10 Ways To Connect & Be Seen as a Budding Creative in Swansea
Swansea is bursting with creative talent – from filmmakers and illustrators to indie game developers and artisan makers.
As a newbie to the creative community in a city full of ideas, how do you stand out in a meaningful way?
Building your visibility isn’t just about marketing; it’s about connecting with your local community, celebrating your craft, and showing up consistently in ways that feel authentic. If you’re just getting started, here are ten ways to raise your creative profile in Swansea.
1. Tap Into Local Networks, Online and In Person
Swansea’s creative community thrives on collaboration and word-of-mouth recommendations. Try to make the time to attend local meet ups and networking events, or get involved in sector-specific events. You don’t need to be everywhere; it’s about being consistent, visible, and joining the conversation.
Sign up to Creative Swansea to create your own unique profile by clicking here, and check out our latest events here.
"There is nothing like being physically together and talking to people. But the ones that really work strategically are ones that are curated, where someone is responsible for bringing people together to make sure that we all talk!"
— Danny KilBride, Musician and manager of Trac Cymru, Wales' National Development Agency for Welsh indigenous Traditional Music.
2. Use Swansea’s Locations to Tell Your Own Story
From beaches and waterfronts to colourful markets and industrial backdrops, Swansea is visually rich. Use the city itself as a backdrop for your content – photography, video, design, and storytelling all benefit from a sense of place.
Check out our Swansea on Screen blog post for some inspiration!
3. Collaborate Across Sectors
Look beyond your own field for inspiration and partnership. Team up with photographers, musicians, writers, designers – even local cafés, shops, and venues.
Collaboration can open doors to new audiences, spark fresh ideas, and strengthen the creative community. The best partnerships can even grow into lasting relationships, not just a one-off project or post.
4. Get Involved in Local Events
Swansea is home to markets, art trails, live music, and festivals like the Swansea Fringe. Whether you host a stall, run a workshop, or simply attend and network, local events are great visibility touchpoints.
But be strategic – not every event suits every creative; focus on the events that align most with your work or target audience.
"Be present, be yourself, and be consistent… people connect with people before they connect with services."
— Lloyd Stranaghan, Photographer & Creative Director
5. Manage Your Online Presence
Your online presence is your shop window – make it count. Keep your website mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and regularly updated. Speak directly to your audience in plain, relatable language.
Learn a few SEO basics so that people searching for skills like yours can find you. Try to keep your branding consistent across your website, social media, and directories like Google Business Profile.
The goal: be clear, visible, and easy to trust.
6. Show Up Authentically on Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are wonderful spaces to share your creative process, little behind-the-scenes moments, and the personality that makes your work unique. You don’t need to post perfect, polished content – just be present and genuine.
Make sure your bio clearly says who you are and includes a link to your website or portfolio so people can explore more. And don’t forget to check your messages regularly; you never know when a new enquiry or exciting connection might pop up.
"“We use Instagram and Facebook heavily, they’ve been key to getting the word out and building a loyal following. But we don’t try to make everything polished or overly curated. We just show what’s happening, who’s playing, what’s real. Stories, behind-the-scenes stuff, and spotlighting the people involved goes a long way. We just show what’s real - what’s happening, who’s involved. That works!"
— Jordan McGuire, Venue Director at The Bunkhouse
7. Pitch Your Story to Local Media
Local media outlets, blogs, and even radio stations are often on the lookout for personal and community stories – especially ones with heart, humour, or purpose. Think about what makes your work relevant or newsworthy right now, and try emailing a few local news desks and editors.
We accept guest blogs from local creatives to feature here on the Creative Swansea website and promote across our social media channels; to find out more and submit yours, click here.
8. Host a Skillshare or Masterclass
Got a skill that others might want to learn? Or tips on how to break into a specific sector? Whether it’s design, photography or songwriting or something else – teaching can build loyalty, confidence, and real-life relationships within your community.
Would you like to host / present at an upcoming Creative Swansea network meeting? Get in touch with us here with your ideas!
9. Get Listed in Local Directories
Make it easy for people nearby to discover you. Whether you’re a freelancer, studio, venue, or creative collective, add yourself to local directories, creative hubs, and community platforms.
And don’t miss out on free opportunities; for example, you can create a profile here on the Creative Swansea website and start connecting with people in your area.
10. Tell Your Own Swansea Story
Swansea audiences love hearing from real people with real stories. Share how the city shapes your work; maybe it’s your favourite neighbourhood, a mentor who’s influenced you, or what being a creative here means to you.
Let your personality shine and keep it authentic. Place and people are at the heart of what makes your story worth telling.
"Authenticity is key. Swansea audiences respond to real stories and real people."
— Mike Scott, founder of BrandSwansea.
