How to meet other creatives
Discover the best ways to meet creatives through communities, meetups, social networks and events. Learn how to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your creative network.
Discover the best ways to meet creatives through communities, meetups, social networks and events. Learn how to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your creative network.
Meeting creatives can open up a world of opportunities, whether through in-person events or online communities. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to connect with like-minded individuals.
Meeting creatives can open up a world of opportunities, whether through in-person events or online communities. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to connect with like-minded individuals.
The Creative Lunch Club connects people in creative industries through monthly lunch meetings. Members are matched with two other creatives from their city to meet, share meals, and discuss their work and inspirations.
foster meaningful connections and friendships within the creative community, offering a relaxed alternative to traditional networking events. Right now it is active in over 150 cities in Europe, North America and Australia.
The Breakfast App is a social app that connects people over breakfast, focusing on genuine human connections rather than dating or networking.
Each day, users get one opportunity, called a "chance," to meet someone new in their city. The app uses an algorithm to tailor these meetings based on user profiles and preferences. The community is composed of modern creatives from various fields. Membership is paid to ensure commitment and quality interactions, and the app is currently available in several major cities worldwide.
CreativeMornings is a global breakfast lecture series for the creative community, hosting free monthly events in numerous cities worldwide.
Each event features a short talk by a guest speaker on various themes, providing an opportunity for creatives to network, share ideas, and get inspired. The events are inclusive and open to all, promoting a sense of community among creatives across different disciplines.
Ladies, Wine & Design is a global community created to champion creative women, fostering collaboration and mentorship in the design industry. Through casual meetups over wine, inspiring talks, and workshops, LWD provides a supportive space for women to share ideas, grow professionally, and connect with like-minded creatives. With chapters in cities worldwide, it's a welcoming platform for creativity, empowerment, and meaningful connections.
Meetup is a versatile platform that enables creatives to connect through local events and gatherings tailored to their interests. For artists, designers, writers, and musicians, Meetup offers a plethora of groups focused on various creative disciplines, where members can attend workshops, collaborate on projects, and participate in networking events.
These events are fantastic opportunities for creatives to network and collaborate. Make sure to mark your calendar and register early. For more events, check local creative groups and organizations.
OFFF Barcelona is an industry leading festival and a global hub for creativity and design, bringing together artists, designers, and digital innovators through inspiring talks, workshops, and exhibitions.
This massive event in Austin, TX, encompasses conferences, festivals, and exhibitions across tech, film, and music, offering a comprehensive creative experience.
The Forward Festival celebrates design, creativity, and communication with inspiring talks, workshops, and exhibitions across European cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
Adobe MAX takes place in Miami Beach and online. This conference offers a mix of keynotes, labs, workshops, and sessions on the latest in design and creativity tools and trends.
Us by Night is a unique nocturnal festival in Antwerp that blends creative talks with an urban night market, featuring art, design, music, and food in an immersive atmosphere.
This conference, known for its extensive educational sessions and keynotes from prominent creative minds, takes place in Nashville, TN and is a key event for designers across various disciplines.
Held in Copenhagen and online Design Matters delves into digital design trends and the integration of non-digital disciplines.
Organized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA Design Conference is renowned for its inspiring lineup of speakers and immersive experience.
Config: Figma’s Annual Conference in San Francisco and online brings together UX/UI designers and developers.
Design Indaba, held annually in Cape Town, is a global platform showcasing design as a tool for innovation and social change through talks, exhibitions, and performances.
Here you'll find more design conferences and festivals...
In today's digital age, online communities provide a rich platform for creatives to connect, collaborate, and showcase your their work to a global audience. Whether you're an artist, designer, writer, or musician, joining these communities can open up new opportunities and foster meaningful relationships. Here are some of the most popular online communities for creatives.
Instagram is a visual-centric social network that has become a cornerstone for creatives worldwide. With its vast user base, it allows artists, designers, photographers, and other creatives to share their work, engage with a global audience, and discover new trends and inspirations. Features like Stories, IGTV, and Reels provide various formats for showcasing projects and behind-the-scenes content, while hashtags and explore pages enhance discoverability and community interaction.
