Top 18 Creative Communities and Groups for Designers

by | May 10, 2023 | Bulletin Board

Creative groups serve as virtual communities where designers can make business contacts. Such groups tend to give artists and designers exposure on a common platform. Members of these communities become familiar with each other’s portfolios. Because of this, they can easily recommend each other whenever there might be a creative project that needs a particular design style. The next design group you join could be the place that helps you get your next big break.

Joining the design community websites mentioned in this blog post will keep you updated about the trends and news in the design industry. Community members are likely to discuss design software, job alerts, free design resources, creative seminars and so much more.

Being in a creative profession means constantly learning as much as you can whenever you can. Online communities for design professionals are an amazing way for creatives to help each other overcome professional difficulties and design queries. Follow these top design communities on the internet to stay in the loop or share this blog post with your creative friend.

Curating the content and discussions in communities mentioned in the list of top 18 creative communities and groups for designers is the responsibility of the community managers of the groups. These suggestions for creative communities and groups are not sponsored.

This blog post aims to answer the question – What are some safe networking communities and groups for creatives and designers?

Adobe Community

The Adobe Community is great when you need to learn Photoshop tricks, find Illustrator brushes or fix a software problem. The group discussion is a great Q&A for designers. You can even reach out and ask for creative feedback on your portfolio or design projects.

Procreate Folio

A great place for sharing tips and tricks in digital illustration. Also, some discussion boards have design resources like free brushes for specific art styles like Manga, watercolor etc. Digital artists use this community for portfolio building too. You can visit portfolios if looking for some design inspiration.

LightBox Expo

While this expo generally happens annually in California, the LightBox Discord discussion groups have great interactions. They have discussions on portfolio suggestions, live drawing sessions and so much more!

ArtFol

This is one of the best online networking communities for design students. Why? Because it is social media for artists and designers! Need I say more?

Choreus

Every freelance designer needs efficient project management. It helps designers manage their time well through different creative stages of the project. Organise communication, finances and so much more. This website helps designers do just that! Also, they help, if they can, with advice and even portfolio submissions to the studios that are their clients.

The Association of Illustrators

This community of illustrators is already famous enough and needs no introduction. They help illustrators with advice about licensing and contracting along with access to a helpline and portfolio consultation. They have job opportunities along with an award show for illustrators.

AIGA

They are the creative industry’s oldest and largest professional membership organisation for designers. Membership on AIGA will give you access to a tonne of information, resources, insightful newsletters and much more. This is one of the best art communities online.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

As the name suggests, it is a community meant for children’s book illustrators. A great place for beginners to learn and experienced professionals to build contacts.

Google Design

If you are a UX designer, interaction designer, visual designer or motion designer, then Google Design is just the right community for you! It is one of the best online groups for UX/UI designers.

If You Could Jobs

Along with being a good creative job site, they also have a helpful journal full of design industry insights and trends. All in all, this is a good design community website.

Women Who Draw

This is an open directory of women illustrators. They let you filter illustrators by their ethnic background so companies find it easier to hire for ethical representation. This is one of the top communities for freelance designers and illustrators.

Writers and Artists

This website is home to the famous ‘Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook’. Creative writers, illustrators and cover designers can easily sign up to be a part of this annual directory.

Directory of Illustration

They are not only a directory but have loads of helpful resources and articles along with featuring artists from their directory on their parent site. It is a directory of the artist community.

Workbook Creative

This site is the parent company of the Directory of Illustrators. It is a drawing community but they also have separate directories for photographers, directors, animators and more. 

Reedsy

This is a website for all you creative writers thinking about writing a book! This site lists all the publications that are looking for writers of specific genres. Simply reach out to them and maybe someday that manuscript could be the next bestseller.

The Directory of Literary Agents

This is another directory of literary agents, as the name suggests, but this site specialises in children’s books. Reach out to an agent that fits your genre and creative writing style to publish your next big book.

Chicago Artists Coalition

Artists and designers in Chicago could benefit from being a part of this community. They have a section for events and even a space finder for those looking to exhibit their artwork.

Arts for LA

This online community is for artists and designers in Los Angeles. Benefit from the online support, jobs and important announcements about local news and events for creatives.

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