I’m curious about the CSD pathway, anyone on here registered as a chartered designer and does it bring much to your work?
A “chartered designer”? I have several decades in the design field, and I’ve never heard of a chartered designer. I’m in America, so maybe that’s why.
I’m also curious about “CSD”. Are you referring to Communication, Science, and Disorders degrees that lead to careers in speech and auditory pathologies? I’m probably confused since that has nothing to do with graphic design.
Perhaps you could clarify.
1 Like
I found this:
1 Like
That explains it. It’s a British thing. From what I’ve read, they have admission requirements that require competence and professionalism (no amateurs). I’d be half tempted to apply myself, but like me, no one in my part of the U.S. has likely heard of it.
I remember being given free (limited) membership as a student. When I graduated, I had to decide ifI continue (and pay). In the end it just felt like any other self-aggrandising members’ / old boys’ club, so I didn’t bother. I don’t think it held me back, but who knows where a little well connected back-slapping could have led?! My problem is that this kind of old-school tie nepotism prickles every irreverent gene in my body.
I may be wrong as I haven’t looked into it for a couple of decades and my experience may be woefully out of date but, this sort of thing usually just doesn’t do it for me. If it were a recognised, industry-wide regulatory authority, that would be a different matter, but it just feels a bit too like and old boys club for my liking. That said, it’s probably the closest thing we have to one. If you have a few hundred quid a year to throw at it, then it may be worth every penny in these days of entirely unregulated amateurs passing themselves off as pro. When I was carving out my career, that was far less of an issue.
2 Likes
My official degree says I’m an ‘Originator’ - but I don’t tell anyone that cos it’s nonsense.
The description of the Chartered Society of Designers sounds a bit like the description of Design Austria, of which I am still a member.
There are some activities you can take part in, but for me the awarding of the membership was just to boost my self-confidence. 
2 Likes
I have 50 years in the field, and I never heard of it either.
Chartered Society of Designers
To become a member;
Application Fee £245 (non-refundable)
Joining fee £100
Annual Subscription for MCSD membership £305
Out of my league, although if I read it correctly, this is all tax deductable. I might be tempted if I was still freelance.
That sounds quite cool!
Yes referring to the chartered society of designers in the UK from a full time freelance perspective. I wondered if holding this it would be ‘proof’ to clients you are what you say you are - but if no one has heard of it you would have to explain it every time and it would maybe lose its meaning!