However throughout ones development, we meet many people from not only our own sphere of work, but from many others. Photographers, film producers or creatives from many other disciplines. This adds to the experiences that can interplay within your own professional framework. As a student, we do this automatically within the College, course and year groups as a day to day thing. Therefore we slip into the networking mode virtually automatically through ‘crits’ and by collaborative tasks.
Near to, or after graduating, we will come away from College with a degree (hopefully) which illustrates/indicates to our practice and other achievements and a certain level of skill, and an academic understanding of our industry and other areas that we may have contact with, now or in the future.
It would be amazing if that was the ‘magic ticket’ to a long and lucrative career within the business...sadly not true. This is merely a springboard that has lifted your foot onto the initial rung of our live’s/career’s ladder.
We can survive in a bubble now we have the technology, sitting alone in a room somewhere completing and distributing work to whomever and wherever. Becoming a ‘creative hermit’ has a few downsides however. No one being fully aware of your existence, your ability, your brilliance. Remember there are over 7 billion of us clinging to this planet.
Networking in all of it’s forms will introduce and engage you within the wider areas of our profession, gain you friends (some that can and will last a lifetime) colleagues and even clients from near and far (sounds a bit like either a fairy story or a recruitment ad?).
How can we effectively network with others?
We can establish a network in quite a few ways, and I will identify a few, but you will more than likely add a few more yourself.
- Join professional organisations allied to your discipline. ie. the Graphic Artists Guild, AIGA and many others.
Graphic Design Info - Specific networking sites where one can upload a portfolio and obtain feedback from fellow professionals such as Behance, Cargo, Coroflot and many others.
- Join creative circles and become active amongst your peers.
- Attend conferences and symposiums to meet others that may be attending or presenting there, this is a ricky one if one is of a reserved disposition (shy). But, remember the phrase I always use as a displaced ‘Geordie’ 'Shy bairns get nowt!’
- Travel, work abroad or work with other designers/studios outside the UK. This is something I made a specific point of within my own career. It ‘globalizes’ your network and is so much easier today with the internet.
- Blog and follow blogs. You can amaze yourself when someone from thousands of miles away comments on your work, thoughts and ideas. Check who is following you and why.
- Visit other creatives and socialise. ‘Most’ are more than pleased to meet other creatives. Establish a dialogue and it can go on for many years! if you maintain the contact (not as a stalker though!).
There is no one on the planet you can not attempt to contact!
When I say that of course I mean there is no one in the world you can not plan to contact.
However, have a reason to contact them. Even if it is simply to say 'wow'. Years ago, I had always enjoyed the work of Milton Glaser in New York (I LOVE NY) and took a punt and contacted him simply to say how over the years I really enjoyed his work. I still email and get replies today, he and I are getting long in the tooth, but both enjoy creative work. Do not wait, start today, but have a reason and identify why you want to talk.
Networking has been around since the beginning of the artistic/creative days. The PreRaphaelites, the Impressionists all networked and discussed their work. I am not suggesting you drink, fight or cut your own ears off, but networking is a helpful and rewarding pursuit.
Some of my own tips for networking to expand your own network;
- When you do contact/ meet other creatives you have identified as having some synergy with you and your practice, ask WHO ELSE they would suggest you talk to/follow.
- Keep in touch on a regular basis (even if it is a postcard from holidays), pass on other creative practices projects you have seen, they may appreciate it as much as you do..
Why would anyone want to let me into their network or be interested at all?
When you become a new Graduate or a final year student, you are ‘new blood’ and fresh. You have had a number of years where you have been encouraged to look at the profession in a new light and can bring fresh thinking and ‘commercially untainted’ views. When wanting to make contacts and seeking advice, you should understand that professionals will want to give advice...it’s really nice to be asked and to be seen as an ‘expert’. This may sound like ‘schmoozing’ or ego tripping, but what the heck, if it works, use it.Remember, recently it has been reported that networking has achieved between 60-80% of potential job offers?
Networking can induct you into important information ‘loops’ and make you aware of opportunities and projects that a ‘creative hermit’ may miss out on.
You may think common sense. It actually is. BUT it is surprising how effective it can be to network. The biggest reason people do not network is poor time management (but that is another story). Not being bothered to take or make time is something we really should address, it is so easy to say ‘I’m too busy’...or ‘I haven’t has a spare minute’. Think about that next time you miss out on something you really wanted to be part of. A few minutes every week can be advantageous. Like Facebook and Tweeting.
There are over 7 Billion people on our planet...why not speak to a few that will benefit and help you?
There are over 7 Billion people on our planet...why not speak to a few that will benefit and help you?
