How Vital is Networking in Creative Industries?
"networking /ˈnɛtwəːkɪŋ/ noun 1. the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts."
Networking is one of the most important ways to find yourself connections within your industry, creating those vital social connections that help you find jobs and opportunities otherwise undiscovered. This can be done virtually through online platforms such as LinkedIn, or can be done in person at specific events, but this can also be done organically through happenstance i.e. right place, right time. Networking opens many opportunities as if you know the "right person", this can lead you into companies and jobs you otherwise may not be able to have been aware of, or able to get into without these connections.
Events are one of the best ways to network in person, as there are tailored industry-led conventions and festivals with experts with years and years of knowledge behind them that can help those less experienced in the right direction, as well as students from the specific fields. Both are exceptionally beneficial to build a connection with as the experts can guide you in the right direction, and fellow students will be your peers in the industry, so having healthy relationships is solidifying a positive reputation whilst you are seeking employment and other such opportunities.
Scotland has numerous animation-led festivals and events geared for networking as well as showcasing work. MOVE Summit in Edinburgh, which has been held annually since 2017, is one of the major conferences within the animation industry in Scotland that has guest speakers, showcases of work and is a major event for Scottish animators (and those further afield) to network and build those essential connections. Created by Edinburgh-based studios Stampede and Interference Pattern, the event is catered to those with interest in any and all forms of animation, from every sector of the creative industries, and it "showcases the best work from throughout the industry, and offers a place for professionals to gather and get inspired." It is located in the heart of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible via public transport. This makes it able to be attended by those interested in animation from all over, both local and international - by being so convenient, this then allows a higher volume of different industry professionals and students of a mix of disciplines and knowledge to network together, creating even more positive connections than if it was more difficult to reach.
One trap that people may fall into when networking is creating hundreds of connections with lots of different people, trying to access as many people as possible. Whilst this doesn't sound like a bad idea - more spread of interest, more chance of getting opportunities and so on - it can be counterproductive. Five close connections with other people in the field will be infinitely more beneficial to furthering your career than five hundred vague connections with people. Connecting with people isn't just to tick a box off in the list of how to get a job, it's an incredibly important social aspect to the industry that tends to be overlooked to be less important than, for example, portfolios, when it is as also deeply important and could be how someone lands a job.
Another problem that arises is that it can be intimidating to many to actually even begin the process of networking, due to anxiety and worries of being rejected. However, especially at an event or festival, the reason majority of people are there for the purpose of networking, so it's imperative to try and make those connections when it is most convenient. As Katie Gascoyne from Blue Zoo says, “Everyone in this industry is friendly, approachable and wants to be here. Anyone at a networking event, or on a stand at a festival, is there to talk and give you advice. Sometimes, all you will need to do is initiate the conversation, and they will take it from there. And in times of desperation: Fake it ‘til you make it!” As most people within the industry have been scared and inexperienced, they will be ready to help and know what is needed to be of help, as well as ready to jump at any chance of networking - it works in benefit for both parties involved, not just those initiating.
When it comes to networking online, it is much simpler to network with people from all over the world compared to what tends to be a more localized clientele when at an in-person conference or event. This then opens doors to the chance of working abroad, in different cultures and different workflows than what could be happening in the Scottish animation industry. It is much easier to reach to someone internationally online via social media or other such platforms than in person, therefore allowing you to expand your horizons. It also eliminates the cost of travel, as you can do it from your mobile phone, on the go. This can be done across a variety of apps and platforms, such as ArtStation for art specifically, as well as LinkedIn, but can also be done via social media - this is explored further in my article about how to create an online presence.
Whilst networking online is convenient, it doesn't replace the human connection that in person networking provides, as many value a face to face conversation as it is much more personal than an online thread. That being said, online networking is still valuable and shouldn't be disregarded as a method of creating connections in the creative industries. Regardless of how you make it, a connection is still valuable and every relationship matters when going into such an intrinsically connected industry such as animation.
Below is a very useful, concise video from YouTube on ways to network online and the correct ways in doing so, created by Jaiden Janus.
To surmise, networking is absolutely vital within the creative industries, and can be done in a variety of ways. Stripped down to its bones, networking is just creating human connection with people that could be of benefit for you and vice versa within your chosen field, socialising to make positive relations. This can be done both online and offline, and both are valid methods of doing so when done correctly. Even in university, you are expanding your network by befriending people within your cohort, by talking with your lecturers, and by attending extra-curriculars related to your course, such as the MOVE Summit for those within fields that have aspects of animation in them. It is essential to be able to network, as it furthers your career and opens up many paths otherwise inaccessible.
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