Networking has an image problem — it feels transactional, forced, and a little gross to a lot of artists. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to actually build industry relationships without it feeling fake.
Lead With Genuine Interest, Not an Ask
Reaching out to someone purely because of what they might do for you reads as exactly that. Reaching out because their work genuinely interests you — and being honest about that — builds a completely different kind of connection.
Give Before You Ask
Sharing someone’s work, offering a genuine compliment, making an introduction that helps them — small, unprompted gestures build real goodwill far more effectively than immediately asking for something in return.
Show Up Consistently, Not Just When You Need Something
Relationships that only surface when you need a favor feel exactly like what they are. Staying in touch, checking in, and engaging with people’s work even when you don’t need anything is what actually separates real relationships from transactional ones.
Be Direct When You Do Need Something
Once a real relationship exists, being upfront and specific about an ask isn’t awkward — it’s respectful. Dancing around a request wastes time for both people; a direct, clear ask is easier to say yes (or no) to.
Accept That Not Every Connection Will Reciprocate
Some relationships stay one-sided no matter how genuine the effort. That’s normal, not a personal failure — not every connection needs to become a deep, mutual relationship to still be worthwhile.
Networking Is Just Relationship-Building With a Different Name
Reframing it this way changes the whole approach — the same way you’d build any friendship, based on genuine interest and consistency, rather than a calculated career strategy. The results tend to be both more comfortable and more durable.
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