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What is the best approach to truly getting connected with other creatives and what is the most challenging part about being a creative director ?
I am currently an undergrad art student in NYC and I want to be a creative director or photographer. Looking for the best way to get my work out there and become recognized. As well as looking for gigs, work, events, etc.
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5 answers
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Madison,
If you haven't done so already, I'd suggest joining AIGA. A student membership is currently $50/year. AIGA puts on wonderful events and offers a variety of resources for graphic arts professionals, including a job board.
You might also start submitting to shows listed on CaFE, EntryThingy, and other similar sites for art calls. There should be some low- and no-cost options for virtual and in-person exhibitions. Showing in group exhibitions, particularly if the exhibitor hosts an opening or artists' talk, is a great way to network with peers and potential clients.
Hope this helps!
If you haven't done so already, I'd suggest joining AIGA. A student membership is currently $50/year. AIGA puts on wonderful events and offers a variety of resources for graphic arts professionals, including a job board.
You might also start submitting to shows listed on CaFE, EntryThingy, and other similar sites for art calls. There should be some low- and no-cost options for virtual and in-person exhibitions. Showing in group exhibitions, particularly if the exhibitor hosts an opening or artists' talk, is a great way to network with peers and potential clients.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Madison,
I think the best answer for us all is simply to be striving to be more open hearted and open minded. There is no need for competition based thinking and feeling. I can't be you and have your gifts, just as you can't be me and have mine. If we can learn to become more inclusive and less exclusive and reclusive as fellow creatives, I am certain that we can assist in making this world a much better place and these connections we desire will just happen. As we seek for ways to share our gifts with others and seek for ways to allow others to share their gifts with us, we will all prosper and find great joy.
-womble dean
I think the best answer for us all is simply to be striving to be more open hearted and open minded. There is no need for competition based thinking and feeling. I can't be you and have your gifts, just as you can't be me and have mine. If we can learn to become more inclusive and less exclusive and reclusive as fellow creatives, I am certain that we can assist in making this world a much better place and these connections we desire will just happen. As we seek for ways to share our gifts with others and seek for ways to allow others to share their gifts with us, we will all prosper and find great joy.
-womble dean
Updated
Tatiana’s Answer
To connect with other creatives as an art student, focus on building genuine relationships through shared projects, attending relevant events, and leveraging social media platforms. The most challenging aspect of being a creative director is often navigating differing opinions and priorities while maintaining a cohesive vision and fostering collaboration within a team.
Connecting with Other Creatives as an Art Student:
Participate in collaborative projects:
Seek out opportunities to work on projects with other artists and designers, whether through school assignments, open studios, or independent projects. This provides hands-on experience and allows you to learn from others.
Attend relevant events:
Visit art shows, workshops, conferences, and open studios to meet other creatives in your field. These events offer a chance to network and learn from experienced professionals.
Connecting with Other Creatives as an Art Student:
Participate in collaborative projects:
Seek out opportunities to work on projects with other artists and designers, whether through school assignments, open studios, or independent projects. This provides hands-on experience and allows you to learn from others.
Attend relevant events:
Visit art shows, workshops, conferences, and open studios to meet other creatives in your field. These events offer a chance to network and learn from experienced professionals.
Updated
Kody’s Answer
Hi Madison!
Events that give you an opportunity to connect with other creatives are great. I second AIGA and galleries. A few other favorites for me are Creative Mornings, Ladies Wine & Design, and checking out local markets where artists usually set up. The first few were great for meeting people in my field and finding opportunities + helping each other out. The markets have been great for meeting others in fields I adore and just making creative friends who "get it" and can nerd out/bounce ideas with - basically finding a community.
I think the biggest challenges of being a creative director include:
-Knowing when to let go a bit and trust your team
-Figuring out the best way to coach individuals so they can become stronger creatives
-Managing client relationships and expectations (as someone who prefers to focus on the work)
-Juggling all of the above+your own work, while making sure to stay tuned into shifts in trends and tech in your field (enjoying things that insprie you creatively and networking really helps with this!)
Events that give you an opportunity to connect with other creatives are great. I second AIGA and galleries. A few other favorites for me are Creative Mornings, Ladies Wine & Design, and checking out local markets where artists usually set up. The first few were great for meeting people in my field and finding opportunities + helping each other out. The markets have been great for meeting others in fields I adore and just making creative friends who "get it" and can nerd out/bounce ideas with - basically finding a community.
I think the biggest challenges of being a creative director include:
-Knowing when to let go a bit and trust your team
-Figuring out the best way to coach individuals so they can become stronger creatives
-Managing client relationships and expectations (as someone who prefers to focus on the work)
-Juggling all of the above+your own work, while making sure to stay tuned into shifts in trends and tech in your field (enjoying things that insprie you creatively and networking really helps with this!)
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Start doing activities with other creatives in your area - facebook groups, local meetups, and interest groups - photography groups are in every city, connect with local galleries and education. Camera shops are often hubs of photography interest events,courses, and workshops (sometimes the sponsored workshops i.e. Canon speedlite workshops are information packed and great continuing education. Active artists and photographers know where other things are happening and the 'must do' events for working photographers - ask once you connect with any arts event.
Gallery openings are another area to engage - once you've gone to a few you can pick out the people who are organizing, facilitating, or empowering artists to have openings - you'll pick out the people and organizations to connect to pretty quickly.
Join professional organizations for the arts you are interested in - most have student chapters or reduced fees. American Photographic Artists, Nature Photographers, Fashion Photographers - each has a trade group. Ask local people in your area which groups they find most valuable.
As a student reach out on LinkedIn to a professional in your area - say you are a student and looking to connect to the community - ask if they will help. Best of luck to you in growing your career and network!
Find local groups that like doing your creative activity (Meetup, Facebook, Arts community, Galleries)
Join a professional organization (Look for student chapters)
Seek out a network or mentor who can guide you (We've all been where you are, try asking sincerely)
Gallery openings are another area to engage - once you've gone to a few you can pick out the people who are organizing, facilitating, or empowering artists to have openings - you'll pick out the people and organizations to connect to pretty quickly.
Join professional organizations for the arts you are interested in - most have student chapters or reduced fees. American Photographic Artists, Nature Photographers, Fashion Photographers - each has a trade group. Ask local people in your area which groups they find most valuable.
As a student reach out on LinkedIn to a professional in your area - say you are a student and looking to connect to the community - ask if they will help. Best of luck to you in growing your career and network!
Mark recommends the following next steps: