Community > Competition
Whether you’re a photographer, writer, designer, or musician, the passion that fuels your work can sometimes get a bit lonely in the midst of the hustle for recognition and success. While pursuing our goals and dreams, it’s easy to forget the importance of community and collaboration.
I’ve come to realize that seeking and building genuine connections with other creatives is essential not just for our mental health, but also for our growth and opportunities in such a competitive industry.
Because let’s be real, the creative path can be very lonely at times.
If you’re in this journey, I’m sure you’ve experienced some overwhelming feeling of loneliness at some point. Why? Well… we tend to dedicate countless hours to our craft, most times away in silence, with Airpods on listening to something, or surrounded by our thoughts and ideas.
While social media is helpful in some ways when it comes to showcasing our work, if we’re not careful, this could also intensify isolation. It could lead us into thoughts of comparison when we see the highlights/success of other people, which can make us feel like we’re not measuring up, or to perceive a world where everyone is just competing for the same spotlight.
Let’s also talk about Gatekeeping. This is SO common within creative communities and which makes it even harder to find a supportive network. When it comes to gatekeeping, some may feel threatened by the idea of collaboration, holding back from learning and connecting with others, or missing opportunities rather than sharing them.
This has created an environment where aspiring creatives hesitate to reach out, fearing rejection or judgment. This is why finding the right people is SO important if you’re in this journey.
When it comes to collaborating with other creatives, it exposes us to fresh ideas and different perspectives. This not only enriches our work but it also makes us grow. You become stronger in your craft! Being part of a community allows us to be vulnerable and share our insecurities because there’s a sense of comfort and understanding.
It is comforting to know that others face similar challenges, and that you’re really not the only one struggling. It’s all about checking your circle, and choosing your tribe! This is a must, especially during difficult times.
If you feel like you’re in a rut, or figuring out how to make genuine connections, here are some tips that could help:
(trust me, I’ve been there!)
Seek Out Local Groups and Workshops
Attend events, workshops, or meet-ups where you can interact with other creatives in your field. Engaging in discussions, sharing ideas, and collaborating on projects could be the beginning of a meaningful relationship!
Join Online Communities
Follow creators that are aligned with what you do. Join Facebook groups, etc. and go out of your way and try to connect and share your work! Don’t engage to just seek likes or validation.
Collaborate With Other Creatives
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to others for collaboration. Even small projects can create opportunities to bond over similar interests and ideas.
Nurture Your Connections
Building a community is an ongoing process. Keep in touch with your creative connections, celebrate their successes, and offer support when needed. These small gestures can really go a long way!
It’s all about shifting our mindset from competition to collaboration and recognizing the power of genuine connections.
We CAN empower one another, celebrate diversity in creativity, and grow together.
We have to make the time and effort to surround ourselves with a network of supportive, inspiring, and collaborative individuals that can transform our journey, and make it feel less lonely, specially in a world that can feel isolating and cutthroat, seeking out community is not just beneficial; it’s essential.
It’s a reminder that we are all in this together, and when we lift each other up, we all rise. So, let’s take the time to connect, to collaborate, and create together.
We’re not meant to do life alone.
