AIGA name

AIGA was founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts. In 2005 the name was changed to AIGA, the professional association for design.

In recent decades, members have encouraged the search for a name that reflects the evolution of the profession from its earliest roots in graphic arts to the varied and diverse ways that AIGA members currently denote themselves and their practices. In the past few years, another urgent request from members has emerged: to help them speak to external audiences about their roles as designers and the value of great design.

In an ongoing quest to fulfill both needs, AIGA’s board and chapter leadership recommended a shift in positioning. The organization has begun using the existing acronym along with a new tagline that better describes AIGA, its members, and their interests instead of using the full name of the organization. “AIGA, the professional association for design” was chosen for its ability to help the organization create a greater understanding of our members’ potential role, the value of their role and importance of their contributions. Retaining the brand equity of the acronym “AIGA” has been a priority, as it preserves a rich legacy of graphic design. By shifting the language away from “graphic arts” and towards “design,” AIGA can achieve greater recognition for design’s role in culture, civic society and business.

AIGA will always be the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and it remains the organization’s legal name. Through members continuing to use the acronym AIGA, it retains the historical significance that recognizes the contributions of every designer for nearly one hundred years. By providing a clear and contemporary tagline to help current members explain their affiliation, it helps AIGA to be relevant and convey its message to a greater audience.

As always, AIGA encourages members to use the initials “AIGA” after your name in email signatures, business cards and other materials to show your support of the profession and your commitment to the standards for professional practice.

Read more about the AIGA name in “New Positioning: Focusing on the Future.”