Behance, a platform by Adobe, is designed specifically for showcasing creative portfolios. It caters to a wide range of disciplines including graphic design, illustration, photography, and more. Creatives can present their projects in a professional format, receive feedback, and connect with potential clients and collaborators. The platform's curated galleries and job board also offer opportunities for exposure and career advancement.
Threads, launched by Meta, is a social network designed for more intimate and focused conversations among smaller groups of users. It's particularly beneficial for creatives who want to share ideas, seek feedback, and collaborate in a private setting. Artists, designers, writers, and musicians can create dedicated Threads to discuss specific projects or topics, allowing for deeper and more meaningful interactions compared to broader platforms. This platform enhances the sense of community and direct engagement, making it an excellent space for fostering creative relationships and collaborations.
LinkedIn, traditionally known as a professional networking site, has become a good platform for creatives as well. It offers a space for artists, designers, writers, and musicians to showcase their portfolios, share industry insights, and connect with potential clients or collaborators. LinkedIn groups and events provide opportunities for creatives to join discussions, attend virtual meetups, and stay updated on industry trends. By leveraging LinkedIn, creatives can not only build their professional networks but also gain visibility and credibility in their respective fields.
Dribbble is a community where designers and digital artists share small screenshots of their work, known as "shots." It's a go-to platform for web designers, graphic designers, illustrators, and UI/UX designers to showcase their skills, find inspiration, and network with peers. Dribbble also offers job listings and portfolio reviews, making it a valuable resource for creatives looking to advance their careers.
Cara is a rapidly growing social network and portfolio platform for artists, designed to combat the issues of AI-generated content prevalent on other platforms. Founded by Jingna Zhang, Cara protects artists' work using tools like Glaze, which confuses AI models, and "NoAI" tags to deter data scrapers. The platform has quickly gained popularity, attracting hundreds of thousands of users seeking a community focused on genuine artistic connections and free from AI exploitation
Networking offers numerous benefits for creatives, from finding collaboration opportunities to gaining new insights and inspirations. By attending events and participating in online communities, creatives can expand their horizons, find new projects, and build a supportive network of peers. Here are some tips for you.
Before attending networking events or engaging online, craft a concise and engaging introduction about yourself and your work. Highlight your specialties, passions, and any notable projects to make a strong first impression. Having a clear and memorable way to introduce yourself helps others quickly understand who you are and what you bring to the table.
Even in a digital age, business cards remain a simple and effective way to share your contact information. Design cards that reflect your style or brand and include essential details like your name, role, website, and social media handles. A tangible card can leave a lasting impression and makes it easier for people to reconnect with you.
Networking is about more than just making contacts; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. Approach conversations with curiosity and be genuinely interested in others’ stories and ideas. By fostering open and meaningful exchanges, you can create authentic connections that may lead to future collaborations or friendships.
Effective networking starts with building genuine relationships, not just seeking out business opportunities. Focus on getting to know people, their stories, and their passions, rather than immediately pitching your work or services. By prioritizing authentic connections, you create a foundation of trust and mutual respect that often leads to meaningful collaborations and opportunities down the line.
Social media platforms are invaluable for staying connected with people you meet. Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, or other platforms relevant to your field, and engage with their content to stay on their radar. These connections can help you keep up with their work and build long-term relationships beyond the initial meeting.
After meeting someone new, take the time to follow up with a quick email or message thanking them for the conversation. Mention something specific you discussed to show your interest and keep the relationship warm. Regularly checking in or sharing relevant resources ensures that your connections remain active and mutually beneficial.
Building meaningful connections with other creatives is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Whether through online communities, conferences, or social networks, each platform offers unique opportunities to learn, collaborate, and be inspired. Combine these with effective networking strategies, and you’ll create a supportive network that fuels your creativity and opens doors to exciting projects. Remember, the key to successful networking is authenticity—focus on building genuine relationships, and the rest will follow.