The AIGA Design community, often referred to simply as AIGA, stands for the American Institute of Graphic Arts. It is a professional organization for design, founded in 1914. Its members include professionals from various disciplines of design, including graphic design, branding, interaction design, typography, and user experience.

AIGA serves as a hub for the design community by facilitating activities that include conferences, competitions, and educational resources. It aims to inspire designers and promote design excellence, ethical practices, and professional development. AIGA also focuses on social impact initiatives and advocacy related to the role and value of design in society.

The organization provides numerous benefits to its members, such as networking opportunities, professional development resources, and access to exclusive events like the AIGA Design Conference and competitions. AIGA also plays a crucial role in the education and mentorship of emerging designers, helping to shape the future of the design profession.

Members also get free access to lots of resources like designer toolkits, legal guides, and sample contracts. Plus, they can watch videos from past conferences and look through old design collections for inspiration.

There are financial perks, too. AIGa members save money on products and services that designers need, and get discounts on AIGA's own programs and resources.

To join the AIGA Design community, follow these straightforward steps:

Find Your Community: When you join AIGA, you become a member of both the national organization and one of its local chapters. There are over 70 local chapters across the United States. A part of your membership fee will support the activities and initiatives of your local chapter. If you’re located internationally or too far from an existing chapter, you can opt for an "international membership" during the registration process.

Select a Membership Type: AIGA offers various membership types to cater to different needs, including options for students and designers at all levels and stages of their careers.

Sign Up for Membership Online: Create an account on the AIGa website. During the sign-up process, you'll be asked about your status (such as whether you're a student or an educator) and your areas of interest. This information helps AIGA provide you with relevant discounts and communications tailored to your needs.