There is something special when creative people get together – Joy Mangano
Relationships are so important. Who you know can have a significant impact on how successful you become, and without connections, your work may not get noticed. Everyone needs a network, and creatives are no exception to this rule.
Relationships are also critical for the creative process, and creativity often a result of collaboration. For this reason, it is extremely important that you connect with people in the industry, or build relationships with other creatives. These connections can be built online, in person, or on the job. Through this creative network you will hear about jobs, exchange industry news or gossip, helping you to grow and improve in your profession. Being around other likeminded creatives, can often present more opportunities for inspiration or the opportunity to collaborate on projects.
In the past, when I wanted to learn more about the fashion industry I attended conferences not only to expand my expertise and to keep up to date on burning topics in the industry, but also so I could network and introduce myself to as many people as possible. I connected with many stylists and fashion creatives online and with the students of local fashion schools so that I might receive invites to their fashion shows and careers events. I made both friends and contacts this way.
Where to start
My advice to anyone starting out, who needs to build their network, is to look in your local area for anything that relates to your creative passion; this could be a conference, a festival or a Meetup. There are many groups on Facebook for creatives seeking other stylists, makeup artists, photographers for TFP (time for print) collaborations. There are also many other more sophisticated professional networking sites and forums for paid work in the field once you have some experience.
How to make the most of your connections
Once you have established yourself within the creative scene, and made your introductions, it is very important for you connect with people who can help you grow, develop your craft and succeed. You will also want to consider how you can make it mutually beneficial for you and your connections; have you established a lasting relationship with people who can help you and with whom you can also lend a helping hand? Offering to collaborate and supporting others pays dividends, and this will be very useful to you especially if you go on to intern or assist. Lastly you want to meet with these people regularly, to not only be keep in the loop regarding any work or collaboration opportunities that arise, but also so that you continue to learn from them, that you challenge yourself and that they point out areas where you can improve and strengthen your experience.
Always be promoting
Once you get a foot in the door, make sure to always self promote and tell them your contacts about your accomplishments and successes. Positive visibility goes a long way! Talk about what you are learning, what ideas you have for future work, and ensure to sell yourself to every contact as you would in an interview. Adapt to your audience and highlight anything that shows your passion and enthusiasm for the subject. If you are interested in commercial styling mention celebrity stylists that you love, for fashion editorial mention photographers you would like to work with, magazines or publications that are in-keeping with your values or ambitions, and of course any stylists that inspire you.
Develop your personal branding
Lastly, use the opportunity of networking to develop your personal branding. Your brand represents what people should know about you, your values, your integrity and your work ethic. Always be ready to pitch your brand should you need to, have your portfolio at hand and make sure to promote your brand and website, whenever an opportunity presents itself.
As a creative, your personal branding is all about you, so make sure people know who you are!!