What is creative community? It’s a group or multiple groups of creative people who get together to learn, share, and relate to each other. It’s so much more than networking, though that is important. So, I want to talk briefly about a few of the things I am involved with and why I still attend retreats, conferences, workshops, and creative gatherings.

When I was a junior in college I was first introduced to a formal design organization/community, the American Advertising Federation (AAF). At that time, the advertising and marketing class at my college was a requirement and was basically wrapped around AAF and their student competition. It was a huge eye-opener to see that there were actually groups where like-minded people like me got together. AAF is the oldest national advertising trade association in the United States that includes members across all disciplines and career levels in advertising, from students to long-time professionals.

AIGA is the professional association for design. I have been involved with AIGA off and on since 2006 when I was still a college student. At one of their events, the then president of the New Mexico chapter of AIGA announced an internship program. I spoke to her and was actually able to intern at her agency almost a year before I graduated.  They offer support, as well as fun events, coffee talks, inspiration, and workshops. Being involved with them has allowed me to stretch my creative leadership skills and networking strengths. Now I have graduated (pun intended) to being the Education Director of the local chapter and I have the opportunity to have an intern of my own.

Since then and over the last 10+ years I have been involved in various creative groups and I have been to dozens of events and conferences.

is a community built by creatives for creatives and is built on a foundation of community over competition. Rising Tide Society focuses on building community locally and transforming not only the creative industry, but also the world. From designers to photographers to boutique owners, they are committed to growing creative community and empowering creative entrepreneurs through educational webinars and seminars and monthly meetings they call “Tuesdays Together”.

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The concept was simple: breakfast and a short talk one Friday morning a month. Every event would be free of charge and open to anyone. In cities around the world you can attend to enjoy fresh coffee, friendly people, and an international array of breakfast foods. Volunteer hosts and their team members organize local chapters that not only celebrate a city’s creative talent, but also promote an open space to connect with like-minded individuals.

is an online education platform that broadcasts live classes to an international audience for free, mostly. They offer online classes and workshops for every conceivable creative avenue. They offer stuff in photography & video photo & video, art & design art & design, music & audio music & audio, craft & maker craft & maker, freelancing freelancing, money money & life, and they even have a category called “life”. The majority of their content is free if you are able to view it when it is happening, “LIVE”. They allow you to purchase their content at any time after the broadcast but this platform is incredible if you don’t have money to spend on places like Lynda.com or Skillshare. I’ve used it many times over the years and when I was art directing I used to require the designers on my team to do one every week to keep their skills sharp.

How Design Live and other design conferences, local or not, afford you some really unique opportunities to schmooze and learn from some of the most well known designers and creative entrepreneurs in the world. While they can be pricey, if you can swing the cost or if you can convince your boss or supervisor of the amazing value and benefit that you will get from it, I strongly suggest you attend. I have made some of the most amazing contacts at these conferences as well as learned some intense and career-changing ideas.

 A few weeks ago I went to Austin for the weekend, a weekend I paid good money for. I went because about 30 minutes from there in an adorable little town called Georgetown, Designer Extraordinaire, James Victore, was having a design workshop and creative retreat. I learned so much, It was something fun and challenging and I learned things that I never expected or even knew I needed. You can listen to the podcast http://www.brandisea.com/podcasts/discomfort-growth-meaning-stuff-episode-013/  where I talked all about it.

In the past I’ve attended various talks and workshops with local designers, advertisers, and art directors, as well as learned from some well-known and even famous creatives. And regardless of where I am in my career I hope I always do. In fact, in a couple of weeks I will be attending a screenprinting workshop, just to add one more skill to my toolbox 😉