For many creatives, networking can feel daunting. Especially if you’re shy or introverted, the idea of striking up conversations with strangers or trying to sell yourself can be overwhelming.
If that chimes with you, then unfortunately, there’s no way to sugar-coat it. The truth is that, in today’s competitive and interconnected world, many of the best opportunities come from the relationships you build—not just your skill set.
In short, networking is essential if you wish to achieve your career potential. And with the threat of AI and political and economic turmoil expected to limit jobs and freelance opportunities over the coming year, there’s no better time to start building your network.
But don’t be scared. The creative professions are, on the whole, a pretty friendly bunch. And so, in this industry, at least, networking is not about forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations or pretending to be someone you’re not. Instead, it’s about finding genuine, meaningful ways to connect with others that feel authentic to you.
To help you out, we asked the Creative Boom community for real-world advice, and they delivered in style. We’ll share some of their best tips below, while you can read the full discussion on LinkedIn, Threads
and Bluesky.
Making the first move
So, let’s start at the beginning. You’re at a networking event, sitting back and waiting for something to happen, but no one is talking to you. What do you do?
As illustrator Ella Lama urges: “Don’t be afraid to make the first move. As an introvert, I tend to shy away from opportunities to approach other artists and even potential clients. But I’ve learned that I can foster genuine connection by finding common interests, sources of inspiration, and creative challenges.”
Unsure of how to begin a conversation? As multi-sensory artist Jasmin Harsono explains, it’s not rocket science. “Focus on building genuine, one-on-one connections rather than trying to ‘work the room’,” she advises. “Approach someone who seems approachable or is standing alone, and start with a simple, mindful question like ‘What brought you to this event?’ or ‘What’s been the most interesting thing you’ve experienced today?’.”
In short, you don’t have to be super-charming or witty. You just have to be willing to talk and open up to people in your own way (and remember, they may be in the same boat as you, nerves-wise). As Louisa Tan of Common Exception says: “I think of networking as making new friends. Ask questions about their work and share opportunities that might help. And if you don’t ‘connect’, they’re not your people, and that’s okay.”
Designer and art director Emilie Chen adds that finding an event or place where you’re likely to be more relaxed can be a game-changer.
“I started the Ladies Wine & Design London chapter because, as an introvert, the idea to have a small group of women around the same table sounded ideal,” she explains. “All the design events at the time were taking place in noisy venues and had hundreds of attendees, which I found overwhelming.”
In contrast, Ladies Wine & Design has proved to be the ideal format for her to open up. “And I know so many people who have found jobs, mentors, collaborators and even best friends through the group over the years,” Emilie enthuses. “I’ve also found it easier to make connections in places where they are more independent creatives and freelancers rather than mainly people fro