Groups are the little villages within the RedBubble universe, organised around a subject, genre, style or geographic location. Theyʼre places where like minded artists can gather to learn, encourage, teach, take part in challenges, share information, organise meet ups and discuss the topics that are close to their hearts. These activities play a huge part in life on RedBubble and play a vital role in creating safe, friendly environments where people feel welcomed, supported and encouraged.

While some bubblers consider themselves professional artists, many others are still learning their craft, practicing, finding their niche and producing some amazing work in the process. Some are taking their first tentative steps. Back in the old days, finding support, encouragement and advice meant joining an art class or a photography club but the magic of the intertnet means that we can bring artistic and like minded people together more easily.

While groups can provide another way to share your work, this isn’t the sole purpose behind their creation and it’s certainly only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how much you can gain from being an active member in a group. The best groups on RedBubble are ones where group members actively participate in discussions, activities and challenges. People often tell us that their participation in group activities has lead to them forming strong friendships or bonds with other artists. Here are some great examples of group activities that have caught our eye:

1. Flash Fiction and Photography 101 collaboration challenge
2. The Longest Illustration
3. Red Writing Room group’s writing exercises
4. C.O.R.E. group’s ‘tagged’ artist interviews
5. Regular Melbourne & Victoria group meet ups
6. The cubeCubed project by the Paintings, Modern and Beyond group

There are some fabulous, hard working and generous group hosts who put a great deal of effort and energy into inspiring other RedBubblers but passionate group members are also worth their weight in gold. Here are a few suggestions for great ways you can contribute to your favourite group:

1. Share some resources in the forums. People love tips, tutorials or links to related info.
2. Let your group know about an up and coming event that’s related to the group theme.
3. If you’re a member of a geographic group, ask the hosts about organising a meet up.
4. Participate in the group forums.
5. Don’t be afraid to start a related discussion thread in the group’s forums.
6. Get to know other group members. You can find them in the group’s ‘people’ tab.
7. Suggest some challenge ideas or other activities the group hosts may be interested in.

Which groups do you spend the most time participating in? Have you been involved in any interesting projects or formed any friendships as a result of joining a group?

Nat

PS: As a result of our recent discussions with the Community Guiding Comittee, we’ve made a few small changes to our Community Guidelines. These guidelines are in place to make sure people have an enjoyable and positive experience on RedBubble. For those who are interested, the changes relate to the sections on personal attacks, harassment, spamming, the appeals process and deliberate misuse of RedBubble. Please feel free to contact me via bubblemail if you have any questions.