3. Responsibilities to clients & employers

3.1.1 I will act in the best interest of my clients and/or employers, within the limits of this Code of Ethics.

3.1.2 I will meet my financial obligations to employees, sub-contractors and/or service providers in a timely manner.

3.1.3 I will not work simultaneously on assignments that create a conflict of interest without the agreement of the clients or employers concerned, except where it is the convention of the trade to which the client or employer belongs for designers to work at the same time for various competitors.

3.1.4 I will not prepare, authorize or distribute any proposals, applications, self-promotion, advertising or publicity that contain statements designed to mislead others regarding my or my firm’s competence, experience or professional capabilities.

3.1.5 I will not publicly release any information regarding works in progress unless my client or employer has explicitly given consent to do so.

3.1.6 I will not disclose confidential information received by my client or employer, unless authorized or obligated by law to do so. This includes, but is not limited to: business strategies, works in progress, organization structure and production methods.

3.1.7 I will not withdraw services except for reasonable cause and upon reasonable written notice, or as outlined in the provisions of a contractual agreement.

3.1.8 Where I have performed work for another designer or firm, if I wish to use the work for promotional purposes, I will seek permission, provided that the work is not protected.

3.1.9 If I incorporate Artificial Intelligence into my practice, I will be transparent about how I use it.

3.2.1 I will ensure that all contracts and agreements that I undertake with clients, employees and suppliers outline what is expected from each party and the compensation to be paid, and include consequences and remedies for situations that may reasonably be expected to arise.

3.2.2 I will discuss the terms of any proposal, including compensation, with those who I seek to sign an agreement, and strive to ensure we both understand all terms and conditions that apply therein.

3.2.3 If I undertake a verbal agreement regarding provision of graphic/communication design services, I will follow up with written confirmation outlining all of the details agreed upon verbally.

3.2.4 I will have an Artificial Intelligence statement or policy that clearly explains how I use generative AI, and AI-related technologies, in my practice.