First - an agent isn't for everyone! You are going to split royalties with them. Just thought I better put that out there right off the bat :-)
Personally, I have a graphic design business that is 16+ years old. I really enjoy all the hats I wear from CEO to janitor. I have learned so much and continue to learn every day. I also like the variety, even the bookkeeping! Marketing is fun for me, discipline comes easily and I am not concerned that I don't have any contacts in the art licensing industry - I will :-). With my trusty intellectual property lawyer in my back pocket, I could license my art without an agent.
So WHY have an agent? I don't want to do it all. My plate is full enough. When you toss in making art collections with my graphic design business, blogging/social media, family! and all the other stuff we all do, I need help! So I decided I wanted help with the business end of art licensing. Having an agent sending out my art speeds up the process by cutting out steps I would have to do if I didn't have an agent. They get ready for and go to Surtex for me etc. Besides, it is SO DARN FUN to make art collections for products —I want to do that part. That is why I have an agent.
When I first started to think about whether I wanted an agent or not my head would spin. I was really hung up on splitting royalties. I could hire help for the graphic design business and do all of the art licensing business on my own. I made a pros and cons list. That with a little bit of time I realized that an agent was the way to go for me. I found a free download of Tara Reed's that was helpful "To use and agent or not to use and agent, that is the question..." Scroll down just a bit. The link is right above the big blue banner. This is also when I found her eBook "How to Find an Art Licensing Agent" that I mentioned I purchased in the blog post HOW I Found an Agent.
Do you have or want an agent? Why or why not? Let's chat about it :-)
Thanks Doodlebugerz, it is great to connect with all of you.
You share the best tips. I just love what you write… it's clear, concise and to the point…and it's something I'm always interested in… Art related, licensing, wonderful designs… Whoot, or as someone I know says… " Cool Beans" Thanks for sharing Ann… :)
ReplyDeleteJO!!!! Thanks for making my week! I love it when I get questions from people - usually makes a good blog post :-) Hope all is well in your world - thanks for stopping by. HUGS!
DeleteYou sure are right about discipline coming easily to you. You really are a get it done kind of girl. Great article, I admire your boundless energy!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! Great to "see" you and thanks for such a nice comment!
DeleteAhhh see, I have been grappling with this one. As you know, I recently had several of my images licensed for production and use in the UK. I have always thought I did want an agent but then they other side of me says I can do it myself... but you are right, I can do it myself but it's the amount of time it takes. So yes, this helped me decided that I really do want me. Thank you. Now...if only all the ones I have reached out to will get back to me. ha ha ha
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen! Great to see you! To say the obvious... Every agent and artist are different. Might take time to find the right combination :-)
DeleteAnother Fantastic Article! Thanks so much for sharing with us. BTW, love your Kitties Banner.
ReplyDeleteDarlene! Thanks so much for all your support!
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