthlink.net by January 18th or bring them to our Networking Event.”

–Michael Hays

Chicago Guild Chapter is creating a custom promotional deck of artists' playing cards.

Find out how you can get your work included.

Creative Professional Webinar Series

Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Pricing Game

Thursday, February 16, 2012
Applying The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines to Your Everyday Business

Find out more.

Free Download: Copyright Basics and Common Misconceptions Debunked

Promote, Negotiate and Make Money
One of our most popular white papers, Copyright Basics and Common Misconceptions Debunked, is available for free download below. You'll find answers to your questions related to Infringement, Fair Use, Public Domain, Registering a Copyright and Usage Issues. Download it here.




Network on Guild Community Forums

Guild members: check out our members-only Community Forums! Log in at the top of this screen with your first initial-last name and membership ID number (i.e., member John Smith would log in as jsmith). If you can’t log in, check that the National office has your correct email address. Click here for more instructions.

The Chicago Chapter is Networking Online