Should I or Shouldn't I .... have an agent or rep?

 Lately I have been getting a number of emails asking me if I have an agent or how to get an agent or if an illustrator needs an agent. This article is directed mainly at illustrators and those who write and illustrate their own children's books.

These thoughts are based on my own experience and opinions, so you must also consider the views of others who are much better known in the field of Children's Book Illustration.

Agency representation is a very personal choice on the part of the illustrator or author/illustrator. Just as you go about carefully choosing the agent you most want to represent you, the agent will have criteria for acceptance of illustrators and authors.

If you are just beginning to write and/or illustrate for children a great agent could give you a head start.    But devoting too much time to finding an agent shouldn't be a priority.   The best pathway to success is to keep your writing and your illustrating fresh, explore new ideas, work hard on any assignment that you receive and take the suggestions and criticisms of editors, designers, and art directors with grace and act upon them. Focus on your work and make it the best you can.  Attend conferences, workshops, and classes that will help you grow as an artist.

Many beginning artist/illustrators are out there searching for agency representation.  However, having an agent does not guarantee immediate success.  If you do feel you want to share your fees with an agent it is a good idea to make sure it is a top notch agent who works full time in the field.  Any choice other than the type of agency that is well respected and works full time at the business is not worth your time or your money.

So, for the sake of an example, let us say you found a great agent, the agent agrees to represent you and find suitable assignments for your type or art.  You now have someone or a group that will handle the contracts, negotiations, and submissions to houses that only accept them from agents.  

You will need to be prepared to accept the assignments given to you.  You can't be too choosy about the work that your agent offers you.  You will be asked to share in the promotional costs.  In addition you will need to let go of the business issues that are the responsibility of the agency. You will need to meet deadlines, take criticism, make changes and behave in a totally professional manner.  An upbeat and positive attitude are great qualities in an author or illustrator and are appreciated by the publishing community .

Your talent, if your nurture it, will create a pathway for you with or without an agent. Be the best you can, be excellent.

Do you need or want an Artist/Illustrator Representative

As an illustrator there is always the question of whether or not you want to be represented by an agency. If you choose representation there are some important things to consider.

I believe that a good art agency representative can be beneficial to an illustrator, but I also believe that the illustrator has obligations to the agency and must be ready to make a commitment to honor his/her agency contract with a professional and accountable performace.

As in any group situation it helps to be a team player. In this case the team is the agent, the artist and the publisher/editor/designer.

Because I have chosen to be represented by an agency, there are certain obligations I have as an artist.

In addition to having a style of painting that I can call my own, I am willing to experiment and try new ways of interpreting the stories I am given to illustrate.

I am experienced with website creation and maintainence and keep my personal website up to date and refresh it frequently with new illustrations.

My work is professional and competitive with those of other children’s illustrators in the marketplace.

The work I do is appealing to adults and children and has received good reviews from editors, reviewers and the general public.

I have a number of published books to show for my continued dedication to this field.

My portfolio items, tearsheets, promo cards, business cards and flyers are easily duplicated and can be sent out just as easily.

In addition to that, I keep my portfolio current with my best work.

I actively seek critical review of my work.

I have placed a 1/2 page in the Picture Book annual for 2009. Belonging to an agency has the benefit of getting a discount on such advertising.

I create at least one promotional item for a mailing each quarter. These are postcards or flyers depending upon the type of market on which I am focusing.

In addition to my own website and blog I belong to four other online portfolio sites:
Children’s Illustrators, Picture Book, the Digital Artist and ARTSPACE 2000. Each of these charges a fee, which I consider a part of my professional obligation as an illustrator.

I am good with specs, follow directions, take suggestions and apply them to my work, accept criticism, and am always willing to accomodate the editor and art director with revisions.

I understand that although my agency can promote my work along with the others, it is up to me to provide the best art I can all the time.

And I am ready to do that.

If you are seeking an agent or ready to make the decision to have one are you ready to do this as well?