How I Found an Agent

 

Synopsis - update May 27th, 2014

After Surtex (art licensing show in NYC) I have been asked a few times how I found an agent. Here is the skinny:

Several years ago I found I had more time for creating images and set up my Annie's Doodlebugz store on CafePress. Note: the store is closed. I wasn't adding new content to it anymore).  The store got me thinking more about art for products.

Couple years ago (maybe two) I started setting up an art licensing portfolio, reading art licensing blogs, listening to Tara Reed's (now Art Licensing Info) FREE! "Ask Calls" and joined a few related Linkedin groups. I wasn't in any rush. I have a graphic design business going on 16+ years & love that just as much as art for licensing.

A book that I used with great tips, tools AND confirmed I was on the right track is Tara Reed's (now Art Licensing Info) "How to Find and Art Licening Agent".  

Next I set up an art licensing website and generated a list of agents I wanted to contact and thought my art would be a fit for them. (If you need help with a website, feel free to contact me anntroe@cox.net). I contacted my top 20 agents one by one. They all had submission guidelines on their websites. I think all of them wanted a brief email and just a few samples. Tara's book above even helps you with what to say :-) I tracked who I had contacted and what I sent them - just in case they would call! I was very please that several of them took the time to tell me no thank you. It was nice to know. Two agents very graciously reviewed my portfolio - even though they were not interested.

One of the resources I used to generate a list of agents is on Joan Beiriger's Blog you can google more. "List of Over 50 U.S. Art Licensing Agencies"

I was in the process of generating a second contact list when I saw Parcai Designs post on a Linkedin group. I checked them out and sent a submission to them. The rest as they say is history.

You might also like reading my short post on Contracts, Lawyers - Oh My!

For more helpful links check out my Useful Stuff blog page.

Editor's note: this article originally posted June 21, 2013. Updated May 27, 2104. You might like the companion post "WHY I have an Art Licensing Agent".

Thanks for reading and commenting!