Los Angeles is a hotbed of creativity, home to artists, filmmakers, designers, writers, musicians, and countless other creatives. Whether you're looking to make genuine connections or spark new collaborations, here’s your curated guide to finding your creative circle.
Whether you're a designer, illustrator, filmmaker, or working in any creative field, this guide will help you find your people in the city. From casual meetups to vibrant community events,
Los Angeles
offers countless opportunities to connect, collaborate, and get inspired.
Creative Lunch Club is a global community that brings together creatives, like designers, illustrators, marketers, and filmmakers, for casual, in-person lunch meetups.
Each month, members are matched with two others in their city to share a meal, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.
Slant’d is an independent publishing house and creative community that amplifies AAPI voices. More than a publishing platform, Slant’d builds community through creative programming—from writing workshops and story slams to art therapy and shared experiences that nurture artistic growth and connection.
Los Angeles Artists and Creatives is a Meetup group where painters, writers, musicians, and all kinds of creatives connect, share ideas, and inspire each other. From book club picnics to writing circles, it’s a welcoming space to create and meet like-minded people in L.A.
Ladies, Wine & Design is a global nonprofit initiative championing women and non-binary creatives in the design industry. Founded by Jessica Walsh, it offers free mentorships, talks, and creative meetups in over 280 cities worldwide. The goal: foster community, elevate underrepresented voices, and promote leadership in the creative field.
Friends of Figma is a global network of local design groups supported by Figma, where UX, UI, and product designers come together to learn and exchange ideas. Each chapter hosts events like design critiques, community talks, and tool-focused workshops to foster collaboration and creative growth.
CreativeMornings is a global breakfast lecture series for the creative community, with free monthly events in over 200 cities. Each gathering features a short talk, coffee, and the chance to connect with like-minded people. Every event centers around a global theme, inspiring fresh ideas and conversation.
Non Plus Ultra is an East Hollywood collective that gives artists space to create, perform, and experiment. With studios, event spaces, and residencies, it’s a hub where emerging creatives gather and share their work.
Living Earth is an outdoor arts series that transforms parks and gardens into creative stages. With music, storytelling, and nature-based workshops, it brings together artists and communities to connect, collaborate, and find inspiration in Los Angeles’s landscapes.
Located in the Arts District, Art Share is a warehouse transformed into a hub for creativity. It houses artist studios, galleries, classrooms, and a theater, offering a steady flow of exhibitions, performances, and community events that connect local artists with the wider city.
One of the world's largest live-and-work artist colonies, this expansive 16-acre complex houses studios, galleries, and living lofts. Twice a year, its doors open for the Brewery Art Walk, inviting you into artists’ creative territories.
Timeshare in Lincoln Heights is an artist-run space created to share resources and foster conversation outside the commercial art market. Founded collectively by artists, it hosts experimental exhibitions and collaborative projects rooted in community and mutual support.
A quaint and beloved hybrid café-bookstore offering new and used books, a comfy outdoor patio, and regular events like readings and open-mic nights. Stories Books & Cafe is a great place for freelancers and community mixers.
Housed in a stunning old bank, this famed literary labyrinth offers used books, graphic novels, vinyl, art installations, and even creative book clubs spanning topics like Afrofuturism and feminist dystopia.
A queer-owned, community-focused center dedicated to inclusive arts education for all ages. This welcoming space nurtures collaborative creation in East L.A. Find out about their workshops and classes on their website.
A dynamic nonprofit performance and exhibition space in Chinatown dedicated to interdisciplinary and experimental art forms. HRLA hosts exhibitions, installations, and residencies, offering a creative hub for immersive and boundary-pushing works.
Reputed as one of the top artist residency programs in the U.S., 18th Street Arts Center supports visual and performing artists with space to create and engage the public. Open studios, artist talks, and community-based events known as “Intersections” foster cultural exchange throughout L.A.
Groundfloor is a member-only coworking and social club based in Echo Park, offering design-forward workspaces, wellness classes, cozy lounges, outdoor patios, meeting rooms, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Members enjoy 24/7 access, unlimited coffee, regular events, and amenities designed for both focus and connection.
Procolo is a boutique, locally-owned creative coworking collective in Culver City offering six uniquely designed shared suites in a light-filled landmark building. Since 2010, it has provided turnkey, flexible space for startups and creative teams in an intimate, refined, and un‑corporate environment.
The Preserve is a lush creative campus in Hollywood with workspaces surrounded by gardens and natural light. It offers modern amenities, meeting rooms, and a calm environment where teams and individuals can focus and connect.
Set inside the iconic CBS Studios in Hollywood, NeueHouse is a stylish hub for filmmakers, designers, and entrepreneurs. Members enjoy beautifully designed workspaces, private studios, screening rooms, and a steady flow of cultural events, making it one of L.A.’s most inspiring creative communities.
Adobe MAX is the ultimate creativity conference for graphic designers, illustrators, and digital creators. Expect keynote speeches from industry titans, hands-on workshops, and sneak peeks into Adobe’s upcoming tools and features. This event is also a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and explore the latest design trends.
Organized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, this conference focuses on the future of design and its impact on society. With thought-provoking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, the AIGA Design Conference is ideal for professionals looking to expand their horizons and tackle design challenges in innovative ways.
The Flux Festival in Los Angeles celebrates the intersection of film, art, and emerging technology. This multi-day event features curated screenings, immersive exhibits, engaging workshops, and live performances, culminating in a showcase at the iconic Audrey Irmas Pavilion. It's a platform for creatives to explore innovative storytelling and artistic expression.
An international photography fair founded in 1992, drawing thousands annually for exhibitions, seminars, and emerging photographic talent.
The largest and most comprehensive contemporary art fair on the West Coast, showcasing galleries, installations, and global exhibitions each January–February.
The official Instagram presence of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, offers a vibrant window into the city’s creative heartbeat. With a community of over 25,000 followers and more than 2,000 posts, the account celebrates arts, culture, and civic programming. from public art installations to theater highlights and cultural events. It's a go-to hub for staying inspired and plugged into L.A.’s dynamic cultural scene.
When I joined Creative Lunch Club, I didn’t expect to connect with people who live in the same neighbourhood as me. It’s pretty cool to build a community of creatives in your vicinity, especially because it’s easier to nurture those connections when you live in a big city. I love it.
Thanks for running such a great community! I'm so glad I took a chance and tried this for the first time, and I can't wait for the next month to roll around. Excited to see this network grow!
I stumbled upon Creative Lunch Club and had my first lunch and loved it. If you are a creative looking to be less lonely in this sprawling city and have interesting conversations in Los Angeles, I recommend it.