Last Friday we had a casual meetup of like-minded computer graphics folks in Brisbane. It was my first (and unfortunately last as I am moving) Brisbane meetup and it was a great chance to have a few drinks and shoot the proverbial with some interesting new people.
These drinks meetups aren’t really regular and they are organised by whoever decides to get things moving from an Australian mailing list (the DLF) , but they always seem to get a good turnout and it is a great way to put names to faces, network, drink, eat and generally have a good time.
Beer is good. Belgian beer is better
Now, these are casual drinks, but there are also other events you can attend. Is there a SIGGRAPH chapter near you? Membership is usually quite cheap, especially for students, and they usually have monthly events and screenings. These are a great way to here about new techniques, see shorts, hear about courses and meet people.
Are there any chapters of computer graphics groups around your area? Websites like CGTalk and VFXTalk have strong communities and there is a good chance that if someone took the initiative you could get a meetup organised.
What if you don’t really like going out and hanging out with people? Too bad! Get off your bum and get out there! If you haven’t realised yet, this is a small industry and most of your jobs will come from friends or people you know. The more people you know and get along with, the more likely you are to get a job. I realise that socialising is not for everyone, and it is tough when you don’t know anybody at an event, but you are more than likely going to meet some interesting new people and have a good time if you put in a bit of effort.