When I first started working in the arts, I had no idea how much of it was going to be selling myself. I’d spent so long creating work in isolation that it didn’t occur to me that once I was making art professionally, I was going to need to network. It seems silly in retrospect–most careers include networking–but for whatever reason, I thought art was different. I actually need professional contacts now more than ever, which is why I thought I’d put together a list of networking tips for artists.
Engage with your community
Attending events is the number one way you’re going to meet people, both in your area and in the greater arts community. And I don’t just mean you need to go to events that are specific to what you do, or are specifically networking events… to really find contacts and opportunities, you’re going to need to branch out! I’m a writer and film producer, but I still try to go to things like live music, art galleries, and local theater. It’s really paid off, because now if I need a musician for a film project, or want to hire a visual artist to draw my characters, I know who to call!
Even things that appear to have nothing to do with art can be a great networking opportunity. I’m friendly with the baristas at my local cafe, which could be a great place to show visual art or rent for a film set. Knowing the chef at a local restaurant has helped me cater my own events. Every connection counts!
Another thing that counts as networking? Just telling people what you do! I know a lot of artists are shy about admitting they make art, especially if they have a day job. If you’re going to make professional connections, you are going to have to own up to your creativity even in non-networking situations; you never know when an opportunity may arise!
Connect online
Connecting in person isn’t the only way to get contacts. I do a lot of networking with artists online, especially because writers aren’t centralized to one location. There are lots of ways to connect with other artists online. Back in my day, Twitter was where book publishing lived, but sadly those days are over. You can still find online community, however; places like Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky all have active arts scenes, and it’s also surprisingly easy to find Discord servers that are teeming with artists you can connect with. For filmmakers, you might want to check out Indie Empire, an online filmmaking collective that’s equal parts networking and educational resources. I’m biased as part of the team that built it, but I think it’s pretty great!
Another great way to find online connections is by attending online events. I’ve met some incredible people through classes, webinars, and virtual conferences. Some of these things cost money, but there are a surprising number of free options out there, and I’ve been really happy with the value I’ve gotten when I’ve paid to access an event. The only thing I typically don’t find to be worth it are networking specific events; if I’m going to be paying, I want to be learning new skills while meeting people!
Nail your website, reel, or portfolio
Regardless of if you’re making connections online or IRL, you need to make sure you have a place on the internet where people can find you! What you make depends on your needs and your art, but you probably know what needs to be done. As a writer, I have an author website I can direct people to if they want to learn more about me or get in touch. Filmmakers should have a reel, photographers and other visual artists should have a portfolio… the list goes on.
Start with a WordPress or Wix site if you’re feeling overwhelmed. I also encourage you to buy a domain name; they’re not as expensive as you might think! Use a pre-made template, customize it with colors you like, write a little bit about yourself, upload some work if it’s relevant, and bam! You’re done. Good job. Now when you meet people, they’ll be able to find you afterwards.
Lend a hand
If you help others, other people will want to help you. It’s really that simple! Attend people’s events, engage with their art, donate to their fundraisers, and offer to help when you can. Obviously, you shouldn’t burn yourself out helping everyone around you, nor should you commit to working a bunch of hours on other people’s projects for free, but trying to be helpful is a great way to bank goodwill. If you go to someone’s play, they’re that more likely to go to your art show. If you stream someone’s album and leave a review, they’re that much more likely to recommend you to a friend. Being good at art can get you a long way, but at the end of the day, people are also going to be looking for a kind, helpful person they can trust.
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