The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) sent a strongly worded letter to the LCBO Purchasing Department reprimanding Food & Drink magazine for an RFP that requests layout samples from those bidding on an art director contract. While the samples are not mandatory, the letter notes that it “puts those who do not submit layout samples at a clear disadvantage in the evaluation process.”

According to the association’s rules of professional conduct, RGD designers are prohibited from creating new work solicited as part of new business pitches.

“Design is a process,” the letter states, signed by executive director Hilary Ashworth. “It involves time, creative energy, strategy and, most importantly, client participation. For a designer to generate work without going through this process is to create something that is undeveloped and that does not reflect the client’s input and participation.”

Wayne Leek, publisher of Food & Drink, says his team is reviewing the letter and discussing it internally.