Working in a creative profession can come with unique advantages when it comes to networking. Your work is highly tangible: people can read it, see it, or interact with it in some way. Also, your work may be personal or offer a window into who you are, your experiences, and your interests. Whether through subject matter, lighting, or writing style, the myriad choices that go into creative projects can say a lot about their creator.
This quality gives prospective colleagues or employers an immediate way to assess your skills as a graphic designer, musician, writer, or any other kind of creative professional. However, creation of all types is highly competitive. You must stand out in a sea of talent and content to win that next contract or full-time role. This is where networking can help set you apart from your peers.
Networking is the development of professional relationships, which can help you learn from others’ career journeys and gain nuanced industry insights. A relationship formed through networking could even help you land your next opportunity if your contact vouches for you, makes an introduction, or tells you about a job opening that isn’t on the company website.
Luckily, Dallas is home to multiple opportunities for networking with your fellow creatives:
AIGA Dallas Fort Worth
AIGA stands for American Institute of Graphic Arts, a professional association for all kinds of visual designers, from typography to graphic design to product design.
The DFW chapter is completely volunteer-run and partners with other organizations in the area. It has also established student groups at several prominent North Texas universities and colleges. The website features a job board with local listings, including internships, and both local and national events are available to members. AIGA even hosts design competitions, which can act as a great way to boost your résumé.
Want to get out of Dallas? AIGA runs a job board at the national level, with listings generally scattered all over the United States. There may even be fully remote positions available.
AIGA reduces membership dues to $150 per year for new designers, defined as designers who are one to four years past graduation or those with less than four years of relevant working experience. Group memberships are also available to organizations.
Dallas Society of Visual Communications
The Dallas Society of Visual Communications (DSVC) serves professionals in all forms of visual communication: design, writing, photography, broadcast, and others, as well as vendors and suppliers. DSVC offers a job board and speaker, social, and fundraising events in the Dallas area.
DSVC has an actively updated website, Facebook page, and LinkedIn profile. Check out these resources and find out if becoming a member might benefit your career in visual communications.
Dallas Songwriters Association
The Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) formally originated in 1987 after several years of meetings. The nonprofit association is sponsored by local favorites like Half Price Books and Opening Bell Coffee.
The association provides songwriters at all stages of their careers with contest opportunities, Zoom workshops, and monthly in-person events. All styles of music are welcome at DSA, and the community includes writers of all ages.
Writers Guild of Texas
The Writers Guild of Texas (WGT) is another nonprofit organization, whose mission is to “encourage[s], educate[s], and engage[s] writers of any genre and of any experience level.” Whether you write novels, memoirs, short stories, or anything else, the WGT has a place for you.
The WGT hosts regular critique meetings and has offered numerous speaker events addressing a wide range of topics relevant to writers. Events tend to be in person in the Dallas (Richardson) area or over Zoom.
WGT members are also eligible to enter an annual Flash Fiction contest with the chance to win cash prizes and get featured in the WGT newsletter. The most recent contest opened September 1st and closed in late October 2023. Make sure to check the WGT website if you are interested in entering.
Annual membership dues are $35 annually, and the WGT newsletter is free.
Conclusion
Creatives in the Dallas area have many networking opportunities at their disposal. At the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce, we also invite young professionals from all industries to join us at our mixers and other networking events.
Differentiating yourself and your portfolio from others can be challenging, but through networking, you just might find that opportunity to let your creative work shine. Keep in touch at our socials below, and feel free to join us at our upcoming events.
For more information, check out Networking Groups in Dallas.
Dallas Junior Chamber 