Post pobrano z: Networking for Creatives: Socialize Your Way to Success
Being a creative, whether you work in design, film,
writing, or art, can feel like a relentless uphill struggle. When you’re first
starting out, one of the biggest challenges is simply getting a paid
commission, never mind racking up million-dollar deals.
In the creative industries, the work, unfortunately, does
not speak for itself. Making a name for yourself is one of the single most
important factors in determining your success. This means that any creative
needs to a master of networking. This doesn’t come naturally to many people,
but there are a few tricks that any budding designer needs to know about making
those crucial connections.
Here’s your guide to networking for creatives.
Step
One: Establish Your Online Presence
If you’re a designer, chances are you already have an
online presence in the form of a blog. So much of your creative network will be
formed online, so you need to stretch your digital presence as widely as
possible. Make sure your LinkedIn is up to scratch and try and connect with as
many other creatives in your field as possible. Be very active on social media
and be sure to offer commissions via Twitter DM or Instagram. Use a
creative-only social network such as Ari.na in
order to establish yourself with the right people.
Step
Two: Join the Right Clubs
Effective creative networking is about running in the right
circles. At the most basic level, this can mean joining Facebook groups for
local creatives and consumers looking for the kind of work you offer. You can
also join members’-only clubs for creatives such as Soho House or LIBRARY. Beyond
this, you’ll want to be a part of a members’ club full of other successful
people who will be able to get you the work you want. If you’re an online
gaming fan, the members’ only Club
Royale by Mr Green is an effective way to place yourself with high rollers
and successful people who could turn out to be the magical connection you’re
looking for.
Step
Three: Meet Your Heroes
Any budding designer has a list of people they look up to,
people that inspire you to work harder so that you can reach their level one
day. These A-list designers and creatives are not as untouchable as you might
think. Reach out to your role models on Twitter, or do your research and find
out which events and meet-ups they’ll be at. Connecting with big
names will not only help boost your own profile as an artist, but could
also be the start of a career-changing professional relationship. Many
successful designers are all too happy to help others succeed, so never
hesitate to approach your role models. The worst they can say is no and you’ll likely
still walk away with some useful advice.
Final
Step: Know Your Worth
Finally, when you’re starting out, it’s important to know
your worth. Working for free is an inevitable part of the journey, but learn to
assert yourself. Too many companies try to pay designers with “exposure”,
but this doesn’t put food on the table or pay the bills. Don’t be afraid to ask
for cold hard cash for your work, just as any other professional would.
Featured image: Raw Pixel
