Friday, June 21, 2013

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!

15 comments:

  1. What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Hi Darlene!
    I really appreciate your comment!

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  3. great post-- and very timely for me... sent out a few email to agents I met at Surtex but thanks for the list so I now have a few more to consider!

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    1. Sure! FYI, I think that there are agents listed in Tara's book as well. It has been awhile since I read it :-) Go Get 'em! Thanks for stopping by my blog too!

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  4. Thanks so much for this info!!! Very helpful :)

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    1. You bet and good luck to you! Keep us all posted! Thank you for stopping by my blog :-D

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  5. Thanks for sharing that - useful to read !

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    1. Welcome! I checked out your blog - BEAUTIFUL photographs! Stop back and say hello again :-)

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  6. Thanks for sharing your story ! Appreciate much !

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  7. JHyll! Welcome and thanks for stopping by my blog :-)

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  8. It is such a tough decision! I hope it is working very well for you. I'd love to read more about the benefits so far.

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    1. Hey Leslie! Good idea - I could do a benefits of having an agent post (for those who want an agent - not for everybody). Thanks!

      In a nut shell. I have a full time graphic design business - so I need/want help with marketing my art to manufacturers.

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  9. Great reading...thanks and love it as always.

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    1. Happy New Year Madeline! Thanks for stopping by the blog :-D

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