I enjoy the company of creative people. Unfortunately, I am not the strongest networker and tend to turn wallflower in large groups. Give me a few, like-minded people in a relaxed environment and I am just fine. Knowing that I’m not alone in this regard, I have decided to pose a question to my fellow artists who might want to meet on occasion:
Where do you want to meet?
I talk to people all the time about getting together. Perhaps we want to plan a shoot, discuss business in general, or just burn an hour getting to know each other better. Whatever the reason, unless purposely planned, I find it difficult to arrange time for conversation with other creatives. It turns out that I have always been a bit of a homebody and few come to my house with the sole intent of chatting with me. I want to encourage a little more face to face interaction without the pressure of syncing calendars or puzzling out where to meet.
I’m looking to find a location that is not too far removed from home where I can just sit for an hour or two. I don’t want to be an undue burden on someone’s business by taking up room in their establishment and not spending any money. That alone rules out certain places that do not cater to the non-coffee drinker that is your’s truly. I am looking for recommendations on where I can hang out without being a bother.
A Few Criteria
- Laptop friendly so that I can connect to the internet and work (or play) to my heart’s content
- Drinks other than coffee or alcohol are available
- Food options are always welcome in case I get the munchies
- Owner/managers who won’t condemn me for loitering once a week or so
General Location
I would like it to be relatively close to home. Yukon, Bethany, and Piedmont are all within a few minutes of my front door. Downtown Oklahoma City is not out of the question, either, but it would have to be a really nice fit. It should be easy to find, parking should not be an issue, and I’d prefer not to be the subject of a “Where’s Waldo” style search if someone should come looking for me.
Almost Always An Alternative
Of course, arranging to meet somewhere, including my home, is usually a good option, too. Photowalks or meetups? I enjoy these, but they are inevitably scheduled on evenings that are usually locked up for me.
In short, I’m open to suggestions that will help us get together and, hopefully, be mutual inspiration to push our creativity a little further.
