10 Creative Communities for Collaboration & Networking

Published on 18 July 2023 9 min read

5. Connect through LinkedIn Groups

8. Collaborate in Slack Groups

9. Contribute to Open Source Projects

Whether you're a jet-setting digital nomad or a homebody freelancer, finding the right creative community to join can be a game-changer for your work life. These online and offline spaces offer invaluable opportunities for collaboration, support, and networking. They can inspire new ideas, provide feedback on works-in-progress, and even lead to professional partnerships. In this blog post, we're going to take a tour of ten standout creative communities that can enrich your creative journey.

1. Explore Dribbble

First on our list is Dribbble, an online community primarily for designers. Here, you can share your work, get feedback, and connect with potential clients and collaborators. Whether you're into graphic design, web design, or animation, Dribbble is a hub of creative activity.

Showcase your work: Dribbble allows you to upload your designs and share them with the community. It's a great way to get your work seen and appreciated by a global audience.
Get constructive feedback: Dribbble's friendly and supportive community is always ready to give constructive feedback. This can help you refine your work and grow as a designer.
Network: With Dribbble, you can connect with other designers, industry leaders, and potential clients. It's not just about showcasing your work—it's about building relationships and opening doors to new opportunities.

Dribbble is more than just a showcase for your work—it is a dynamic creative community that encourages interaction and collaboration. It's like a virtual design studio where you can bounce ideas off other creatives, learn from their experiences, and even find your next project. So, if you're searching for creative communities to join online, Dribbble should be at the top of your list.

2. Join Behance

Next up, let's talk about Behance. As one of the leading online platforms for creative professionals, Behance is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to join a creative community. It's a place where photographers, illustrators, graphic designers, and other creatives can display their portfolios and connect with potential clients.

Present your projects: On Behance, you can create project pages to showcase your work. These pages can include images, videos, and even interactive elements, giving you the flexibility to present your projects in a way that best represents your creative vision.
Discover new talent and inspiration: Behance is not just about showcasing your own work. It's also a fantastic source of inspiration. By exploring other project pages, you can discover new talent, keep up with the latest trends, and gather ideas for your own creative endeavors.
Join a global network: With millions of members worldwide, Behance is a global platform. It allows you to connect with creatives from around the world, opening up opportunities for international collaboration and networking.

Behance is more than just a portfolio website—it's a creative community where you can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and grow your professional network. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding creative, Behance is an online space where you can make your mark and connect with others in the industry.

3. Participate in DeviantArt

Ready to dive into a world of art and creativity? Well, DeviantArt might just be the place for you. Known as one of the oldest and most diverse online creative communities, DeviantArt is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Express your creativity: On DeviantArt, you'll find every flavor of art imaginable. From digital art and traditional paintings to literature and filmmaking, there's a place for every type of creative work. It's the perfect platform to share your art, get feedback, and even sell your creations.
Connect with other artists: But it's not all about showcasing your work. DeviantArt also hosts a vibrant community of artists and art lovers. You can join groups based on your interests, participate in forums, and engage with other members through comments and messages.
Learn and grow: The learning opportunities on DeviantArt are immense. You can find tutorials, take part in art challenges, and learn from the experiences and techniques of other artists. It's a great place to improve your skills and expand your understanding of art.

So, why wait? Grab your sketchbook, fire up your digital tablet, or prepare your camera. Join DeviantArt today and become part of a community that breathes art and creativity. It's a space that allows you to grow as an artist, make connections, and express your unique perspective to the world.

4. Engage with Reddit

Next stop on our journey through creative communities is Reddit, often referred to as the "front page of the internet". With countless subreddits or communities dedicated to every topic under the sun, Reddit is a treasure trove of resources, collaborations, and networks waiting to be discovered.

Find your niche: Whatever your creative passion may be, there's a subreddit for it. From writing and painting to programming and game design, Reddit houses a diverse range of creative communities. These subreddits are where you can share your work, ask for feedback, or simply lurk to gain insights and inspiration.
Engage and learn: Reddit is not just a place to post and vanish. It's a hub of discussions and debates. You can join in the conversation, ask questions, share your thoughts, and learn from others' experiences. Remember, the more you engage, the more you gain.
Build connections: The beauty of Reddit is that it's a platform for people from all walks of life. You never know who you might meet. It could be a fellow creator working on a similar project, a potential collaborator, or even a mentor. Networking on Reddit can open surprising doors for your creative journey.

So, whether you're a seasoned Redditor or new to the platform, it's time to dig deeper into the world of Reddit. Engage with its creative communities, share your ideas and projects, and let the networking begin. Who knows what exciting collaborations and opportunities await you?

5. Connect through LinkedIn Groups

When thinking about creative communities, LinkedIn might not be the first platform that comes to mind. But, don't let its professional exterior fool you. LinkedIn Groups can be an exceptional resource for creators in search of collaboration and networking opportunities. Here's why:

Industry-specific groups: LinkedIn hosts a multitude of groups based on industries, professions, and interests. These are spaces where like-minded professionals share insights, advice, and opportunities. So, whether you're a graphic designer, a content writer, or a digital marketer, you're sure to find a group that fits your creative niche.
Networking on a professional level: LinkedIn is a hub for professionals across various industries. Participating in LinkedIn groups gives you the opportunity to connect with industry experts, potential clients, or collaborators. You can not only share your work but also build your professional network.
Staying up-to-date: LinkedIn groups are often buzzing with industry news, trends, and best practices. Being a part of such groups helps you stay updated with the latest happenings in your field. Plus, it grants you the chance to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others.

