You Need To Get Out Of The House
Episode #299 | Art by Lee White
Why does fostering community matter? Jake Parker, Sam Cotterill, and Lee White share the benefits of a solid creative network (with a bonus discussion about what makes a best-seller!).
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SHOW LINKS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Don’t let social anxiety or habit prevent you from experiencing all the world has to offer.
Leave your comfort zone, gently. You don’t have to become the ultimate networker; do simple things that shake up your routine, provide new experiences, and help you meet people, while also giving your nervous system a sense of safety and groundedness.
Don’t insist on perfection, either in your art or your social interactions. We’re all a little awkward at times. The professional knows how to drop expectations and savor spontaneity.
Give generously of your time, creativity, and care. Your sincerity speaks louder than your words.
SUMMARY
When’s the last time you went outside for something other than letting out the dog? We artists have a knack for curling up in our corners and hiding from sun and society. The problem? Inspiration is outside. Life-giving connections are outside. The world is, for better or for worse, outside. Left alone, we lack the community that can unlock new doors for us.
Whether you’re so deep in work that you forget to do anything else, or you simply prefer the hermit life, it’s important to step outside your comfort zone at times and connect with others. You don’t have to be the most outgoing, and it doesn’t need to be every day, but intentionally building relationships with other creatives will enrich your life professionally and personally (and you’ll do the same for them).
Where can you start? Look for meetups in your city: local coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries often host groups where creatives can work and mingle. These settings are great for the socially anxious because you don’t have to carry all the weight of conversation, yet you can interact with new people and potentially find folks you click with. (Pro tip: don’t limit yourself to illustrators or visual artists. Filmmakers, photographers, writers, and designers have unique perspectives that can expand your worldview.)
Nurture the connections you make. Even if you don’t intend to be best friends, a bi-annual check-in or occasional coffee date can maintain a valuable bond. Everyone needs close confidants, but your acquaintance-level friends are equally important in their own way. They might be the bridge to an opportunity a close friend couldn’t offer, not wanting to risk the relationship.
Wherever you go, add value to the people you encounter. Be the person who makes introductions, recommends resources, shares tips, and gives generously of time and creativity. Seek to contribute, not to drain. As you pour into others with genuine hopes for their success, you’ll inevitably connect with people equally eager to see you thrive.
How do you foster creative community (or how are you going to start)? Let us know what works for you in the comments!
