Networking Strategies for Art Directors

“I don’t know anyone in the industry.” Neither did I. Neither did most of us. But we got in. Not by knowing people. But by getting known. Let’s break the illusion that networking = coffee chats. Because if you're a May 2025 grad (especially an international student)... Time’s ticking, anxiety’s rising, and sending 100 resumes isn't enough. You need visibility. You need credibility. You need a connection. Here are creative networking strategies most people don’t discuss—plus how to do them. 1. Create a “Missing Manual” for Your Dream Role Instead of sending a cold message, create something they’ve never seen. How to do it: Research a company/role you're interested in (e.g., Marketing Analyst at Spotify) Find what skills, tools, or challenges are core to the role Build a 1-pager called: “What I Wish I Knew Before Joining [Team Name]” Write tips, links, tools, or ideas for someone in that role Send it as: “Hi [Name], I created this as a learning tool while researching roles like yours. Thought you might enjoy it—or even improve it. Would love to hear what you think.” Why it works: You’re not asking for a job. You’re showing value. And curiosity. 2. Make a “Portfolio Video” Breakdown of a Brand or Campaign Especially helpful for roles in product, strategy, UX, or marketing. How to do it: Pick a brand you love (or want to work for) Study one campaign, product, or feature they launched Record a 2-minute video: What worked What could be better What you do differently Post it on LinkedIn or send it directly to an employee there This shows critical thinking and industry fluency, without asking anyone to hop on a call. Some grads landed interviews this way before applying. 3. Interview 3 People... Then, Publish a Mini Guide People LOVE being featured. Even more than being asked for advice. How to do it: Pick a topic you want to learn about (e.g., “Getting into Product without a CS Degree”) DM 3 professionals and say: “Hey [Name], I’m creating a short guide for students breaking into [field]. Would love to ask 3 questions via email—takes 5 minutes. Would you be open?” Compile responses into a clean Notion or Canva doc Share it on LinkedIn and tag everyone Bonus: it builds your brand and your network. 4. Drop a Handwritten Note (IRL or Digitally) In a world of AI, everything, handwriting stands out. How to do it: Go to a local event, info session, or talk Afterward, write a thank-you note with 1 thing you learned If it’s virtual, write the same note and scan it as a PDF Email it to the speaker Subject line: “One Thing You Said That Stuck With Me” Nobody forgets the person who sends paper or care. Final Thought: You don’t need to be the most experienced. Just the most intentional. Get known for being someone who shows up. Because in the end… Jobs come from people. People connect to stories. And your story? Deserves to be told. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchHelp

The ART of networking... Networking is not as simple as just being in the same place as others and handing out business cards... I find there's almost an art to it. If done RIGHT, it's amazing the people you can connect with! I'm currently traveling to a VIP-heavy event in Houston, and as I was going through my "pre-event routine" I realized these things/thoughts could be useful to others. 1. Before any event, request a VIP list and research each person. Look for commonalities - schools, hometowns, mutual connections, or philanthropic interests. This gives me a natural conversation starter that is personal rather than generic. 2. Identify three or four people you can offer REAL value to before arriving. I'm certainly NOT everyone's flavor, so I'm gonna stack the deck in my favor. Who can I benefit most? Who shares my interests? Maybe I know someone they want to meet or have expertise they need. Coming prepared with specific ways to add value makes me memorable. 3. This (almost) doesn't need to be mentioned, but don't be a damn fanboy! It's tempting at celebrity events, sure, but these are just people who get enough of that shit everywhere else. If you want to be memorable, be different. Treat them like people, not trophies to collect. 4. This is a BIG one and worth reminding yourself frequently... Have a REAL conversation! Don't just introduce yourself and wait for your turn to talk again - LISTEN and RESPOND thoughtfully. Ask follow-up questions and REMEMBER the details. Show that you're present, not scanning the room for someone "more important." Again, if your goal is to STAND OUT, then be different... and that means be more interested in what they are saying than what YOU are hearing yourself say. 5. Bring your authentic energy. If you're funny, use humor. If you're analytical, bring insights. People detect inauthenticity immediately. Your unique perspective is your greatest networking asset. 6. Follow up with intent, not obligation. Don't send generic "great to meet you" emails. Reference your conversation, share that article you mentioned, or make the introduction you promised. Follow up within 48 hours while the connection is fresh. (Sometimes this can be "I don't recall the details we chatted about, but I just remember I loved your energy) Remember, networking isn't about collecting business cards. It's about being memorable, valuable, authentic, and creating MUTUALLY beneficial connections. ~ KD

