Icograda to up design’s profile

The International Council of Graphic Design Associations is to launch a global advertising campaign to raise the profile of design among clients.

Icograda’s board, comprising representatives from countries including Sweden, Korea, Chile, Israel and Japan, are spearheading the initiative to “advertise the benefits of using good design”, says Icograda secretary general Mary Mullin.

The board is to propose concepts for a campaign this autumn, which member associations can adopt if they wish. “We’re looking at themes with common denominators to make design more visible,” adds Mullin.

Icograda is also carrying out a survey to define the needs of young graphic designers in a bid to boost its membership within design associations.

“The needs of young designers are changing and they don’t seem to be joining their professional associations. We are certain they have the need to consult each other but there seems to be a gap,” says Mullin.

The board is asking member associations, including the Design Council and the Society of Typographic Designers in the UK, to take part in the survey. It will present the findings at Icograda’s congress to be held in Sydney next year.