So, give LinkedIn Groups a shot! They might just be the secret ingredient you need to spice up your creative journey, and find the right people and resources for collaboration, support, and networking.

6. Network on Facebook Groups

Facebook has long transcended its role as a simple social networking site. Today, it offers a plethora of communities for individuals with shared interests. For creators seeking online spaces for collaboration, support, and networking, Facebook Groups can prove to be a goldmine. Here's why:

Wide range of communities: From photography enthusiasts to DIY crafters, Facebook Groups cater to an array of creative interests. This diversity allows you to find a community that aligns with your specific creative pursuits.
Active engagement: Many Facebook Groups thrive on member engagement. Regular discussions, challenges, and feedback sessions foster a dynamic environment that encourages active participation. This vibrant atmosphere can help fuel your creativity and enable you to grow alongside your peers.
Networking opportunities: Facebook Groups often host creators from different walks of life. This presents a unique opportunity to connect with a varied group of people, exchange ideas, and even forge potential collaborations. Who knows, the next person you interact with could be your future collaborator!

So, why not dive into the world of Facebook Groups? They can offer you not only a platform to showcase your work but also a community to support and inspire you in your creative journey.

7. Create on Instagram

Instagram: it's not just for cute cat photos and mouthwatering brunch shots anymore. In fact, it's become one of the most vibrant creative communities to join for online collaboration, support, and networking. Here's what sets Instagram apart:

Visual Focus: Instagram's focus on visuals makes it a fantastic platform for creators in fields like photography, graphic design, fashion, and more. Your art takes center stage, enabling you to put your best foot forward in showcasing your work.
Hashtags: Instagram's hashtag system is more than just a way to hop on the latest internet trend. It's a powerful tool to reach your target audience, engage with other creators, and even get your work featured on popular pages. Remember, #creativity is just a hashtag away.
Collaborations: Instagram is well-known for its partnership culture. From teaming up for a post, to hosting joint live sessions, the opportunities for collaboration are endless. So go ahead, team up with your fellow creators, and let the creative sparks fly!

If you're a creator looking for an online platform where you can not only showcase your work, but also connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators, Instagram might just be the space for you. Ready to take your creativity to the next level?

8. Collaborate in Slack Groups

When you think of Slack, you might think of it as a tool for workplace communication. But did you know it's also a bustling hub for creative communities, ripe for collaboration and networking?

Slack Groups are virtual spaces where creators from all walks of life gather to share ideas, offer feedback, and support each other's work. Here's what makes Slack Groups such a hidden gem:

Thematic Channels: In a Slack Group, conversation topics are organized into channels. This lets you navigate straight to the discussions that interest you most, whether it's #GraphicDesign, #Songwriting, or even #Pottery.
Direct Access: Unlike some other platforms, Slack lets you send direct messages to other members of the group. This makes it easier to form meaningful connections, collaborate on projects, or simply ask for advice.
File Sharing: Got a draft of a novel you want feedback on? Or perhaps a design mockup? Slack's file sharing feature lets you easily share your work with others and gather their input.

So, if you're in the market for a digital space that's designed for focused conversations and collaboration, joining a creative community on Slack might be just the ticket. Are you ready to dive into the world of Slack Groups?

9. Contribute to Open Source Projects

When it comes to online creative communities, Open Source Projects are the gold standard. They offer an unparalleled opportunity for collaboration, networking, and skill development. If you're a coder, a designer, or even a writer, contributing to Open Source Projects can be an enriching experience.

Here's why:

Real-World Experience: Working on Open Source Projects affords you hands-on experience with real-world challenges. It’s like being in the field, but in a supportive, learning-focused environment.
Networking Opportunities: When you contribute to an Open Source Project, you're working with folks from around the globe. This can lead to meaningful professional relationships that last long after the project ends.
Portfolio Building: The work you do on these projects is public, meaning you can showcase it in your portfolio. This is a great way to show potential employers or clients what you can do.

So, are you ready to contribute to Open Source Projects? Joining these creative communities can be a game-changer in your personal and professional growth. Remember, it's not just about coding. There are projects out there that need all kinds of talents, from design to documentation. Your unique skills could be just what they need. How exciting is that?

10. Join Meetup Groups

Let's not forget the charm of offline spaces for collaboration and networking. In the age of digital connectivity, there's still immense value in face-to-face interaction. That's where Meetup Groups come into play. These groups offer a platform for like-minded individuals to gather, share ideas, and foster meaningful relationships.

Here's why you should consider joining a Meetup Group:

Local Networking: Meetup Groups are usually location-specific. This means you're connecting with people in your own backyard. These local connections can be invaluable, whether you're looking for work, support, or just some creative buddies.
Real-Time Collaboration: There's something to be said for brainstorming in real-time. Whether it's a writing workshop, a design think-tank, or a coding jam, the energy of a live collaboration can be truly inspiring.
Camaraderie and Support: Meetup Groups often foster a sense of community that's hard to replicate online. There’s nothing like sharing a cup of coffee with your fellow creatives and discussing the latest industry trends, is there?

So, if you've been longing for a sense of community in your creative pursuits, a Meetup Group might be just the ticket. Remember, these are spaces for collaboration, support, and networking, both online and offline. So why not give it a shot? You never know who you might meet or what you might learn. After all, isn’t that the beauty of creative communities?

If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of creative communities and networking, don't miss the workshop 'Community Building & Participation On Discord' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will teach you valuable strategies to build and participate in engaging communities on Discord, maximizing your networking and collaboration potential.