Networking is a crucial aspect of growing as an artist. It opens doors to new opportunities, like collaborations, career advancements and it expands your perspectives, enriching the art you create.
This blog will serve as a detailed exploration of how artists can effectively connect with industry professionals and build valuable relationships—but before we jump into that, it’s crucial to recognise the why:
Understanding the Importance of Networking
1. Career Advancement
Networking can lead to job opportunities, commissions, and collaborations that may not be available through traditional job searches. As you strengthen bonds and expand your connections, you’re more likely to gain assistance from your contacts. Whether this be through your contacts themselves or them introducing relevant individuals to you, networking is a reliable pathway for hidden possibilities.
2. Learning and Growth
Engaging with industry professionals allows you to learn from their experiences, gain insights, and receive constructive feedback. You might not always be in a position where you can actively converse with your higher-ups, or you may simply be an independent artist—so it’s important to have a support network, where you can seek advice from or even exchange ideas with! Art is always evolving, and so should you.
3. Exposure and Visibility
Building relationships with key figures in the industry can increase your visibility and help you gain recognition for your work. The exchange of ideas does rouse personal growth—but making a conscious effort to present yourself, can show peers or potential employers what you’re made of. Building up a positive image for yourself is important for the health of your career.
Challenges of Networking for Artists
We’ll get to tips on how to network—but it’s important to be conscious of the potential barriers one may face when trying to expand their social scope.
1. Overcoming Introversion
Challenge: Naturally introverted Artists may find networking events daunting and stressful, understandably so. Events can be large-scale or have important attendees—your thoughts may race, and your words may get jumbled if you get too into your head about what others think.
Solution: Start by setting small, manageable goals for each event, such as initiating a conversation with one or two people. Practice your pitch and focus on listening, which can reduce the pressure of talking—and if you struggle with eye contact, look at their nose. People can’t tell the difference. After overcoming the goals you’ve set, periodically set harder goals. But take it slow and go at your own pace.
2. Building Genuine Connections
Challenge: Making authentic connections can be difficult when many networking interactions feel superficial. Conversations that primarily consist of mindless small talk and self-advertising get draining over time, and to many, a disingenuous front puts off both parties.
Solution: Focus on quality over quantity. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions about others’ work, and show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. Sincerity goes a long way, especially in an industry fuelled by passion and individualism. Also, it’s best to remind yourself that only people who match your beliefs and thoughts will stay—so, prepare to witness a few connections fizzle out.
3. Navigating Competitive Environments
Challenge: The art world can be competitive, and standing out among many talented individuals can be challenging. It’s important to stay authentic, so remember to avoid sacrificing personal style for mere shock value.
Solution: Develop a unique personal brand and style that sets you apart—this is hard and may take lots of time and effort. The key is to stick to your strongest passion and fully explore it—don’t force yourself to fit into another box. Highlight your unique strengths to create a memorable impression.
How to Build Your Networking Foundation
1. Building an Effective Online Presence
i. Create a Professional Website: Develop a portfolio website showcasing your best work, artist statement, and contact information. There are a few platforms for this, like WIX, Art Station or Dribbble. Besides providing a way for potential connections to come across your art, it also shows dedication to reaching success.
ii. Utilise Social Media: Engage with platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to share your work, follow industry leaders, and participate in relevant discussions. This is arguably the easiest way to gain recognition, simply due to the sheer number of people who are on social networking services. However—keep in mind that what is hard, is to find and make the right connections.
iii. Join Online Art Communities: Participate in forums, groups, and networks specific to your artistic niche to connect with like-minded professionals. Examples include DeviantArt or Behance. Unlike social media platforms like Instagram, these types of online communities are much more focused and specialised.
2. Attending Industry Events
i. Art Exhibitions: Attend art shows, gallery openings, and exhibitions to meet other artists, curators, and art enthusiasts. It’s likely that there are local artists around you who are holding shows to display their own art—with the combination of common interests like culture, and most obviously art, bonds are bound to be more genuine.
ii. Art Festivals and Fairs: Large-scale annual events like MIFA, TEFAF or SCOPE are golden opportunities to mingle, and hopefully show off your art. Artists, enthusiasts or supporting companies from all around the world travel, just to attend. So, take advantage of the diversity of art and culture that art festivals bring—and expand your perspectives.
iii. Networking Events: Look for events that are specifically designed for networking, such as industry mixers or artist meetups. These are plentiful—simply search on the internet for ones near you. They’re typically less pressure than large annual art festivals, and the people who attend are all there for the same reasons you are.
3. Leveraging Existing Connections
i. Ask for Introductions: Use your current network to get introductions to industry professionals you want to meet—but be graceful. Avoid being pushy or coming off as desperate, and respect the boundaries of the individuals from your current network. You can mention your interest naturally and in a light and relaxed tone. Show that you come from a place that says while it’s great to have that additional connection, it is not a must-have.
ii. Collaborate with Peers: Work on joint projects or exhibitions with other artists to expand your network and gain new connections—but there’s also the added benefit of gaining insight into new art techniques, styles and work methods.
4. Navigating Challenges
i. Handle Rejection Gracefully: Not every connection will lead to immediate opportunities. Handle rejection professionally and use it as a learning experience. Networking is a selective process, people will come together if they find the other person has a shared value or mindset.
ii. Manage Your Time: Balancing networking with your artistic practice can be challenging. Remember that at the end of the day, you’re an artist and not a networker. Prioritise your efforts—and as previously mentioned, focus on quality rather than quantity.
Conclusion
Networking is just a step or a push that you initiate to get to your opportunities. So don't give up, don't ever doubt yourself if it takes longer than others, and speaking of that, don't compare yourself with others. Keep growing your art style and characteristics, find your stand and position and you will find the people who match or understand your art. Throw things at the wall and see what sticks.
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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