How Do I Grow My Network?
Art by Analise Black
Is it possible to network outside of art school? Jake Parker, Will Terry, and Lee White discuss building professional friendships, where to find community, and more in this episode.
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SHOW LINKS
Wicked Christmas game
Lee’s Watercolor Workshop
Inktober
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In the digital age, marketing strategies are important, but the most effective strategy is to make art or products so good they can’t be ignored.
YouTube is great for learning isolated skills, but not for compiling a comprehensive curriculum. Be willing to invest money into your artistic education. Not only will you receive higher-quality instruction, but you’ll have more opportunities to build connections, foster community, and learn from your peers.
Forget networking; just make friends. Find ways to add value to the lives of artists around you. Overcome awkwardness and invite new connections to participate in daily life with you. True friends are the most effective and valuable connections.
QUESTIONS
Robert asks, “What advice would you have for someone trying to make connections now if they didn't make any connections while in school?”
University can be a great place to form connections, but it’s not the be-all, end-all. Interacting on social media and participating in art shows and conventions are effective strategies for meeting other artists. The key is to foster those new connections after the initial meeting. You can do this by sending periodic texts to check in on your contacts. Better yet, invite them to do things with you: go to shows, sketch together, or attend workshops. Invite them into your life to deepen the relationship, and don’t be afraid to instigate these activities.
Think of it less as networking and more like making friends. What value could you add to another’s life? Bring that to the table without any expectations in return. Your sincerity will attract other like-minded creators looking to build community.
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com
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