Volunteer of the Month: Aidan Searle RGD

This May, we thank Aidan Searle RGD for his contribution to the RGD community.

How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity?

I have been involved with the RGD as a volunteer for about 1.5 years. I organize local events in Halifax, serve on the Membership Committee and recently joined the Board of Directors. I have also done some mentoring and written articles for the website/e-newsletter.

What experience/memory stands out for you?

I am really happy helping bring designers together and strengthening the design community in Halifax. I love listening to the buzz and excited conversations in the rooms of the events I organize; it’s like soul food for me.

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?

It’s so surprising to me how many volunteers there are behind the scenes. I really enjoy meeting all the different people involved, and learning about how/why they do the work they do. I have met so many great individuals while volunteering. I didn’t expect to feel so supported creatively and professionally.

“Aidan has done an incredible job stewarding the RGD's design community in Halifax through local events like trivia nights and Minds of Design. Aidan also compiled an incredible local event promotion guide for the cities across Canada where we hold in-person events—an invaluable & much-needed resource!”

Meghan D’Mello RGD

What have you learned about the industry since volunteering for the RGD?

I have learned just how small the industry in Canada actually is; it’s been awesome brushing shoulders with designers whose work I admire. I’ve also learned a lot about the importance of adhering to professional standards and ethics, how to write proper contracts, advocate for yourself and how to protect your time and value as a creative.

Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the organization's role in the industry?

The RGD is an indispensable part of the design industry in Canada. The events the RGD puts on are well-executed and showcase world-class talent. The RGD works tirelessly to advocate for the importance of accessibility standards. The Creative Earners Report offers much-needed transparency when it comes to the financial side of the creative industry. Not to mention the work the RGD does to showcase Canadian designers, students, agencies and firms. 

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other Members who might be thinking of getting involved?

I’ve met amazing collaborators, friends and business contacts through volunteering. I also feel it has helped me feel that the career I chose is validated, important and an integral part of society at large (wow, big words). 

Do you have thoughts on what you might like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future?

I want to keep growing the design community in Nova Scotia and mentor more young designers. I also want to help inspire young people to follow their dreams to work in creative industries. It's important for me to communicate to them that being a designer and/or artist is an integral role in society and that it can also provide a good living and work-life balance.