who, what, where: finding and establishing connections
Finding and Growing Creative Connections
Published on July 31, 2024

Is networking optional? Most people would say no. 

A 2022 SNAAP report says 78% of arts alumni needed networking and relationship-building skills to succeed in their jobs. College is your prime time to build a network of mentors, peers and creatives with similar interests. You’ll meet some people by chance, but you’ll need to work to discover others. Either way, you need to keep those connections strong.

Networking is challenging

Talking to a room of strangers sounds pretty awful for the majority of us. It can be daunting to be perceived while attempting to connect with someone. Here are some ways to help you improve your approach to meeting people:

  • Be curious about others – Focus on what you’d like to ask.
  • Start with small, less intimidating goals – For instance, meet 3 people and then leave.
  • Be ok with where you are – only compare yourself to you in the past. Remember everyone’s idea of success is different.
  • Practice – Ask a friend or your career coach to practice conversations with you before going to an event.
  • Remember connections aren’t instantaneous – don’t get discouraged if it takes multiple attempts to meet someone or develop a relationship.

The importance of connection

Networking is critical for creative students, opening doors for collabs, internships, and mentorships.  It helps you learn new skills, showcase your work, and build a solid reputation. Plus, it connects you with resources, inspiration, and a support system when things get tough. Where do you find the right people? Attend local and online events, use social media, join clubs, and keep in touch with your contacts. Check out the links below to get started.

Resources for Creative Connections

Academic – Make Connections on Campus

academic connections

Mean Green Mentors – CVAD Group – a tool only for UNT students where you can find alumni who want to be a mentor. Join the CVAD Group and get updates on events, internships, and more.

Texas Fashion Collection – anyone can make a research appointment in order to study the Texas Fashion Collection artifacts. Internships are offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall to students who want to gain experience working and learning aspects of collections research. Check out the TFC Internship site for more info and due dates.

Your professor! Make an appointment during their office hours for 1:1 mentorship. Come prepared with questions! For example, ask about your projected pathway, suggestions for experiential learning (such as internships, ways to research your particular topic, etc), or about their own personal experience in the field.

CVAD Galleries – Attend exhibitions and events to meet other students and artists. Submit a proposal to show your work in one of CVAD’s galleries.

Academic-Centered UNT Student Orgs – Student academic organizations are great opportunities to gain access to resources in your specific field of study. As a student organization, you can partner with your career coaches to create events and to amplify your voice. You can also gain leadership experience and make long-lasting connections with peers.

Social Connections

UNT Student Organizations – In addition to academic-centered student organizations, there are also socially oriented organizations based on everything from cultural background to niche hobbies. If you don’t see the org you’d like to join, create one! Check out the UNT Student Organization page for more info.

Discover Denton – Plan an adventure off campus and explore the creative scene in Denton. Check out these annual events in Denton:

Creative Mornings – Dallas – Fort Worth – free breakfast lecture series that supports, inspires, and connects the creative community in 230+ cities across the world. CreativeMornings attendees range from designers and artists to entrepreneurs, business owners, and social innovators—but they stand by their guiding belief that “Everyone is Creative & Everyone is Welcome,” so you never know who you’ll run into!

Glasstire – Glasstire is the oldest online-only art magazine in the country. Current and upcoming art exhibitions are organized by region, and there are job opportunities under classifieds, podcasts, and current Texas art news. Check out the DFW exhibitions and plan a trip to see art. Pro tip: Carpool with a buddy and bring questions to ask about the artist/artwork/space.

Greek Life – Fraternities and sororities promote the experience of self-governance, leadership development, academic achievement, community service, social opportunities and friendship.

LinkedIn – Your LinkedIn profile acts as an extension of your resume. You may tailor your resume to each job position, but your full experience is included in your profile. Search for UNT alumni and connect with them + follow organizations and businesses that relate to your field of study. These are both potential resources for job or internship opportunities, or a place for you to learn more about the field.

Professional Connections

Local Spaces and Organizations

Stoke Coworking – Denton’s coworking space and entrepreneur hub where ambition, technology, and a shared desire to positively impact our community come together. Attend an event at Stoke, meet creative entrepreneurs and hear about their experiences. 

Greater Denton Arts Council – GDAC is an exhibition space and art education non-profit in Denton. As a CVAD student, you are a GDAC member and have access to member events and opportunities.

City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture Exhibition Venues – 4 of the 19 city-owned cultural facilities, where a wide variety of arts and cultural programs are offered for residents and visitors:

The Oak Cliff Assembly – A Dallas Historical Landmark, once zoned for townhomes, transformed into a 17,000 sq. ft. campus featuring Apprentice Creative Space, a theater, and 23 private offices for creatives, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

Cedars Union – an incubation space for artists located in the Cedars neighborhood in Dallas, with micro studios, common workspaces, tools, equipment, and professional development programming.

75% of arts and design alumni have been self-employed. -2022 SNAAP report

Art Professional Organizations

Design Professional Organizations

Have a resource to add to this collection? Email it to delaney.smith@unt.edu

By Delaney Smith-Vaughn
Delaney Smith-Vaughn Career Coach for College of Visual Arts and Design, Art History, Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies, Pre-Art Education and Art Education, Pre-Fashion Design and Fashion Design, Pre-Studio Art, Printmaking, Ceramics, Metalsmithing and Jewelry, and Sculpture Majors
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