If you’re a design or creative freelancer, you’ve probably come across platforms like Dribbble and Behance early on. They’re useful for showcasing work, discovering other designers, and getting a sense of what’s happening in the industry.

Over time though, many freelancers notice that while these platforms are great for visibility, deeper connections often form elsewhere. Conversations around pricing, feedback, collaboration, client challenges, or even referrals tend to happen in smaller, more focused communities—places where people interact regularly and recognise each other over time.

This blog looks at some of those less obvious but high-signal communities where design and creative freelancers often go to connect, learn, and build relationships beyond portfolio platforms.

1. Designer Hangout (Slack)

What it is
Designer Hangout is an invite-only Slack community for UX, UI, and product designers. It has been around for years and is often mentioned by designers looking for thoughtful, professional discussions.

Why freelancers find it useful
Many members use it to:

• Ask nuanced questions about projects or clients

• Get feedback on portfolios or case studies

• Learn how others approach tools, workflows, or design decisions

The conversations tend to be measured and experience-led rather than trend-driven.

Networking potential
For freelancers working with product teams or tech companies, relationships here can develop gradually through regular participation.

Often a good fit for
UX designers, product designers, and creatives working closely with digital products

2. Design Buddies

What it is
Design Buddies is a large, global community that runs primarily on Discord, along with events and learning sessions. It’s known for being open, inclusive, and consistently active.

Why freelancers spend time here

People often join for:

• Peer feedback and portfolio reviews

• Informal learning through shared resources

• Community-run workshops and discussions

There’s a mix of experience levels, which creates room for both learning and mentoring.

Networking potential
Connections here often start casually and grow over time through repeated interactions.

Often a good fit for
Visual designers, UI designers, illustrators, and creatives transitioning into UX or product design

3. Get Started in UX Design (GSIUXD)

What it is
GSIUXD is a large Discord community where designers, developers, and product thinkers discuss UX, tools, case studies, and career paths.

Why freelancers find it helpful
The server is structured into channels, which makes it easier to:

• Ask for quick feedback

• Join discussions around specific topics

• Keep an eye on shared opportunities or resources

The pace is faster than forums, which some people find energising.

Networking potential
It’s well-suited for informal networking and staying connected to a broad design audience.

Often a good fit for
UX designers, early-career freelancers, and designers who prefer real-time interaction

4. Indian Design Community (Slack)

What it is
This is a Slack community focused on designers based in India or those working closely with Indian clients and teams.

Why freelancers value it
Conversations here often reflect local realities, such as:

• Client expectations and budgets

• Tooling choices common in Indian teams

• Hiring and collaboration trends within the region

For many, this context makes discussions more immediately relevant.

Networking potential
It can be particularly useful for regional connections and, at times, offline meetups.

Often a good fit for
India-based UI, UX, and product designers, or freelancers working with Indian startups

5. Reddit (Design-Focused Subreddits)

What it is
Reddit hosts several design-related forums where freelancers and designers discuss challenges openly and in detail.

Subreddits people often return to

• r/graphic_design — critiques, workflows, and industry questions

• r/UI_Design / r/UXDesign — interface and experience design topics

• r/design — broader conversations around design thinking and trends

Why freelancers read these spaces
Threads often contain long, experience-based responses that can be helpful when you’re thinking through a specific problem.

Networking potential
Connections here tend to be indirect, but consistent participation helps build familiarity over time.

6. Are.na

What it is
Are.na is a quieter, idea-focused platform where creatives share references, research, and works-in-progress through curated boards.

Why some designers gravitate toward it
It appeals to people who enjoy:

• Exploring concepts and inspiration slowly

• Following how others think, not just what they produce

• Connecting around ideas rather than deliverables

Networking potential
Lower volume, but often more thoughtful and long-term.

Often a good fit for
Concept-driven designers, art directors, and multidisciplinary creatives

7. Creative COW

What it is
Creative COW is a long-running forum community focused on motion design, video, animation, and creative technology.

Why it still matters
Despite being older, it remains useful for:

• Tool-specific discussions

• Workflow questions

• Learning from experienced practitioners

Networking potential
Best suited for skill-based connections and technical collaboration.

Often a good fit for
Motion designers, video editors, and multimedia freelancers

8. Offline and Hybrid Communities

Alongside online spaces, many designers still find value in local, in-person interactions.

These might include:

• City-based design meetups

• Coworking spaces with creative members

• Workshops & conferences

• Small, informal design collectives

For some freelancers, a few strong offline relationships end up being more impactful than large online networks.

Choosing Where to Spend Your Time

Rather than joining everything, many freelancers find it helpful to pick one or two communities that match how they like to engage.

• Prefer slower, thoughtful discussions → Slack or forums

• Enjoy real-time conversations → Discord communities

• Want local context → regional Slack groups or meetups

• Lean toward concept and craft → Are.na or niche forums
  
  

  
  

Closing Thought

Platforms like Dribbble and Behance still have their place, especially for visibility. But for many design and creative freelancers, deeper relationships tend to form in spaces where people talk regularly, share honestly, and show up over time.

The value usually comes less from where you join, and more from how consistently you participate.