Medium talk, not small talk
I hate networking, but I do Iike making friends
Hey there,
I hate networking. There, I said it.
But I do like making friends. And that’s where I’ve found the trick: if you shift the focus from “networking” to just genuinely connecting with people, everything feels better. More real. Less icky.
I recently listened to a podcast episode of Supercomminicators this episode, about the 36 questions designed to help people fall in love. And while I wasn’t exactly looking to fall in love with an art director, it reminded me how powerful it is to move beyond small talk and into medium talk—the kind where real connection starts.
Because that’s what I actually want. Not just some new social media follows (although that would be nice too), but to talk to people who care about what I care about. To make creative friends. To stay in touch—not just once, but over time.
And that’s the other part: connection takes maintenance. Whether it’s a monthly reminder to email publishers and art directors you’ve met, or just replying to someone’s newsletter or Instagram story—those small touch points build something bigger.
Also, one thing I’ve learned? Think about what you can offer others, not what they can offer you. It shifts everything.
So here’s to ditching networking and embracing medium-talking. It’s way more fun anyway.
Last year I wrote Building Meaningful Connections, a reflection on how the best creative opportunities often come from genuine relationships rather than strategic “networking.” I shared some simple ways to stay in touch and build a community around your work—because feeling connected makes the whole journey more joyful.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go to Bologna this year and meet up with my illustration friends in person. It was so thrilling going in 2023!! And I hope to go back in 2026!! Below is a newsletter about my experience.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair
I’m sitting in a cafe in rainy Sydney today and I’m wishing I was back in Bologna, sitting in the sun sipping cocktails with my illustrator friends. Hopefully we will all get to go back to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair next year, but for now all I can do is reminisce and reflect.
New Book Alert!!!!
I AM ME, written by Mitch Tambo and illustrated by me is now available for pre- order. (Published by Allen & Unwin, September 2025)/.
Yaama! Singer and musician Mitch Tambo celebrates the diversity of First Nations culture in this delightful picture book about being true to yourself.
It was an absolute delight to illustrate this book and work with Mitch and the team at Allen & Unwin. I will share more ‘behind the scenes’ in the coming months.
Out Now!!!!
Somewhere Lost is out now! I’m honoured to have my illustration on the cover and in the book alongside many talented Australian illustrators.
Somewhere Lost is a picture book anthology that explores the theme of being lost—physically, emotionally, or in imagination—featuring works from creators across Australia. All proceeds go to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, whose work ensures access to books and literacy resources for children in remote Indigenous communities.
You can order it and all proceeds go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
You can see more of my work on my website and stay connected on Instagram.
Thanks for reading!
Carla
My Books
I AM ME (Written by Mitch Tambo; Allen & Unwin; September 2025),
Harries - The Lifeguard from Bondi (Written by Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll and Emily Carroll; EK Books; October 2025)
Boldilocks (Written by Deborah Frenkel; EK Books; September 2025).
Somewhere Lost (Anthology, Daisy Lane Publishing; May 2025)
Our Australian Heart’ (Anthology, Daisy Lane Publishing; 2024)
Mia’s grandma (Written by Josie Montano; IP Kids (Interactive Publications); 2023)
Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping (Written by Josie Montano and Charlotte Birkmanis; IP Kids (Interactive Publications); 2022)