The Dots

Professional networking for the new world of work.

3 followers

Professional networking for the new world of work.

3 followers

Visit website

Professional networking platforms

Professional networking for the new world of work. Get advice. Meet collaborators. Find work. Upskill at events. – ‘Networking for the modern world’ Apple ‘Makes LinkedIn look pretty stuffy’ TechCrunch ‘The Next LinkedIn?’ Forbes

Launch tags:Productivity•User Experience•Tech

Launch Team

ReplayAutonomous app testing for teams who ship at AI-speed

Promoted

For now, I find it to be a better place for networking with other creatives than platforms like Instagram (mainly because I deleted it) and LinkedIn (it seems so formal and business-oriented to be personally). I prefer the design (although with anything there is room for improvement) - I don't find it intimidating to share my work. Would be nice to find more film work on here but is understandable given the current climate and that the industry is already pretty niche. I feel with future updates, The Dots has big potential for artists

Report

6yr ago

I have been using the dots for around 7 years and seen it blossom unlike any other platform out there. I can't thank them enough for creating a space that has nurtured me and given me a space to grow. 1. Actively listens to its user, Community/Q&A section The Dots team actually listen to its community, consistently engaging with its users seeking to push it beyond just a beautiful looking platform but something that's actually a resource and creative space that empowers, educates and uplifts you. I got the chance to go into the dots HQ where they asked for my feedback and was amazed to see those ideas implemented. Somewhere I felt valued and recognised creating something not just for me but for so many creative people out there. Empathy and compassion are at the heart of the dots. if you ever had the pleasure of hearing Pip the founder talk you would see how passionate she is about making a space that helps to challenge the barriers that exist in getting into the industry, no more meritocracy (based on who you know) or nepotism (who you are related to) ignorer to get you access to jobs. Its a space where your talent and passion can really be valued not based on which Ivy League or prestigious university you went to. You genuinely can stand out from just being yourself and showcasing the best you can. There is so much institutional racism that has been normalised in many organisations and the dots really celebrates the diveristy in its community always seeking to uplift those marginalised communities. You can even find Pip asking the creative community their thoughts on how to improve or develop or what's important to them in the questions section. The questions platform has really grown and turned into an awesome space where you are able to get so many insights from the creative community from people from a wide spectrum of those who are established to staring out. Its full of young graduates, mid and seniors spanning a vast array of ages and races asking for recommendations, A Platform that's actually active unlike any platform out there the dots allows you to ask questions and there is always been people who actively seek to help each other out by sharing knowledge and information which isn't so easy to do in any other setting. imagine asking for a review of your own portfolio/work and getting opinions from other creatives you admire, asking advice on a vast array of topics portfolio review, jobs/design/software you name it. you are also able to talk in the dots messenger once you connect and comment on peoples projects which you admire and even search for them. 2. Portfolio Masterclasses So much of the industry is inaccessible and the dots completely bridged that gap to actually give you an insight to meet industries leaders who also use the platform to advertise jobs and scout you. I have had the pleasure of attend a Master classes hosted by the Dots where you would have individuals from the biggest industries looking at your portfolio and give you feedback and advice as well as the potential to get hired. The Dots Portfolio master classes have had industry leaders from Pentagram, google labs, nike, Adidas, wired, Guardian, Apple, AKQA, M&C Saatchi, TBWA\Media, Havas and countless advertising agencies, Rankin, Monocle, Blurberry, Wallpaper, Vice, Royal Academy of arts, folio art, Dazed and countless others. Its mind-blowing to be able to for the very first time be able to meet people in these industries and actually have a chance to showcase what I can do, hear their advice and constructive critism on how to develop and push myself further. There are countless different portfolio masterclasses the master classes are always happening through out the year so if you ever miss one there will be another chance at a later date exploring portfolios in visual story telling, illustration, animation, graphic design, photography, copywriting, art direction, styling, directing, film, social media and marketing. This is just one of many feature which would allow you to have access to professionals and get the feedback you need to grow and really build yourself up. Ive even befriended other designers I met at master classes and who I still keep in contact with. 3. Your portfolio and work & collaboration Unlike linkedin it really showcases me as an individual with a personality by show casing my portfolio and passion projects. My portfolio has been seen by people around the world. Over the years I have always gone back to my projects and polished it up and developed it as I personally mature in my skillset, this can be something which many people hate to have to do on their own portfolio websites as its time consuming but the dots user experience is honestly super easy to use and intuitive making accessibility key in how it is designed, I can't tell you how important this is especially if you always polishing and adding new things to your portfolio. One of the most difficult things about getting in the creative industry is not really knowing who to talk to and feeling insecure about yourself and work, this platform has really allowed me to overcome this, there have been many times when I have seen great projects and always wondered who actually made them. That's one of the most amazing things about the dots, it actually shows you all the people who work on a project highlighting that its not just one genius who makes everything but a collaborative project. This not only allows you to network it becomes a platform I am able to feel inspired and actively engage with my community linking any one who's worked on projects with me or credit myself to their projects that I helped out on. 4. Job search and applying In a world where finding a job is full of barriers and obstacles in which are set up against you, The Dots platform constanlty challenge and break free from those restrictions. when you look at the job boards you have a wide range of possibilities to consider such as having a tab that finds jobs where they let you work remotely opening up possibilities no matter where you are located. You are able to search for full time, part time, freelance and internships that are constantly up to date. Filter through the types of industries or companies as well as level you are looking for such as junior mid and senior. what is really awesome is if you are following a company you admire you are able to get email updates as soon as a job opportuninty opens up that way you never miss it when it does come around. clicking through the companies profiles(there are so many to choose from) also lets you see the people who work their and their portfolios of work to get a sense of what might be expected from you if you wondered if your work might meet up to their expectations and inspire you to make your work push beyond. 5. Events this is such an amazing feature that came out this year and was invaluable during lockdown where it highlighted a vast array of online events facilitated crossing so many topics, its so easy to fin d something for every day nd two thankful some one actually curates events that stand out and look promising. they can range from courses, conferences, festivals, networking or talks and interviews by creatives you admire by various amazing companies and individuals. You even get to see which people are attending and connect with them on the dots. There is also a filter for what's free (i'm on such a tight budget living in London especially during a pandemic this little feature is so helpful) again when you follow companies you admire you can get a email notification straight to your mail box to highlight what events are being hosted and quickly able to sign up and rsvp incase they all fill out. I have attended so many great talks and so many things I otherwise would never of known was happening and always allows me to keep engaged and entertained or even develop myself. some times making out events to attend and make the most of my week.

