Agents / Reps?

[Keith]

Hi,

This is something I've been mulling over for a good while, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask here.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to good people or companies that represent or manage artists? I realize I need to start exploring more options at this stage of my life, and I know of some people who have had agents help their careers tremendously in even just a short period of time. At this point I figure I can use any help I can possibly get.

Any tips, opinions or advice I can get would be welcome. Thank you

[Beastie]

I'm unaware of any agents who specialize in 'comic book' style art.

Is that what you're after?

[Keith]

To be honest, I'm not sure. I feel like I can draw anything asked of me, even though I've been seen as a penciller mainly. I can draw and color digitally, do character designs, backgrounds, and general illustration work. But I realize I need to probably work on my portfolio a little more to show some more of that outside of the penciled pages I've been doing, it's something I'm planning on in the next few months after I'm done with this card set work this month.

I guess to answer your question, I'm looking or someone who would be able to market my work to anyone really, I'm open to most anything that helps get my work seen and helps pay my bills. Sorry if that's vague or unhelpful

[Symson]

Find an agent that is local to you. Don't ever say "I'm open to anything." Or "I can draw anything" You'll be looked upon as another flaky artist with no direction and not worth representing. Pick what you draw best and specialize in that for the agent to effectively represent you and get you work.

[Keith]

Find an agent that is local to you.

Problem is, I live in a very small town where there isn't a lot of art presence in general, there is nothing here for me.

Don't ever say "I'm open to anything." Or "I can draw anything" You'll be looked upon as another flaky artist with no direction and not worth representing. Pick what you draw best and specialize in that for the agent to effectively represent you and get you work.

And when I say that, I say it as someone who has been doing art for a long time and has flexibility in their skill-set, not as someone who doesn't know what they want. I am open to drawing for a living. Period.

[Beastie]

In my experience, agents aren't usually that happy to take on and promote artists that don't have a strong, singular style. I mean, it's useful to be able to draw in lots of different styles - but most agents will want to see a portfolio containing a single style - because that's how they'll promote you. 'How about this guy? This is how he works'.

This is true for me anyway. My agent only promotes me based on a single style.

I have had work drawing and painting in other styles - its just come from sources other than my agent.

All that aside, have you thought of sidelining the idea of an agent in favour of promoting yourself using artist websites etc? My agent hasn't found me any work for AGES - yet my profiles on Tumblr, Twitter etc have lead to decent commissions coming in quite frequently.

I think it's important not to hang too many hopes on an agent, Keith. When I got accepted into an agency (which is no mean feat in itself in the UK) I thought I'd be sorted -- but, a combination of factors have screwed that. The art field has been a bit crappy for a while due to the economic situation (people are using stock photography and clip art instead of illustration) - and the agent is not able to perform in those conditions, it would appear.

So....my advice would be to set yourself up with a strong online presence and see what rolls in before hunting down an agent who will cream 35% of any money you make in return for their services.

[Keith]

Thanks Beastie, I appreciate the advice and your time. I realize an agent isn't a magic end all to success, it was just something suggested to me by a few people. I just thought I would inquire here since I don't really talk "art" to anyone outside of this site. You bring up good points though, have to finish up my website and get my blog updating regularly, that's been in my plan before the end of this year, so I guess I'll work on that instead at this point in time.

Also Symson, sorry if I came off as a jerk in that last reply, it read that way when I re-read it just now. Meant no disrespect, I just needed to solidify my stance on the subject. Art is something I've spent roughly my whole life doing and I'm just looking for a good way to keep doing it.

[CyberLord]

Start HERE!

Keith:
If you are truly interested in a career in art you must know your market. Start at this link: http://www.northlightshop.com/2011-a...signers-market.
This book is heavily discounted now because the year is nearly over and a new edition will be out next year.

You may not live in an urban setting but that should not deter you. Focus on the market you want to penetrate and start to learn about that market. This is just like a job interview. If you go to a job interview you are expected to already know something about the company you want to join. What is their market? How are they positioned in that market? Learn about your market and create a portfolio for that market. Then try to find a reputable agent. Agents do more than just find work for you. Experienced agents know what to look out for. They can find "GOTCHAS" in your contract that you would miss.

Good luck

[Symson]

Also Symson, sorry if I came off as a jerk in that last reply, it read that way when I re-read it just now. Meant no disrespect, I just needed to solidify my stance on the subject. Art is something I've spent roughly my whole life doing and I'm just looking for a good way to keep doing it.

Apology accepted. I can draw anything also. I know where you're coming from. As Beastie said and I did you need to pick a specialty. Whether that's a specific style or area of work. My agent only gets me storyboard work. That's what I've chosen to concentrate on with an agent. I still do all the other stuff on my on which comes from the internet and word of mouth.

The closet large metropolis is what will be local for you.