An Artist Representative (or Rep for short) is an agent that acts as the artist’s business manager. Responsibilities include; assisting the artist in establishing marketing and career goals, presenting your work to potential clients through a variety of channels, preparing estimates, invoicing and collecting money, and acting as an advocate for Artist’s Rights, including (unfortunately) acting as “copyright police” when a client misuses an image.
There are many more Artists seeking representation than there are Artist Representatives. Having said that, it’s pretty tough to get a rep unless you are an experienced, established artist, with a great portfolio and client list. Reps won’t usually pick up new talent until they have gotten a few projects with established agencies under their belts. A Rep will want to make sure that their artists are pros – and able to deliver the goods on time.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible for young talent to pick up a Rep. If your stuff is hot, and rep sees or knows of a demand for your particular style – illustration or photography, he or she may take your stuff around town to see if they can generate any interest. If the Rep is able to land the artist a project and it goes well, they will usually present the artist with a contract.
The best way to get your stuff in front of a Rep is the good ‘ol U.S. Mail. Here are a few tips for putting together a package for a Rep:
Reps usually keep files of promo pieces and samples that they receive, in case they have a client looking for a particular style that the Rep isn’t currently showcasing. Reps may only actively work with a few artists, but they have access hundred more in their files. So when you send them a package, make sure it’s something they can keep on file, because they will refer to it from time to time. If you must get your samples back, send along a S.A.S.E. (self-addressed stamped envelope). Don’t E-mail them JPGs or URLs unless they ask you for them. Some reps will treat it like spam and never even look at it. Don’t send them CDs (unless you are a multimedia artist) until asked. Regardless of how computer savvy you or they may be, a Rep isn’t going to look through stacks of CDs to find something, nor will they take a stack of CDs to their client. One artist I know sent out a CD-Rom as a promo complete with a Mac-Only virus that shut down the computer at random times through the day. I doubt he got much work out of that.
Putting together a pack can be as simple as printing out your best stuff, writing a quick note (they won’t need your resume or life history yet – it’s the images that will sell), and mailing it out. Remember too, that Reps are looking to see YOUR particular style – what makes your work stand out from other artists? How are you different? Take a look at the artists that the Rep is currently working with. Do you fill a gap in their roster? Because if your stuff looks the same as someone who they Rep already, you’re not likely to get much work from them. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mailing. I’ve gotten tons of great promo pieces over the years from artists all over the world – booklets, posters, cards, etc. Just like your portfolio, having an eye-catching presentation can sometimes land you on top of the pile.
Depending on the Rep, you may or may not hear back from them. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear anything. Follow up after a few weeks of the mailing with a phone call. It shows you’re serious, and you can often gain valuable insight from the Rep. Some will ask you to keep them on their list, so as you produce new work, send samples out to any of the Reps you feel were interested. And keep at it. If you aren’t marketing your own work, no one is going to do it for you.
Artist Reps in Arizona:
Store 44
Whirl
Atelier Kim Boege
Black Inc.
Reps in US and Canada (there are MANY more):
Anna Goodson
Shannon Associates
Morgan Gaynin
Stockland Martel
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