Art Directors: Where Are They and How To Connect With Them

Ever feel like Art Directors are basically unicorns?

You know they exist. You've heard legends of designers who've actually connected with them and landed licensing deals. But when you try to find them yourself, it's like playing hide-and-seek with a chameleon in a fabric store. (Not that it’s ever happened to me. But thinking about it makes my anxiety spike.)

Here's the thing: Art Directors aren't hiding. They're just hanging out in a place most creative types avoid like a computer virus — LinkedIn.

I know, I know. When someone says "LinkedIn," your brain probably conjures images of corporate suits, business jargon, and that one guy who posts inspirational quotes every three hours. But stick with me here, because LinkedIn has become the unexpected goldmine for surface pattern designers looking to build real licensing relationships. For real.

Try to think of it as the world's biggest art industry convention, except you can attend in your PJs, and absolutely no one has to know you're still rocking that messy bun from three days ago. ☕

Why LinkedIn Works for Pattern Designers (Yes, Really)

Here's what most surface designers miss: Art Directors are on LinkedIn way more than they're on Instagram.

Why? Because LinkedIn is where they network professionally. It's where they scout talent for their next project. It's where they actually respond to messages because the platform has a professional context baked right in.

Meanwhile, that perfectly crafted DM you sent on Instagram? It's probably sitting in their "requests" folder alongside 847 messages from artists, friends, and scammers trying to sell them crypto.

The difference is context. When you reach out on LinkedIn, you're approaching them in their professional space, which immediately gives your message more weight. 

The Ultimate LinkedIn Treasure Hunt: Step-by-Step

Let me walk you through my exact process for finding and connecting with Art Directors. Consider this your treasure map. 🗺️

Step 1: Master the Search Bar Magic ✨

LinkedIn's search function is more powerful than most people realize. Here's a simple method that works like a charm (and doesn't make your brain hurt).

Pop this into LinkedIn's search bar:

"Art Director" AND ("HomeGoods" OR "TJMaxx" OR "Target" OR "Pottery Barn")

Think of those "AND" and "OR" commands as magical keywords. This search helps you find Art Directors working at major retailers — companies that are actively looking for fresh art and are more likely to work with independent artists like you and me!

You can customize this formula for any industry. Interested in fabric companies? Try:

"Art Director" AND ("Rifle Paper Co" OR "Spoonflower" OR "Robert Kaufman")

The beauty of this approach is that you're targeting people who are already in positions where they need pattern designers. You're not cold-pitching into the void.

Pro Tip: LinkedIn lets you save up to 3 searches for free.! Set them up once, and LinkedIn will notify you when new people match your criteria.

Step 2: The Company Deep Dive 🏊‍♀️

Found a dream company you'd love to work with? Here's your detective work:

1. Go to the company's LinkedIn page
2. Click "People"
3. Filter by title (Art Director, Creative Director, Design Director, Product Designer, etc.)

This gives you an instant list of everyone at that company who might be involved in selecting artwork for their products.

But wait — there's more! Look at "Similar pages" on company profiles. This is an instant goldmine of similar companies you might not have even known existed. I discovered three amazing home décor brands this way that I never would have found otherwise. It's like finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag. 🍟

Step 3: Make That Connection Count! 🌟

Here's where most people mess up: They hit "connect" and then... crickets.

Don't be that person.

Instead, send a personalized message that shows you're a real human with real talent. Here's a template that worked amazingly well for me (feel free to borrow it):

"Hey [Name]! I noticed you're the Art Director at [Company] and your recent [specific collection/project] caught my eye. I create [your style] and would love to connect! PS: Your company's [mention something specific] is absolutely gorgeous!"

Notice how specific this is? You're not just saying "I like your work." You're proving you actually took the time to look at what they do. That kind of attention stands out in a sea of generic connection requests.

Keeping Track: Your Outreach System

You know that thing that I say a lot? The one thing I’m always saying you need? Here is it again: You need a system.

Create a simple spreadsheet to track your outreach. Include columns for:

• Company name
• Contact person and title
• Date of first contact
• Status (Connected, Messaged, Responded, etc.)
• Follow-up date
• Notes

This isn't just about organization (though my Techie brain loves a good spreadsheet). It's about playing the long game. Art licensing relationships often take months to develop. Six months from now, you'll want to remember who you've already contacted and what you discussed.

The Long Game Mindset

Here's the truth about art licensing that not enough people talk about: It's a long game.

Whether you're just starting out and dreaming of your first licensing deal, or you're already seeing your art on products (cue happy dance! 💃), one thing never changes: You're always on the lookout for the next opportunity.

LinkedIn isn't about making an instant sale. It's about building genuine professional relationships over time. Some of my best licensing opportunities came from connections I made years before they turned into actual deals.

So don't get discouraged if your first round of outreach doesn't result in immediate contracts. You're planting seeds. Keep watering them.

Ready to Get Serious About Your Licensing Game?

If you're serious about creating professional, licensing-ready pattern collections, you need more than just networking skills — you need collections that make Art Directors say "YES!" 

So, if you want weekly tips on design strategy and business encouragement delivered straight to your inbox, make sure you're subscribed to my free weekly Eduletter: 3,2,1...Let's Design!

Now go forth, brave creative soul, and start connecting with those Art Directors! Your LinkedIn treasure hunt awaits. ✨