Scared of networking? Six creatives tell us how they mastered it

We all know networking’s important — but that doesn’t make it any less scary, especially when you’re just starting out. Graphic designer Luke Tonge gets it. That’s why he created a placement scheme to help students ease into the creative industry and start making connections. We spoke to six participants about what they learned and their top tips for networking as a beginner.

A placement that turns networking into practice

While we all know that we should be networking, whether we want to is often another matter – approaching strangers in a professional setting can be an awkward affair, especially when you’re just starting out. In Luke Tonge’s experience, however, the practice has been nothing but valuable. An independent graphic designer and art director who runs an organisation called Birmingham Design (alongside co-founder Dan Alcorn), he’s long been embedded in the Midlands creative community.

So when he came up with a work experience initiative for design students, networking naturally took centre stage. Over the course of two weeks, participants get exposed to active practitioners and agencies every day. “The programme is networking masquerading as a placement,” he says. “I don’t have to force the point, everyone picks up on how important connections are.”

Meet the six creatives and their top tips

The six design students who've completed Tonge’s placement over the last few years can testify to the importance of making connections. Here, they share their advice and what’s helped them put themselves out there.

1. Have a “just do it” mindset

Christelle Zackwany gained a whole new outlook from a design festival

“It took just one networking event to make a big change in my creative journey. Attending the Birmingham Design Festival was the best decision – it allowed me to connect with tons of creatives, helped me better understand different jobs and made me feel like a part of the huge creative community. It also gave me the courage to apply for Luke’s placement, where I got to meet, work and connect with other creatives.

A lot of people – especially introverts like myself – find it difficult to approach new people. The truth of the matter is, you’ve just got to do it. Do it happily, do it fearfully – just do it. You could start with peers, tutors, or guest lecturers at university before branching out to people you admire, either going up to them in person at events, sending them an email, or connecting with them on social media. It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but your confidence will level up if you do it consistently and it’ll build your experience over time.”

2. Put friendship first

Megan Spiers reframed networking as making friends

“Networking hasn’t just helped me better connect with other creatives in the city – more than that, it’s led to so many beautiful friendships with great like-minded people. The creatives I’ve met through have inspired and encouraged me in my own pursuits, even opening doors to opportunities that have helped me grow as an illustrator. For example, I got the chance to help out at a risograph workshop hosted by graphic designer Jimmy Turrell at Birmingham Design Festival, which I wouldn’t have been involved in if I hadn't undertaken the placement with Luke – he helped me get the gig.

So while it can be intimidating to walk into a room where you know no one, try adopting the mindset of making friends and seeing it as a chance to meet other creative individuals. When you change your perspective, it really lightens the pressure. The nerves wear off quickly when you realise everyone is just as passionate as you! Community is vital in the creative industry and opportunities are born from genuine conversations, so don’t underestimate kindness – it gets you places.”

Students finding inspiration in the Birmingham Design shop

3. Show up for events

Akram Elmisbah translated one event into 500 new connections

“When I started the two-week placement with Luke, I had less than 100 connections on LinkedIn. By the end of it, I had almost 600 designers from different disciplines added to my account. It really boosted my confidence and pushed me to go out of my comfort zone, especially as I come from a different country and culture.

What helped me was showing up as much as possible at events to familiarise myself with the design community. I know it sounds daunting, but it’s rewarding! You can even go with your peers to make it less scary – and don’t forget to always be genuine when approaching people.”

4. Make yourself memorable

Bra’ah Awadh put herself out there and it led to her first paid job

“Before I even understood the importance of networking, I regularly attended the Creative Exchange society in my first year of university. There, I got the chance to model for other students’ projects, participate in external exhibitions and support fellow creatives online. But since starting to formally network, I’ve developed my confidence a lot more and started building my online presence. That’s led to many new collaborations and even my first paid freelance job.

Something that’s been important to me throughout is knowing how to stand out. You have to make yourself memorable by doing the things people are scared of, like asking questions even if they seem silly. Become a recognisable, regular, friendly face – you really never know what it might spark. The more you initiate conversation and jump into the deep end, the easier it gets each time. You just have to take a deep breath and start now.”

Mixing with the local creative community at Overlap Animation event

5. Treasure the little conversations

Beth-Rheanna Gibson had a brief exchange that led to big opportunities

“It was during a social event for the design community that I first met Luke. Our brief conversation led to my two-week placement, where I had the privilege of meeting so many inspiring creatives in the industry. As the saying goes, "It's not what you know; it's who you know." I've found this to be particularly true in the design industry. Networking is essential for building valuable connections, finding great mentors and creating opportunities for yourself.

My advice is to introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be difficult, but it’s also exciting. Plus, the design community is incredibly inclusive and supportive: you'll find that many experienced designers are more than willing to offer guidance and share their knowledge. So put yourself out there, because you never know what might come from even the small conversations.”

The students sharing work and ideas

6. Get immersed in the community

Kaitlyn Carvalho found community – and a paid internship

“I wasn’t brought up in an environment where creatives frequently socialised, so the idea of networking really unnerved me. Luke’s placement was my introduction to it, and it was through networking that I met Claudia Aggett from Fiasco Design. Speaking to her didn’t just help me learn more about her job – it also led to a month-long internship at her agency. That showed me just how crucial such interactions can be.

For anyone who wants to start networking, attend and volunteer at design festivals. It’s an amazing environment to be immersed in because you’ll meet a whole range of people – from university students in the same boat as you, to experienced professional designers. It’s scary to be part of something big like that, but once you get to know one or two faces, they become enjoyable regardless of whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. Always seize the opportunity – after all, graphic design is all about being bold and expressive, so step out of that comfort zone and take that chance.”

Key Takeaways

Of all the great advice in this piece, we’ve also pulled out the major takeaways below – ideal if you’re just getting started with networking:

Looking for more guidance on making connections? Check out our full guide to networking here.