As a freelancer, you may work independently, but that doesn’t mean you have to work alone. There are numerous networks and communities, both online and in real life, that can help you find connection, inspiration, and support.
Despite its reputation for impersonal sprawl, Los Angeles boasts a particularly strong design community. LA designers gather at large, recurring events held by AIGA, Creative Mornings, and others, and they can also be found at smaller meetups around the city.
The organizers of the Los Angeles User Experience Meetup group track design-related gatherings on the west side, downtown, online, and all-around greater Los Angeles. They provided us with a curated list of five great events for LA designers to check out in March 2018. If you’re looking for designer camaraderie in LA, here are five places to find it.
When: Monday, March 5, 8:00 AM
Where: General Assembly, 150 2nd St., Santa Monica
Why: In the worlds of design and tech, issues of race, gender, and fair treatment in the workplace have never been more salient. Over breakfast, a panel of women and an audience of industry insiders will hash things out and chew on the big questions.
When: Tuesday, March 6, 11:15 AM
Where: Online – register at the link
Why: This is an open-ended “ask me anything” session with Liliya McLean, lead product manager with the iconic home goods brand Home Depot. If you’re curious about product management or the product management community in Los Angeles, this is an ideal, low-pressure opportunity to assuage your curiosity and get involved. Registration includes an invitation to the highly active Product Management Los Angeles Slack community.
When: Thursday, March 8, 10:00 AM
Where: Magic Box, 1933 South Broadway, Los Angeles
Why: Whether or not you’re looking for work, attending events geared toward job-seekers gives you an opportunity to see what’s out there, hone your networking skills, and get a sense of the market and community around the Los Angeles tech sector. This enormous job fair is more like a party than most, with demos, hack-a-thons, DJs, food trucks, and a fun, festive atmosphere.
Creating Reality AR/VR Hackathon
When: Monday, March 12 – Thursday, March 15
Where: Ronald Tutor Hall, 3710 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles
Why: In the entertainment capital of the world, from Silicon Beach to the Hollywood Hills, the rise of virtual and augmented reality has been a subject of intense commercial and creative interest. This week-long series of workshops and team projects promises a full immersion in the technology, the community, and the field of VR/AR.
DTLA Community Hack Night at Nordstrom Rack/HauteLook
When: Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 PM
Where: The BLOC Office Tower, 700 South Flower Street, Los Angeles
Why: Creative people often bond best when they have something to work on together, preferably a project that’s ambitious, immersive, and fun. Girl Develop It Los Angeles hosts this hands-on skill-building session for designers, developers, and passionate makers of all stripes. It’s a safe environment for experimentation, and for curious techies and aesthetes of all descriptions.
At Artisan Creative, we believe that the essence of professional success is about more than money – it’s about building a strong network, doing interesting things, and leading a fascinating life. We keep our eyes open for all sorts of growth and enrichment opportunities for creative professionals, in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.
We hope you’ve enjoyed the 463rd issue of our a.blog.