The importance of networking within the creative industries.

Introduction

One just has to think that when I mention about networking in the gaming industry, I must mean connecting players to play against each other within specific games. Unfortunately, this isn't a post about how I feel about the online in Smash Ultimate or the lag I felt in my last game of Soulcalibur, although the general concept is similar. Networking in the games industry is about connecting people but not to play games, instead to allow people to develop professional relationships and creating their own reputation in the industry. Networking is about two people within the industry creating a relationship that they will use to mutually benefit each other.

You probably are wondering what the point of networking is; surely you would be fine without doing it, right? Well within a creative industry such as the gaming industry, it's important you know a whole host of people in the industry. Without keeping a group of contacts, its unlikely you will hear of new projects in the industry. Even more than that, many jobs within the gaming industry are given out as informal recruitment. People call upon and offer jobs to people they know within the industry for a lot of positions, without them knowing about you, you are unlikely to obtain the job through traditional hiring. The people you network with are also likely to recommend you to one of their contacts if you maintain a good relationship with them. Maintaining good relationships within your network is a fantastic way to gain repeat employment and is especially valuable to freelancers who rely on repeat employers.

Starting Out

So, we've discussed the big important facts about networking; how exactly do we get started on networking? Well for a simple answer, you need to talk to people. I know how difficult that can be, it took me a while to become comfortable talking within my university class.

The people you talk to have to be relevant of course, your pal Jim isn't going to be offering you a place on a triple-A game project. You need to be talking to people within your own sector of the Creative Industry and the associated sectors. For me, that would be within the gaming industry but I may also want to network with those in the animation industry. Connecting with people in these industries would let me get my name out to those who would be looking for to hire or interested in my work or skills. The best place to make these types of connections would be at industry events. People in the games industry meet up at conventions, careers weeks, conferences just to name a few. Attending these events and getting to know and talk with people here is incredibly important. Remember that these people share your interests in the industry, they probably get excited by the same sorts of things you do. Advertise yourself, make you seem great but don't forget to talk like a real person, the personal touch is everything.

This is a good video which shows the types of things you can expect to see at professional game expos and conferences -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOS5lIE7VLM

Promoting Yourself

Now, how do I show off my work to these people I network with, you ask? Simple, I need to put together a portfolio. Making a portfolio nowadays is a rather easy endeavour with many options online. I may be repeating myself from one of my other blog posts but you can't beat the simplicity of creating a social media account with hordes of examples of your work. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram it doesn't matter, as long as you can post examples of and show off what it is you are currently working or what you've made already, you're all set. Bring these up to people you network with, show them what it is you do that makes you special. It's important they remember you and you leave a lasting impression.

So, you've met people and created a portfolio social media account, how do you make sure you aren't forgotten about? This question is a bit more difficult to answer since you have to do quite a few things, there's not a simple answer to it. My first recommendation would be by making use of LinkedIn, the employment related social media website. You may remember me mentioning this in an earlier post but LinkedIn allows for you to connect with industry professionals including those within the game industry. On top of reminding them about you, you can also keep them up-to-date with what you are working on by posting pictures and videos of parts of your work you are most proud of.

I'd also highly recommend a more retro approach for getting people to remember you. You plan to attend all these games industry events, it's worth it to create a business card. Now you may think that business cards are outdated but that can't be further from the truth. For some, a business card will be their lasting impression of you so include everything they would need to get what makes you so special. Don't forget to include the obvious: your name, contact information and what you do. Other than that, get down the important things like your portfolio social media account, your LinkedIn and anything you think will help sell who you are.

Conclusion

I hope I've been able to change your mind and let you know the importance that networking has within Creative Industries and especially within the gaming industry. You're going to be getting nowhere without building up a group of people who know you and your abilities. Luckily, if you can put in the work and effort to obtain and maintain relationships with people, the jobs you'll receive offers for will be far more plentiful than if you don't. At this point, I don't think anyone can even really say there is any downsides to networking. Just remember, with great networking comes great opportunities.