Questions Regarding Artist Agent
September 23, 2014 7:14 PM Subscribe
I'm a freelance fine artist/illustrator. A good friend suggested an art agent for my work. I'm wondering what the best recourse for this is?
I'm also wondering what the cost of an agent is or if I pay them once I sell work?? I have absolutely no clue regarding how to obtain an artist agent and what I must have in place and or do to obtain one. What is the main function of an artist agent?
A few people approached me to show work with their gallery or venue but the galleries/venues have not been to my liking; the showings are not exclusive enough for my work or that they do not represent my work the way I feel it should be represented. I've also had people ask to use my work in connection with certain causes that again are not exclusive enough. While I have a sense of what I need to do with my work, I'm unsure and believe an agent can help with this.
Thank you in advance.
I'm also wondering what the cost of an agent is or if I pay them once I sell work?? I have absolutely no clue regarding how to obtain an artist agent and what I must have in place and or do to obtain one. What is the main function of an artist agent?
A few people approached me to show work with their gallery or venue but the galleries/venues have not been to my liking; the showings are not exclusive enough for my work or that they do not represent my work the way I feel it should be represented. I've also had people ask to use my work in connection with certain causes that again are not exclusive enough. While I have a sense of what I need to do with my work, I'm unsure and believe an agent can help with this.
Thank you in advance.
Response by poster: For anybody looking for an answer they can actually use, I found this link. If anybody else has any other useful information thank you in advance.
http://www.artbusiness.com/agentfind.html
posted by Fayrose at 12:37 PM on September 24, 2014 [2 favorites]
http://www.artbusiness.com/agentfind.html
posted by Fayrose at 12:37 PM on September 24, 2014 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Why did you turn down showings? What is the meaning of "exclusive?" Do you make a living off your work? If so, then you don't need an agent. It not, then why are you turning down opportunities? Because if I were your agent, I would tell you to get stuffed and show your work.
Art is not a fancy thing that lives on air. Art thrives on being shown and sold in front of people who have money to pay for it. It is a commodity, and believe me, there are plenty of artists who would love to have their art shown in galleries and at other venues, ahead of you.
Forgive me for being blunt: what makes you so special so as to turn down paying work? If you are truly very special, then yes, seek out an agent, but please, don't let the thought being exclusive stop you from making money. There's plenty of time for that later, when you are rich.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 8:19 PM on September 23, 2014 [1 favorite]