Oh, you like that IKEA print? Its mine.

April 5, 2013 9:15 AM

I was wondering how photographers have their work featured by companies that mass produce them for sale and which companies would be best to approach? I do a minimalist/modern style of nature photography that I haven't yet seen replicated. Pros often approach me and tell me my work is great so how would I go about having it sold in places that do the selling for you? (I don't even know the term for this!)
posted by tenaciousmoon to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

Best answer: Lots of photographers use sites such as iStockphoto. Basically you become an member, upload photos and get a cut each time someone purchases one of your photos.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 9:42 AM on April 5, 2013

Best answer: I have a friend who is an illustrator and has done stuff for Target, the MTA, Timberland, etc. She hired representation who take care of that stuff.
posted by looli at 11:29 AM on April 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

Exhibiting at an art licensing trade show is one approach. Surtex is a big one and it's coming up. Watch this video.
posted by Marit at 11:29 AM on April 5, 2013

Actually, this is a better link.
posted by looli at 11:30 AM on April 5, 2013

A lot of artists have agents in the same way that actors do. They represent you and find opportunities for you. My aunt worked for such a company and I remember they represented a well-known folk artist whose work I still see on calendars, mugs, etc.
posted by radioamy at 1:44 PM on April 5, 2013

Best answer: I know someone who's a pretty successful photographer in that line. They started out selling prints on Etsy and it snowballed from there.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 8:02 PM on April 5, 2013

Here is one representative agency:

http://www.magnumphotos.com/

(BTW - I have no connection with them.)
posted by andreap at 8:16 AM on April 6, 2013