If you’d asked this question ten years ago, the answer would have been obvious. Networking was everything. Every creative knew the drill. Go to events. Meet people. Build relationships. Shake hands. Swap handles. Hope a job lands in your lap.

But the creative industry has shifted. Remote work rose. Freelancing exploded. Clients got comfortable sourcing talent online. AI changed workflows. Social platforms became portfolios. Communities evolved. And now, with the industry stretched between hybrid work, rising competition and a skills rebrand, creatives are asking the question again.

Will networking still be a key ingredient for success in 2026?
Or is it a remnant of an older industry model?

Our poll uncovered something surprising.

41 percent of creatives still see networking as vital for finding work
55 percent say it’s helpful but overrated
Zero percent think networking is irrelevant
Five percent shared other perspectives, mostly around burnout, boundaries and choosing fewer but deeper connections

So networking isn’t dead. But it’s definitely different. And that shift matters for freelancers, job seekers and creative businesses across Australia.

Here’s what the results reveal and how creatives can future proof their careers in the years ahead.

Networking has changed shape, not value

Networking used to be about showing up physically. Now it’s about showing up intentionally.

The people who voted Vital are tapping into the creative industry’s biggest currency. Who you know still matters because trust outweighs talent when a deadline hits. Referrals help you skip the queue. Creative directors prefer to hire people they’ve met, even briefly. Clients often ask freelancers for recommended talent, and the work spreads through networks long before it hits job boards.

But the Helpful but overrated majority tells a different story. Creatives are tired. Events can feel like chores. Social anxiety is real. Hustle culture is fading. And creatives want opportunities based on skill, not schmoozing.

The takeaway: networking works, but only when it’s authentic, sustainable and aligned to your goals.

The rise of the micro network

A major shift is happening in the industry. Instead of collecting hundreds of contacts, creatives are building smaller, tighter, more purposeful networks. These include:

• Communities on Discord, Slack and Instagram
• Creative peer circles
• Freelance referral groups
• Industry-specific digital communities
• Mentorship loops between seniors and mids

These micro networks are outperforming traditional networking because they are consistent, collaborative and built on genuine support instead of transactional exchanges.

Expect them to dominate in 2026, especially as hybrid work normalises and creatives prioritise meaningful relationships over mass visibility.

Why zero percent said networking is irrelevant

This is telling. Even the most introverted, burnt out or digital-first creatives acknowledged that networking still plays a role. That’s because the creative industry thrives on connection. We create for people. We interpret culture. We solve problems through collaboration. Work opportunities follow relationships.

But networking now extends beyond rooms and events. It includes community engagement, digital reputation, how you show up in client projects and how you interact with peers online.

So even the people who don’t think networking is essential still admit it’s part of the ecosystem.

What the “Other” group is teaching us

The five percent who chose Other offered powerful insights. These creatives described:

• Networking fatigue
• Feeling drained from too many events
• Preferring one-to-one connections
• Wanting boundaries
• Relying on content creation or portfolio updates instead of socialising
• Letting work quality be the primary driver of opportunities

Their message is clear. Connection is important, but not at the cost of wellbeing or authenticity.

This is a trend that will continue into 2026. Networking will become slower, deeper and healthier.

Predictions for networking in 2026

Here’s what we expect to see in Australia’s creative and digital industry next year.

More curated events and fewer general mixers
Businesses will favour targeted gatherings where attendees share industry, role or niche.

Digital-first networking will continue growing
Creators will build influence, trust and visibility through content, not cocktails.

Referrals will become even more important
As clients tighten budgets, they will prefer talent recommended by someone they trust.

Portfolio storytelling will matter more than personality
Showing how you think will open more doors than how you talk.

Freelance communities will drive most work opportunities
The majority of gigs for independents will come through group chats and slack channels, not big networking nights.

How creatives can network effectively in 2026

If networking feels overwhelming, rethink it. Make it lighter, personal and strategic.

Consider these actions:

• Pick one event per quarter instead of trying to show up everywhere
• Engage with industry content on LinkedIn consistently
• Share work in progress to attract like-minded creatives
• Build relationships with recruiters who specialise in your niche
• Offer value when connecting rather than asking for something
• Stay in touch with past clients and collaborators
• Curate your online presence so people understand your strengths
• Join one micro community you actually enjoy

Networking should feel energising, not draining. And the people you meet when you’re showing up as your true creative self are the ones who help shape your career long term.

How Artisan supports your creative network

Artisan is part of the network you don’t have to hustle for. We connect you to clients, projects, roles and opportunities you might never discover alone.

We help by:

• Introducing you to the right creative employers across the country
• Connecting freelancers to ongoing project work that comes through trusted relationships
• Advocating for your skills when a job is perfect for you
• Guiding your portfolio and positioning so you stand out
• Being part of your long term career network without you needing to attend endless events

In a world where networking is evolving, Artisan acts as the bridge between talent and opportunity. Whether you’re a freelancer looking for consistent work, a job seeker wanting to step into your next role or a creative business needing better access to talent, connection is still key.

And we’re here to make that easier.