Report

6yr ago

6. genuine I wasn't paid to write this, I genuinely love this platform not because I have a large amount of contacts added, or that I have some shiny badges on my profile ( any one can get from just attending events, engaging in the community/QA, and developing your portfolio of projects.) the reason I wrote this is because you can see the authenticity in this platform to empower and really help make a difference to peoples lives. Only recently the dots collaborated with Pinterest and created a brief and project which will allow countless people to get their first commission which was open to absolutley every one. I can't wait to see these individuals shine and even tho I wasn't selected I genuinely feel pleased for those who were. I think we really just need to be a little more compassionate to one another in the creative community and instead of being so competitive and hoarding information make a space where we can uplift one another and collaborate. if you are going to build a future we need platforms that embody this and that is what the dots has achieved. 7. Ideas for the Dots Although I mentioned this above if you have ideas for the dots you are always able to reach out and offer them. If any one from the dots ever reads this (haha unlikely since wrote an essay), I really hope you make a shop feature for the creative community!! to sell content they design and create where you could take a percentage of sales to enrich the dots platform, also allow the general public to find and commission the creative community in the dots, designers photographers etc which will then get freelance opportunities this would create new jobs to help people get by. I already know there's other sites that exploit photographers and designers by making them pay to access these opportunities and It makes me sad to see a company exploit the creative community with so many desperate for jobs. (e.g Bidvine)

Report

6yr ago

The Dots is by far the most inclusive social network out there. Helping creatives in more then one way to connect to eachother, potential clients and amazing brands. Its the best place to share work, get noticed and grow as a creative. For now It has organized many Masterclasses in the UK. And I think the world is ready for the dots to act more global.

Report

6yr ago

I enjoy the app, your questions get put in front of a large audience who are always ready to help. It's also a great place to network and the creators are easily contactable and very active.

Report

6yr ago

The Dots is an essential social platform for anybody working in the creative industries. Its content is well-curated, inspirational and the network facilitates the privilege to connect with likeminded people who thrive in The Arts. It's a platform which champions progressive conversation, inclusivity and all things innovative. Sign up!

Report

6yr ago

Love the dots. It helped me grow my community for my side hustle and also help get my events into the face of the right audience. The great thing about the dots is that they are always willing to support up and coming creators!

Report

6yr ago

Great website . Feels very professional. (And that's kind of a problem) It's too formal/professional looking to be a Artists focused Website. Looking from Art perspective, I'd rather like it more colorful. Focusing on art, not companies. Don't make it look formal. Artists hate that. LinkedIn is already onto getting formal environment for everyone.

Report

6yr ago

•••

3 4 5

•••

Reviews