Five years ago, I took a leap and attended my first design conference—Adobe MAX in Los Angeles. As a creative, I knew the experience would be filled with inspiration and knowledge, but I didn’t realize the profound impact it would have on me, especially in the form of networking. Like many creatives, I tend to lean on the introverted side, but attending Adobe MAX pushed me outside my comfort zone in ways that I am still reaping the benefits of today.
The sessions and keynotes were, of course, phenomenal. But beyond the design tips and creative inspiration, it was the connections I made that truly gave me a creative boost. Networking at events like this often feels intimidating, but it’s essential for growth. Little did I know, one conversation would set off a chain reaction of friendships and collaborations that continue to influence my creative journey.
A Chance Encounter
It was the second-to-last day of Adobe MAX. After a long day of sessions, I returned to my hotel room, ready to unwind and check some work emails. As I was catching up, I remembered a fellow creative I had met while livestreaming on Twitch several months before. I decided to shoot him a message, not expecting much in return, but to my surprise, he replied almost instantly. He was also attending MAX and invited me to join him and a few friends for dinner.
That person was Peter Deltondo. At the time, I wasn’t the type to grab dinner at 9:00 p.m. with a group of people I barely knew, but something told me I needed to seize this opportunity. Looking back, it’s clear this moment was pivotal in expanding my network. Peter turned out to be one of the nicest people I’ve met, and this simple dinner opened doors I hadn’t anticipated.
Discovering New Communities
At dinner, I noticed many of the group were wearing jackets with “Creative South” emblazoned on them. I was curious and asked what it was about, learning it was a creative conference held in Georgia once a year. Among the group at dinner were Mike Jones and Andrew Hochradel, both of whom were heavily involved in Creative South.
I had no idea that this casual dinner would plant the seed for my future attendance at this event. While we all went our separate ways after Adobe MAX, we stayed in touch, often playing video games together during the pandemic. The connection we formed didn’t just stay in the professional realm—it extended into genuine friendship.
Fast Forward to Creative South
Last week, I finally attended my first Creative South, and it was everything I had hoped for. It felt intimate, like reconnecting with old friends to share ideas, learn from each other, and just hang out. The atmosphere was far more personal and relaxed than larger conferences, allowing for more in-depth conversations and networking opportunities.
In many ways, Creative South encapsulates the power of networking in the creative industry. It’s not just about meeting people for the sake of potential collaborations or career advancement. It’s about finding a community of like-minded individuals who inspire and push you to grow.
Why Networking Matters for Creatives
Looking back, this journey all started with a single message on a Twitch stream. That one conversation led to connections, friendships, and learning opportunities that I never could have imagined. As a creative, it’s easy to get lost in your work, focusing on the craft itself. But the truth is, the relationships we build within our industry are just as important.
Networking allows you to expand your perspective, discover new opportunities, and surround yourself with people who understand the unique challenges and joys of a creative career. It can also help you push past the boundaries of what you know, giving you access to fresh ideas and approaches that you may not have considered otherwise.
At its core, networking is about more than just making professional contacts—it’s about building relationships that enrich your creative life. I encourage every creative to step outside of their comfort zone, attend events, reach out to fellow creatives, and make those connections. You never know where that one conversation might take you.
