A practical guide to finding (and thriving in) creative community
In this essay, I liken a network of like-minded creatives to mycelium—an underground yet powerful organic infrastructure, connected like mushrooms with a far-reaching root system.
In the same way, creative communities form vital networks of support and inspiration. The right community offers a space that is structured yet freeing, containing yet expansive.
The benefits of working and creating in community
Shifting from Isolation to connection
Transform unfinished projects into completed works through shared accountability
Convert creative blocks into breakthrough moments through diverse perspectives
Replace self-doubt with confidence through supportive feedback
Practical transformations
Establish sustainable creative routines that feel energizing rather than depleting
Develop a network of meaningful relationships centered around creative growth
Access resources, opportunities, and knowledge beyond your individual reach
Turn vulnerability into strength by sharing challenges in a supportive environment
Inner shifts
Experience the relief of discovering your ‘personal’ struggles are universal
Develop deeper attunement to your own creative voice by witnessing others
Find motivation through the shared energy and momentum of a community
Create from a place of abundance rather than scarcity
Reflection Questions
Where are you now?
How would you describe your current creative process? Where do you feel most stuck or isolated?
What project remains unfinished that might benefit from community support?
What creative fears or doubts surface when you work alone? How might sharing these change your relationship to them?
Community exploration
Think of a time when collaboration enhanced your creative work. What made that experience valuable?
What qualities would your ideal creative community possess? What would discussions focus on?
How comfortable are you with sharing work-in-progress? What boundaries would help you feel safe doing so?
Practical integration
What specific type of feedback would most help your creative practice right now?
How might regular connection with other creatives fit into your current schedule and routines?
What strengths could you contribute to a creative community? What would you hope to receive?
Looking to build and strengthen a community?
Try these inquiries and activities:
The mycelium map
Have participants visualise themselves as part of a creative ecosystem. On a large shared surface, each person draws their creative practice and connects to others with similar interests, complementary skills, or shared challenges. This visual representation helps everyone see the ‘network’ they're building together.
Listening circles
Create a structured space where each person shares a creative challenge for exactly 3 minutes. Others listen without interrupting or offering solutions. After everyone shares, open the discussion to identify patterns, universal struggles, and potential resources within the group.
Resource exchange
Invite each participant to share one resource that has significantly helped their creative practice—whether a book, tool, technique, or practice. Create a collective resource library that everyone can access and contribute to over time.
Discussion prompts for groups
Starting points
Share a moment when someone else's perspective transformed your creative work
Describe your creative process using a metaphor from nature (like the mycelium network)
What's one creative challenge you're facing that others might have experienced too?
Deeper exploration
How has isolation both helped and hindered your creative practice?
What's the difference between criticism and the kind of feedback that helps you grow?
How might we create spaces where vulnerability becomes a creative strength?
What’s next?
If there’s something you’re longing to create (a writing project, an artistic creation or new venture) but need more courage and guidance, I’m here to support you expand the power of your self-expression.
Here’s how I can help:
Make an appointment for a virtual coffee (free). I hold 3-4 slots every month for a 20 minute chat so we can get to know each other. Perfect if you’re curious about meeting people and making new connections.
Book a 30-minute connection call (free). This is for anyone—whether you have an idea you want to brainstorm, an issue that’s holding you back, or just want to know about me and/or my work. Think of it as a micro-dose of powerful connection that might help point you in the right direction!
Read my manifesto for creative courage (free). Learn about the core principles of my creativity and follow in serial form the story of how I came to found Wordplay Coaching.
Inquiry of Writing, an intimate group coaching experience. We meet twice a month—in which we use writing as a tool for curiosity, exploration and transformation. Respond to powerful questions, in discussion and in writing; share your experience; get feedback on what you’ve written. Get the support and connection you need to gain clarity about your life and creativity, and develop your confidence. This is currently full but talk to me about joining the waiting list.
Creative Essence 1:1 coaching. Personal guidance to work with you on recognising your survival mechanisms and the fears that hold you back from your full expression. Twice-monthly deep dives on Zoom plus individualised support between sessions. This is ideal for you if you’re looking for deep transformation and powerful support to make changes in your life or with a creative project.