The last two roles I landed, which were Director+ level, I didn't get there through my resume or applying for a job. I got them through an introduction based on people I have worked with in the past, people I have helped, and my reputation. I got them through my network multipler. Treat building your network like a side hustle. It takes time to build. I’ve spent the last 5 years focused on building my network. 💡 Ideas to build and scale your network: - Connect with old co-workers and offer to connect over coffee or lunch (in-person or remote) - Make 30 new connections per week on LinkedIn - Ask your current network who else should you connect with based on X topic or goal. Referrals to new people is a great flywheel to scale who you know - Make a list of people you want in your network and introduce yourself - Join a few communities and PARTICIPATE. Offer your expertise and try to connect with people 1:1 or in small groups. - Attend local networking groups You need to nurture and build trust in your network. This is consistent work but you also get value out of this work. 💡 Ideas to nurture your network - Create and share content on social, newsletter, your own notion site, etc. - Connect people together inside your network. “Hey, you should talk to X about Y” - Ask for feedback on things you are working on AND repay the favor. P.S. If anyone asks for something from you, do it (even when you might not want to) - Ask for a meeting and offer coffee or lunch There are plenty of other ideas but this list should get you started! P.S. Is this an AI image or just my crappy handwriting scribbling as I drafted this? 🤔

The Art of the Meaningful Connection at industry events 🎨 Attending industry events can be a game-changer for building your network, but making authentic connections takes more than just showing up. Here are five strategies that have helped me connect with the right people and build lasting relationships: 1. Do Your Homework ✍🏼 Before the event, research who’s attending. Identify key people you’d like to meet and learn a bit about their background. This makes starting a conversation easier and more intentional. 2. Find Common Ground 👊🏼 Look for shared experiences — maybe you attended the same university, root for the same sports team, or have mutual connections. Finding commonalities makes conversations feel more natural and memorable. 3. Ask Great Questions ❓ Instead of leading with what you do, ask thoughtful questions about their work, challenges, or goals. People love sharing their experiences, and genuine curiosity leaves a lasting impression. 4. Give Before You Ask 👏🏼 Offer value first — whether that’s sharing a resource, introducing them to someone in your network, or providing insights on a topic they’re interested in. Reciprocity builds trust. 5. Follow Up with Purpose 💬 After the event, send a personalized message referencing your conversation. Whether it’s a LinkedIn connection request, an email, or a quick note — thoughtful follow-up helps turn brief encounters into meaningful relationships. Feel free to add 👊🏼 Pictured with one of my faves: Joy Keller

Here’s why people remember me… At a recent networking event - instead of looking for potential clients or people in my field - I started asking questions of a museum curator, and kept her talking for more than an hour. I started off with something I ask all the time:  "How do you know if you're good at your  job?” Then added: “Like if I hate the art but someone else loves it - what's the measure of success?" She was shocked. "No one has EVER asked me that except other curators." From there we dove into a full conversation about: - What metrics they use to measure success - Heat mapping visitor engagement - Ranking systems for exhibits - Camera tracking … And measuring “draws” (which, I learned, is when someone pulls another person over to a specific piece) A small group of people gathered around us, listening. They’re all standing there wondering, “Is he really interested in museums?" Because I never ONCE mentioned what I do for a living. No one knew I’m a paid ads guy until hours later. By the end of the event, I had invitations to two separate high-level dinners, and got to choose which one to attend. Here’s how you steal this technique: 1. Challenge People’s Most Basic Assumptions I asked her about metrics and analytics in a field where evaluation is subjective. 2. Connect Their Field Of Expertise To Principles From Yours Most people wouldn’t talk about museum traffic like it’s website traffic, but the parallels were obvious to me. 3. Follow Up With Specific Questions That Drive Them Deeper When I started probing into exactly how they measure people’s responses to art, THAT’S where things got really interesting. In an age where AI can generate small talk - the ability to draw a crowd who actually want to listen - is a more lucrative skill than ever. And building a network is the best way to grow your business, But the KEY is making sure they remember you.