Graphic artists guild
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Graphic Artists Guild is unique among commercial artists' groups in that (a) its membership includes people from many disciplines, and (b) it was chartered as a labor organization, with the ability to represent staff artists (who work "in-house" as employees) in collective bargaining, although this power is rarely used. It has a cooperative and complementary relationship with other professional societies, such as the venerable Society of Illustrators. [1]
GAG has taken a leading role in defending artists' rights, by lobbying against "work-for-hire" contracts, and through publishing its regularly-updated Pricing and Ethical Guidelines [2] - which serves as a "Bible" among freelancers. Its suggested contracts and commissioning procedures have done a great deal to introduce an atmosphere of mutual respect in negotiations between individuals and their corporate clients. This is particularly empowering when an artist has little previous professional experience, or when a pro is establishing a business relationship with a new client. Art directors on tight budgets have criticized its standard price-lists, which may vary from the actual fees artists and designers can get in the open market.
The history of GAG, which began in the 1970s, is quite convoluted. It grew out of the Cartoonists Guild, which itself faded out not long after the multi-discipline organization emerged on the scene (although cartoonists have since returned to the Guild with their own committee). The New York Chapter has always been the Guild's center of gravity, with the most members, and it shares space in Manhattan with the national office. There are presently chapters in ten other regions besides New York City, and one for individuals who aren't near any established offices. For a few years, GAG was affiliated with the United Auto Workers (UAW).
The web address is www.gag.org [3]
[edit] Members of the GAG
Echo Chernik (2003-present) - Art Nouveau Advertising | Publishing illustrator.
