Building Meaningful Connections
Because its more fun than “networking”
Hey there,
As much as I find illustrating fun, being in this industry can often feel isolating and challenging. And that’s why I am so grateful to have a supportive community of like-minded people around me - for motivation, inspiration, sharing opportunities and even offering a shoulder to cry on. It’s all about making genuine connections and not just striving to connect with the “right” people.
So, where do I find my illustration people?
Attending local meet-ups like (CBCA local branch)
Attending children's book and illustration events.
I love going to book launches as it’s a nice way to celebrate with the author and illustrator and support others in the industry.
I have also booked for events such as KidLitVic, the CYA conference and writing seminars.
Attending local classes and seminars - I’ve attended in person classes at my local community art school and local workshops.
Online - through courses (MATS) and facebook groups (Cardboard Box Illustrators). A few illustrators formed the illoguild after “meeting” in a MATS course.
And just being a part of it - I have had the pleasure of meeting all the contributors for “Our Australian HeART’ a book that my work was published in, alongside many super talented Australian Illustrators. And the experience also gave me opportunities to meet people in the podcast world as I appeared on “Reading with a chance of tacos” and co-hosted a takeover episode of “Words and Nerds”.
How do I stay connected?
Showing up - keep going to in person meetings, events and online meetings. Relationships get strengthened over time.
Think of ways to help others- when I get notified of events or opportunities and competitions, I always forward them on to others that I think would be interested. And I’m always grateful when the favour is returned.
Social Media - like and commenting on posts that you find interesting. This fosters genuine connections.
Check in with the people you already know.
This could be formal like sending quarterly emails to Art Directors and potential future clients to let them know what you are up to.
It could also be more about send a quick DM to an illustrator to see how they are doing.
And lastly - Why?
Being in this illustration world is much more fun when you have people to share it with. I love that I get to chat to my Illoguild friends and be part of an international community and it helps me to stay motivated.
Also it’s great to have people around to offer support and advice.
Recently, I had the opportunity to leverage my diverse network for a corporate commission project. I was able to ask friends that were tangentially involved in the industry to help me come up with a reasonable quote.
And it helps me to find out about new opportunities- friends recommend me as an illustrator for private commissions and also let me know when there are suitable opportunities around.
My belief that "the more people you know, the more you know" and “the more you give, the more you get back”. Both are cliches, but totally ring true for me.
And most importantly, this newsletter is a platform for us to connect, share experiences, and continue building friendships in the world of illustration.
Feel free to leave a comment, ask questions, and share your own stories.
I would love this to be a community that uplifts and inspires us all.
News
If you are looking for a gift for Mother’s Day, why not be cheeky and buy a children’s book for grandma? She can read it to your kids while you put your feet up. Signed copies of my Book “Mia’s Glamma” are available at Harry Hartog or you can order them online.
The illoguild live session is on 22 May ‘How to Network for Illustrators’. Join us for the live chat or you can sign- up to the illoguild newsletter to watch the replay.
I will be attending KidLitVic this month. I can’t wait to meet and reconnect with others int he industry.
Thanks for reading!
You can see more of my work on my website or instagram.
Also please check out the Illoguild Newsletter! It comes out next week!
All the contributors will be tackling the question “How do you make friends in the illustration world?”
My Books
‘Our Australian Heart’ is an anthology celebrating Australia, featuring my illustration “New Life at The Great Barrier Reef”. Sale proceeds are to be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.
Mia’s grandma is no ordinary grandmother. She is a very busy grandmother who is curious, fashionable and adventurous. Glamma always has time to share her love of the world with her granddaughter Mia, so is she just like any other grandmother?
Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping Little Shark Lulu is trying very hard to go to sleeeep…
But, all around her, lots of sea life are wide awake and busily hunting, eating or playing. How can Lulu nod off with all that underwater fun and games?