InterviewApr 01, 2019

Volunteer of the Month: Nicola Hamilton RGD

Interview with Nicola Hamilton RGD, Issues Magazine Shop

This April, the RGD thanks Vice President of Communications Nicola Hamilton RGD for her contributions to the community.

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

I've been volunteering with the RGD since 2014. I started by donating my time to the Provisional Committee, organizing Designers + Drinks + Discussions and doing portfolio reviews at Creative Directions. I completed my Certification in 2016. I joined the Communications Committee and was elected to the Board of Directors shortly thereafter. I've worn a whole bunch of hats: Chair of the Communications Committee; a Mentor (and a Mentee!) in the Mentorship Program; moderating panels; introducing speakers at DesignThinkers.

Q: What made you want to get involved with RGD?

I'm a magazine designer, which is a teeny-tiny corner of our industry. After The Grid, the publication that launched my career, was shuttered I wanted to re-connect with my peers in other corners of the industry.

Q: Of the RGD initiatives you have contributed to, what are you most proud of?

Designers + Drinks + Discussions is an initiative I'm super proud of. When I started volunteering with RGD, it was just getting off the ground and together the Committee turned it into an event that is extremely valuable to young designers. And watching the current organizers continue to throw successful events is pretty amazing.

Q: What is your most memorable experience as an RGD volunteer?

I was given the opportunity to introduce Michael Bierut at DesignThinkers Toronto this year. It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. And they're not lying, you can't see anything from up there.

Q: 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 gained a stronger, broader connection to the design community and gained a pile of new friends, colleagues and champions. Plus, giving back to an industry that's given me so much feels pretty incredible. I think others should get involved for that sense of community and the valuable insight you gain from sharing information.

Nicola Hamilton RGD

Issues Magazine Shop

Nicola is an independent art director and graphic designer, who specializes in editorial design. She’s obsessed with magazines, so much so that she opened Issues Magazine Shop, a retailer of independent magazines in July 2022. Her work has been internationally recognized by the D&AD, the Society of Publication Designers and the National Magazine Awards, among others. Nicola is also the co-founder of The Scaries Project, an artistic exploration of the emotional realities of being creative, and a part-time design educator.