While there is a growing interest in art as a career, it is still quite difficult to discover information about artist representative agencies. There is a lack of knowledge or guidance in the industry about what an illustration representative does and deciding whether or not you should have one.
However, do you appreciate the concept of having someone else market your services, negotiate your rates, and prepare contracts for you? Joining an illustration agency will give you access to all of these.
When it comes to their publishing careers, a lot of illustrators will choose to be represented by agencies. In all of their illustration projects, including those for books, newspapers, and other media, a client is represented by an illustration agency. But how can you find the ideal agent for you, and then how can you convince them to represent you?
What does an illustration agency do for you?
- Fee negotiation
- Contract negotiations
- Managing finances
- Marketing and Engagement
- Client communication
- Finding work and clients for you
- Pitching your work
- Artist communication and growth
- Guides you, motivates you and gives advice and critique
- Helps to submit to publishers
Points to keep in mind while selecting the best illustration agency:
- What are your expectations from an illustration agency?
You should first decide what you want from an agent if you are thinking about hiring one. The work and qualities of each agency vary, so knowing what you are searching for can help with your search.
- Decide which kind of agency you are looking for and what kind of work you would like to get. If you are looking for any particular type of work, look out for the illustration agency working in your niche.
- Consider the appropriate markets for your work; if you are contacting a general illustration agency, do you believe your work would be most suited for magazine editorial, advertising, or greeting cards?
- How to get them to notice you?
Once you have shortlisted your favorite illustration agencies, it’s time to approach them and get yourself selected to be represented by them. And there is only one golden rule to get noticed by the illustration reps: “Stand out of the crowd”.
- Portfolio and cover letters: Demonstrate a professional portfolio that reflects all your work. Besides, you can also show your distinct style through your personal work. Prepare a different portfolio only for your personal work and build confidence in your own visual language. Make an appealing cover letter and add your background information like your primary or higher education and previous work experience. But as an illustrator, do remember that your work will speak more than your cover letter.
- Go out: The best way to get noticed is to get out and gain exposure as much as possible as the illustration agents won’t come to you unless you are very lucky. To acquire an idea of what could work for you if you are a rookie; you should try to meet several agencies and illustration agents. Attain as many art exhibitions as possible, work on getting some specific collaboration there, approach your previously researched agencies, and showcase your fresh work.
- Make an online presence: Make sure you are easy to find online so that if someone does see your work in person or through a project with simply your name mentioned, they can contact you. Showcase your work on social media, make excellent use of it, and reach out to as many qualified agents as you can. Use your Instagram account as a virtual sketchbook where you can post both your completed work and your upcoming or work-in-progress ideas.
- The art of crafting emails carefully: Emails are usually the best way to get in touch with an illustration agency. But be careful that you do not copy-paste your inquiries as not all the agencies are the same. Research about them, their clients, and their work and accordingly explain them how you can be a valuable addition to them. Moreover, you should clearly mention what kind of work you are looking for, e.g., product illustrations, editorial, lifestyle or fashion illustrations.
- Show your commercial potential: It is one thing to have a unique style, but it also needs to be marketable. Consider how you can make your work profitable. This will increase your success and help illustration agencies identify customers and businesses that complement your aesthetic.
In the end:
We have discussed all the possible points which can help you find your dream illustration agency. It is not easy to find an illustration agency to represent your work but once you find them, your work can be made much easier and you can just focus on bettering your projects.
Do your research and shortlist the selected illustrator agents. Start approaching them one by one in different ways. Follow the agency’s unique submission process and submit your work accordingly.
Also, remember that you can have a wonderful chance to create an impact through your illustrations so make sure that people can view your work easily.
