The AGI unites the world's leading graphic designers and artists in a professional club of common interest and achievement. The AGI promotes graphic design in lectures, education and publishing. It encourages knowledge and understanding among the young and fosters contacts with other institutions, organisations and companies involved in graphic design. The current membership stands at 488 and collectively represents 39 countries. Believing that graphic design is fundamental to how we communicate, educate and inform, AGI members have been giving shape to the world’s many and varied messages since its inception in 1952. Membership is prestigious. Prospective members are invited to present work to the annual new member jury on the basis of quality and reputation. Members range from single practitioners to partners in global agencies. From branding to self-publishing, design writing to way-finding, image-making to animation and typography to experience design, member expertise spans all the multifarious activities described as visual communication today.