Meeting creative people can feel surprisingly hard, even in cities packed with designers, writers, filmmakers, artists, musicians, and all the people you’d love to hang out with. Most of us work alone, switch between projects, and rarely get the chance to share ideas outside of a studio or laptop. But finding your creative crowd can change everything. It gives you support, inspiration, collaboration opportunities, and people who simply get what you do.

Here are some easy, real ways to make creative friends, including one of the simplest: joining something like Creative Lunch Club.

Show up at small events

Big conferences and festivals are great for inspiration, but you usually get your best conversations at small meetups, workshops, and gatherings where people actually talk. Look out for local creative meetups, coworking open days, gallery talks, book events, or community lunches. Spaces like these remove pressure and make it easy to start a simple conversation.

A quick opener like “What are you working on these days?” almost always works.

Join communities that meet regularly

Consistency matters. It is much easier to make friends when you meet the same people more than once. Regular lunches, weekly drawing sessions, open studio hours, writing circles, photography walks, and creative clubs give you a natural way to build a connection without forcing anything.

When you see the same faces again and again, relationships grow on their own.

Here you'll find some communities for creatives.

Share your work and show genuine curiosity

Creative friendships start with honesty. You don’t need a perfect portfolio or a finished project. Share what you are experimenting with, what’s inspiring you, or even what’s challenging. At the same time, be genuinely interested in the work of others. Ask questions, give thoughtful feedback, and celebrate their progress.

Creative people love being seen and understood.

Spend time in places where creatives hang out

Every city has its own creative corners. Cafés with sketchbooks on the tables, coworking spaces with open desks, bookstores that host readings, or small galleries that attract artists and designers. Working or relaxing in these places makes it natural to meet like-minded people without trying too hard.

You don’t have to talk to everyone. One friendly exchange is enough to plant a seed.

Collaborate on something small

A great way to create a deeper connection is to make something together. It doesn’t have to be a big project. Start with something tiny. Meet for a drawing session. Make a moodboard together. Shoot a small photo series. Write for one hour in the same space. Collaboration builds trust and creates shared memories.

The best part is that you walk away with something you created together.

Use social platforms with intention

Instagram, Threads, and Behance can be powerful tools if you use them in a human way. Comment on work you genuinely like, send a kind message, respond to Stories, or share something that might inspire someone. These small interactions often lead to real connections that continue offline.

The key is to be real and not overly strategic.

Start your own meetup

If you can’t find something that fits you, create something simple. A weekly drawing club at a café. A photography walk on Sundays. A quiet coworking session in a public space. A monthly creative lunch. You don’t need a perfect brand or a logo. Start with two or three people and let it grow naturally.

Creatives appreciate small, authentic spaces more than polished events.

You can become a meetup host for Creative Lunch Club very easily.

Be open, kind, and a little brave

Most creative friendships start with one moment of courage. Sending a message. Joining a lunch. Sitting next to someone at an event. Introducing yourself. Asking a question. Suggesting that you should meet again. These are small steps, but they make a big difference.

You will never regret showing curiosity and kindness.

Remember: everyone is looking for creative friends

You’re not the only one wanting to meet people who inspire you. Creatives everywhere are hoping to connect, share ideas, and feel understood. Once you take the first steps and show up consistently, you’ll see how many people are ready to connect with you.

If you ever want a simple place to start, Creative Lunch Club is exactly that. A relaxed table, friendly people, good conversations, and a community that makes it easier to meet creatives in your city.

Show up, stay curious, and let the friendships grow.