Dallas is blessed with some of the country’s–and the world’s–most talented masters of visual communications. It is, indeed, no wonder that the city is also bestowed with a first rate professional organization that is solely dedicated to furthering the occupation and its practitioners. This club is called the Dallas Society of Visual Communications, or DSVC, and is the premier establishment for the benefit of all visual artists and their representatives.

What exactly is the DSVC?

The DSVC, which was created and launched by visual artists, is the largest city-wide group of communications professionals in the United States. Although its membership is 900 strong throughout the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, it is still small enough to serve the needs of all its members, from entry level artists to creative directors and artist representatives.

How does the DSVC help its members?

One way that the Dallas Society of Visual Communications accomplishes its mission is to do more than represent the field and members–the DSVC strives to raise the bar of performance in the visual arts, and holds members to high standards of achievement. The group also encourages membership from many different realms of the visual communications world, and invites artists, designers, photographers, illustrators, film makers, and many more into the fold. This melting pot of visual arts specialists creates an atmosphere of technology sharing, where all members benefit from each others’ professions and experience.

Another way the DSVC serves its members is to welcome artist representatives, materials suppliers, vendors, and other non-artists who impact the field. In addition, the Dallas Society of Visual Communications offers courses, job contacts, and top quality networking opportunities.

What are some other benefits to joining the DSVC?

The organization recognizes that many visual communications professionals are freelance or self-employed. This can make getting health insurance difficult, and sometimes impossible in certain cases. In light of this, the club offers affordable medical benefits to members.

The Dallas Society of Visual Communications is also big on education. There is a plethora of speakers and luncheons for members to take advantage of, and coursework at a reasonable price. The group also provides a forum on their website for members to exchange ideas, help solve problems, and to vent frustrations–all part of fostering a healthy working attitude.

As if that is not enough to promote education in the field, the DSVC also offers a Student Show. This competition and show is one of the favorites in the U.S., a place where students can enter their work in the show and compete against other students from all over the nation. The prizes total $15,000, with $5,000 going to creative prizes and a whopping $10,000 going for scholarships.

This show is a solid three days of speakers, job opportunities, networking, portfolio critiques, prizes, and much more. For professionals, the Dallas Society of Visual Communications offers a Professional Show as well. Every year designers, advertising professionals, photographers, and illustrators converge on the competition for a day of camaraderie, networking, critiquing, and celebration of the visual arts.

If you are a visual communications pro in the Dallas area, your owe it to yourself to check them out at http://dsvc.org.

Stephen R. Hill
stephen@stephenrhill.com
www.stephenrhill.com/resume
ph: 323.988.1197
cell: 214.675.2765

Elijah G. Clark Creative Services

Tel:  (817)657-6552

Fax: (303)997-1998
www.The-Artz.com

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