Have you ever felt alone in your desire to be creative and wanted to connect with like-minded people but weren’t sure where to start? Do you live in an isolated community or is the type of art you love too “out there” for people in your area? Fear not! The help is there. You can find your creative tribe, enrich your life, and find the inspiration and encouragement you desperately need by following these 11 tips. A more exciting, happy and passionate life awaits you. I guarantee it!
11 Ways to Help You Find Your Creative Tribe
1. Join a social networking site like MySpace and find friends or groups that share your interest.
2. Join Yahoo Groups, find a particular area that interests you, like quilting or art marketing, and join a group. Be sure to share your thoughts and comment on what others are saying. You can develop friendships that way.
3. Post on blogs, join message boards, and frequently comment and respond to what others are saying, too.
4. Start your own creative blog and connect with other creatives.
5. Join art exchanges. You get to know people that way, you get more creative, and the bonus is that you collect some great art in the process!
6. Post ads in your local bookstore, art store, and in your community newspaper. Mention that you are looking for like-minded people. Arrange the first meeting in a coffee shop.
7. Check craigslist under the arts section and see if there are other artists looking for connections or post your own ad and form a group. Be proactive!
8. Browse bookstores or art stores and observe interesting and creative people. Strike up a conversation to see if they are artsy and ask if you can invite them for coffee. This requires a bit more bravery, but it often pays off in the end. Who knows? They could become your new best friend!
9. Frequent art shows or festivals in your area, talk to people and ask if they know of any gathering of creative spirits that you might fit in with.
10. Be cheeky and go to a funky coffee shop with your sketchbook and art supplies. Create an attractive, colorful sign that you can either free-standing or place on a plexiglass stand. Write “Funky artist looking for creative friends!” on the sign.
11. Host an art party at your house and invite people you think would be creative to come. Ask each person to invite someone as well. Plan a particular craft ahead of time and ask attendees to bring some basic supplies while you provide special materials to complete the project.
Do some or all of the above and I’m sure you’ll find your Creative Tribe! When you approach your quest in a positive and expectant frame of mind, you are bound to attract wonderful things to you. Remember to be grateful for everything you already have. Gratitude brings more good things into your life!
