Networking for Artists (6 steps to find lasting connections)
I am as good as the company I keep. And the company I keep is built on trust, mutualism and deep ties. So this is my guide on networking for artists. This is how I build my inner circle.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love my alone time and I definitely thrive with my solo artistic projects.
But having an artistic alliance is more than an asset – it’s like an organ system within my body of work.
So let’s wrap up the chit chat. Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents Show
What Is Artist Networking? (+ why should I care?)
What is networking for artists? (and why should I?)
Valid questions, indeed. So let’s unpack things a bit.
Artist networking is sharing resources and information with other creatives while building and maintaining relationships.
So why is networking important for artists anyways? I mean, there are plenty of solo artists who prefer solitude and still enjoy success, right?
For sure, but you’ll be missing out some amazing benefits, such as:
Being forced out of your comfort zones
Exposure to new ideas, perspectives and artistic strategies
More clarity on personal weaknesses (and strengths)
Extra inspiration and motivation
Better support for living an artist’s life (which many don’t understand)
Exposure to unique opportunities (you never know who you’ll meet)
Increased authority and credibility
Networking for Artists (6 steps to expand your circle)
Alright, ready to build your epic network?
Perfect. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to discovering exciting opportunities and meeting amazing new people.
1. Start With Your Goals
Goal setting is a solid first step for pretty much everything. So let’s start there.
Having a clear target will keep you from drifting too far off course. It also adds clarity and important intention to your networking strategy.
So do a little self reflection and try to answer these questions:
Who is your ideal network?
What personality traits and personas do you vibe with the best?
What do you hope to achieve with networking?
Why haven’t you built out your artist network before? What’s changed?
2. Create A Low-Key Network First
After goal setting, an awesome next step is what I like to call “low-key networking”. Here’s what I mean.
A low-key network is the act of connecting with and engaging in your niche (like a regular person). There’s no formal goal of networking involved.
It’s all about following your favorite creators, hopping in the comments and just being active online.
This style of networking is low-friction and easy. It’s great for research and understanding audiences better, getting more clarity on your goals and connecting with like-minded creatives.
It’s genuine and an organic first step to networking.
You also get more comfortable engaging with people online, which is important since digital communication is a key networking skill.
You don’t need to look far to find a good social network for artists (IG, YouTube and TikTok are all great options).
But if you’re keen to hear about a lesser known platform, you could try Behance. This is Adobe’s native online community and social network.
It’s specifically for artists, illustrators and photographers and you can learn about other creator’s techniques and tools or even join contests to stack your skills and gain exposure.
But whatever platform you choose, engaging in the comments regularly is also a solid strategy to grow your own social media account (if that’s something you want to do).
So whether it’s YouTube, IG or something else entirely, a great way to start your networking journey is to first be a genuine user.
Recommended: How to Build Confidence As An Artist
3. Make More Content
If you’re doing some low-key networking, then there’s a good chance you’re also creating some social media content (or at least have a social media account).
So let’s talk more about content creation as a strategy for artist networking.
As you may know, one of the best ways to grow your network is through content creation. You get exposure, build authority and you’re creating an online portfolio for people to explore.
The simple reality is this: without some sort of “social proof”, it’s much harder to connect with other artists.
This doesn’t mean you need thousands of followers or a perfectly curated profile page. It just means having proof that you’re a real, live active artist.
Because let’s be honest, would you trust someone who sent you a DM to connect or do a collab who has zero content or proof that they’re even an artist?
It’s a risk. Even if the person is genuine or talented, it just feels a bit sketchy.
Most artists are looking to grow an audience online. So by sharing this goal (or at least supporting it), digital networking is going to be a whole lot easier for you.
Hot Tip: Content isn’t just social media. Blogging is another great way to build a network (+ an online income). Learn how to start an art blog here.
4. Go Where Your Network Is
This advice is very obvious and it’s something we all know.
But this is just a friendly reminder.
If you want to meet more artists, go where you can meet more artists.
Of course, social media is an obvious first place to look. But there are more places to network.
For example, art galleries, artist networking events, art exhibits and trade shows are all great places to network in-person with other artists (old school style).
This is great news if social media isn’t your favorite growth strategy. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still important.
Often, the people you meet in person will want to take the next step in the relationship by connecting online.
Most artists and musicians will have a custom QR that will send people directly to their social accounts or website.
This is why I put this step after content creation. Love it or hate it, having your stuff online is still important as a modern artist.
So even if you just have a website portfolio to send people to, at least that’s something (which is way better than nothing).
Recommended: Squarespace for Artists (+ why I never looked back)
5. Don’t Wait + Hope (take that first step)
Admittedly, I still struggle in this department.
It’s hard and stressful sometimes trying to find the “perfect” network. Sometimes, relationships don’t work out and collaborations can fall apart.
But that’s okay – it’s all part of the process.
And yes, the thought of investing your time and energy into something that doesn’t end up working out can feel daunting – even fruitless.
But this is how we learn, grow and better isolate the type of people who should be in our network (and who shouldn’t be).
So stay the course and keep putting yourself out there. It’ll pay off.
And if you’re still struggling with taking that first step, consider other causes to your hesitation. Is it shyness or a fear of rejection?
Or maybe there’s still some unresolved imposter syndrome hanging around.
Whatever the cause, waiting around for others to always take the first step isn’t the best strategy.
Because the perfect network doesn’t just magically show up. We need to put ourselves out there also.
If you’re struggling with confidence, check out this article on my top confidence strategies for artists and musicians.
Hot Tip: Don’t give off a “needy” energy, but also don’t be afraid to follow up. Use your intuition and stay patient (we’re playing the long game).
6. Remember, It’s A Relationship (give + take)
A strong network is built on being genuine – you know, being a real human being.
It’s less about networking and more about authentic relationship-building.
So whether you’re doing a collab or just starting a casual DM, remember that you’re sharing your energy and resources just as much as they’re giving you theirs.
It’s a mutual, give and take situation. Ideally, if both parties focus on giving more than they take, everyone wins.
So it’s not about what they can give to you, it’s what you can give to them. It’s about how, together, you’ll both be stronger.
Follow this principle, and you’ll never fail (plus you’ll attract the best of the best).
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