You Are Here: Symposium Notes AGENCIES

Agencies: Big Active (Greg)
I don't think my work is suited to this agency, since it is mostly very graphic, digital work. Definitely more internet/editorial/adult publishing centred. Although the fact that this agency doesn't represent anyone who does anything similar to my puppet illustration could be a good thing in that I would stand out and be something new for this agency, I don't think I have a shared 'language' with them or that I would be getting work that I'm interested in from them.
Anyway, some interesting points from Greg:

• Noticed a shift from print to digital.
• Adapting to context: digital has immediacy and is measurable through time spent viewing and engagement with media.
• Instagram has peaked. What's next?
• NDA (non disclosure agreements) - make sure you're not signing away intellectual property, just agreeing to secrecy.
• Contracts: estimates first. Small amounts which add up to quite a lot in TOTAL. Then charge for USAGE - licensing where, when, how long.
• Agents PROTECT YOU.
• Always get client to sign for 2 rounds of amends - then you can charge if they are indecisive/waste time.
• Always ask: Am I the only person you're considering for this job? Charge test charge.
• Always ask: what is it about my work that you really like? Capitalise on this.

Agencies: Blink Art (Helen)
I still don't know how to feel about agencies and whether I would want to be represented by anyone other than myself, but Helen was very friendly, human and down to Earth. She seemed to have a passion for storytelling and illustration which I found encouraging.
The agency currently represents only 2 model maker illustrators (Hattie Newman and Kyle Bean), both of whose work is very refined and neat - funky but not for child audiences/as much about character as mine are so this could be a gap in their catalogue for me. I was mostly interested in their animation and how Blink Ink offer internships for graduates to help with making props and models, which is definitely the kind of thing I'd like to do if I don't go full time with my own illustration practice.

What Blink Look for:

• Unique, individual
• Don't try to be/look like other artists.
• Intelligent, clever ways of communicating
• IDEAS PEOPLE!
• Can work in a group, especially with animators.
• STORYTELLERS.
• Having a large social media following makes marketing easier.
• Reputation - this reflects on the company as a whole.
• PERSONALITY - be true to yourself.
• Involved & engaged in promotion - Sell yourself!
• The get-up-and-go (motivation)
• NETWORK - it's very hard for one artist to do everything.

What is the relationship between agent and artist?

• Used to be the ONLY way to client, but not anymore.
• Like Estate agents but with different clothes on.
• Almost a parenting role.