In our last blog post, we discovered the four types of communities every creative needs to build: a community of role models, a community of peers, a community of mentees, and a community of clients. Today, it’s easier than ever to connect with one another online. Making meaningful connections, however, requires intentional effort and the right approach. 

“Networking has been a cornerstone of my freelance career,” shares designer and developer Matt Imling. “Many of my most successful projects have come through connections made through online communities or platforms like Behance.”

We’ve gathered expert advice from experienced freelance creatives on Behance on how to grow your network and unlock new opportunities. 

Newol - Creative Agency by Matt Imling, Lidia Conde, and EMELE COLLAB

1. Focus on Authentic Connections

The key to making a real connection is authenticity. Before sending the email or DM, take a moment to reflect on why you want to connect with that individual, and what you’re hoping to  gain and provide through the interaction. Personalize the message by calling out a specific project from their portfolio that resonated with you and explaining why it caught your attention. When it comes to the ask, keep it simple and straightforward to make it efficient and easy for the recipient to respond to.

“Never underestimate how a day of emailing potential clients can pay off,” says Illustrator Ellice Weaver. Outreach is a part of her weekly schedule: “I’ll put a day aside and research possible art directors, art buyers and design agencies — places where I think my work fits. I’ll send them a short but personal email to introduce my work to them.” “It’s boring, it can feel unrewarding, but it’s worth the time.” 

Hello Office by Ellice Weaver

2. Share Resources   

Designer Michelle Deborah emphasized the power of building a network of peers: “My tip for freelancers is to try to find someone who is at a similar stage as you.” “Don’t suddenly DM someone with 10x or 20x your follower count,” she advises. “Instead, look for people who can support you and become your online friends. It helped me a lot because I could ask for assets, website sources, and even mockups during my early freelancing days.” 

Michelle has since built up her social media accounts to be a source of education and inspiration for her followers, sharing her process and tips for building Behance projects that catch the eyes of fellow creatives and potential clients. 

3. Balance Self Promotion

Sharing your work is essential for attracting clients and growing your creative career, but constant self-promotion can feel one-sided. In addition to sharing your own work, take time to interact with others. 

Follow creatives you admire on Behance, appreciate their projects, and share constructive comments on their work. “I follow a lot of people on Behance and other social networks, dedicating a bit of time each day to see what fellow artists are creating and to catch up on new design and development trends,” says Matt. “It’s not just about finding clients, but also about building relationships.” 

When done right, self promotion can lead to exciting new opportunities. “My advice is to share about yourself wherever it’s appropriate,” says illustrator Alona Haidaish. Alona picked up several projects through Facebook after she shared her participation in a charity event for war victims. “It can lead to exciting projects and connections with inspiring people. I also see that social media can be a powerful promotion tool for artists if you’re willing to invest time and effort,” she adds. 

A strong creative network is built on mutual support — when you contribute to the community, your own work will naturally gain more visibility in return.

Hidden Harmony | Tea packaging design by Alona Haidash

4. Attend Events and Conferences

Attending design conferences, creative summits, and industry events is one of the most effective ways to expand your network. The thought of walking up to strangers and initiating a conversation can be nerve-wracking, but remember, most people at these events are there for the same reason: to connect and collaborate. 

Before the event, research speakers or attendees to identify key people or companies you’d like to connect with. Think about what you want to discuss ahead of time, and prepare a short elevator pitch so you can introduce yourself and your work concisely in the moment. Before you jump into selling your work, take genuine interest in theirs, and if you make a connection, be sure to follow up to continue the conversation. 

SANDO JAPANESE AMERICAN SANDWICH by ARTSBY EMDE

Browse upcoming creative events near you.

5. Let Your Work Speak For You 

If networking is not your strong suit, you can still optimize your changes for new opportunities by crafting a strong portfolio and personal brand. By consistently showcasing high-quality work on Behance, creatives can build a presence that draws the right connections organically. 

Make sure your availability is up to date to let visitors to your profile know that you’re available for hire. Prospective clients can contact you directly on Behance with hiring inquiries.

As an introverted freelancer, designer Leo Natsume focuses on sharing his best work on a regular basis to let his work attract new opportunities. “If you don't enjoy or know how to prospect new clients, focus on posting your best work online, share it in various places, and find your design niche,” he advises. His strategy has paid off: “Most of my contacts came through social media, particularly on Behance! I've always aimed to post my best work online, and the connections naturally followed.”

Leomojis by Leo Natsume

Networking can oftentimes feel unnatural, especially when you’re just starting out or are a natural introvert. At the end of the day, we’re all just humans trying to share our stories. So remember that the goal is simply to connect and learn from each other. Engage with others, be open, and trust that the connections you make will lead to both personal and professional growth.