Why networking should be your top priority in 2025 (and how to do it)

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 from agencies."

Don't force things

One of the points we heard most in these discussions was that the very word 'networking' is frightening to many. Many people seem to think of it as similar to working in sales. But that's definitely not the case.

In truth, networking isn't about going in with a transactional mindset and making "instant gains". Instead, it's more about building meaningful connections over time.

As writer ​​‪Ryan Melsom notes: "Keep in mind that relationships are the end goal, not some immediate, transactional payout. When I meet new people, I mainly look for a moment of real connection. That's where it starts."

Andrew Poppen agrees. "Purely transactional connections rarely pay off for me long term," he says. "Just friendships. Vendor relationships especially come to mind."

In other words, don't try to get work from people the moment you meet them. Instead, put some effort into developing the relationship over time.

Follow up afterwards

How do you develop a relationship with someone you've only met once? As multi-hyphenate creative and educator Jessica Deseo says: "A big tip is always following up after the event. A connection without follow-through is a missed opportunity. A quick email or LinkedIn message expressing gratitude and interest can turn a casual chat into a long-term professional relationship."

Photographer Karl Mackie takes a similar approach. "Keep showing up, stay consistent, and nurture genuine relationships," he advises. "People notice those traits, even if it takes time. It might not happen immediately; it could be 12 months down the line, but how you present yourself will always leave a lasting impression on future clients."

This strategy has certainly worked for brand writer Seth Rowden. "I switched from a project mindset to a relationships mindset; I remember the week this happened," he recalls. "I booked a hotel and travelled a long way to see a new client, spent a full day with them—without charge—and turned what would have been a one-off project into a longer-term collaboration."

Network everywhere

Another thing to note is that networking isn't just for networking events. It can happen anywhere and at any time.

Matt Hamm, founder of Supereight Studio, shares a personal story that highlights this point. "I once got invited to the Universal Music Christmas party by a friend," he recounts. "I started chatting with a guy, we really got on, and we got quite drunk. I asked him what he did at Universal Music anyway. He said he was the creative director."

"The next day, he contacted me, and I started freelancing for him. The creative director of the largest record company in the world. I worked for them for years, producing interactive Flash content for many famous music artists, including Blink 182, Shaggy and Simply Red. Sometimes, all you need is to get your foot in the right door at the right time."

For this reason, video and podcast editor Steve Folland adds: "Don't be afraid to talk about what you do; I've had referrals from school gate conversations, and even via my hairdresser." Motion designer Liv Ross agrees. "Networking doesn't just happen in stuffy conference rooms," she stresses. "I met one client travelling back from Paris on the Eurostar and another at my niece's fifth birthday party. So always have your business card on you. You never know when you'll need it."

That said, while chance encounters can be serendipitous, you can still strategically place yourself in environments where those opportunities are more likely. As Andrew Poppen, a multidisciplinary creative, suggests: "Maybe my number one tip for young creatives trying to build a network is to find out where the nonprofit kids hang out. They always need what you're selling. The money usually isn't good, but these are people who often go on to greater things, and they'll remember you helped them."

Pro Tips

Seeking more specific advice? We'll end with a brilliant series of tips from content creator and illustrator Aelfleda Clackson.

"Wear something colourful to events to make it easier for people to recognise you," she begins. "This serves as an icebreaker if they want to start a conversation. Create an Instagram folder for each event and save a photo from each person's profile so that new connections don't get lost among your old followers, and you'll remember where you met them. And if you have a complicated name like mine, give people a simple way to remember how to pronounce it. Otherwise, they might worry about mispronouncing it when recommending you for future opportunities."

She adds: "Put a QR code with your socials on your screen saver. Screenshot LinkedIn profiles and add new connections a few days after an event so you can rekindle the conversation and avoid getting lost in the overwhelm of the moment. Then make sure you check in on those people occasionally and reach out to see what they've been up to."