Insiders Advice from an Artists’ Agent
Skye Kelly-Barrett is an Art Curator, Director and Agent, as well as the founder of Roar Illustration Agency — a unique boutique art & illustration agency representing a curated selection of the most talented artists (both established and emerging) within the creative industry. Here she shares some advice that *may* help to offer a peek behind the curtain of what can sometimes feel like a secret society…
Two of the many questions I am asked often (apart from ‘how do I get signed by an agency?’) are “how I can present a portfolio that appeals to clients for new work?” and “is my portfolio good enough?”. Firstly, yes, you’re good enough, you’re more than good enough, so let’s put that destructive thought away. Secondly, there is no such thing as a perfect portfolio that will win you your dream job, and the question you should really be asking yourself is:
“What kind of artist am I, what is my story, and am I creating work that speaks as true to myself as I can?”
These are HUGE questions, and no one expects you to have the answer for them right now, or ever! But, they are questions that you should keep in mind throughout your career, each time you are commissioned, or work on a personal project. It’s great to step back and really think about them, and I promise you it will help create more authentic and powerful pieces that you as an artist will enjoy creating and sharing.
Some top tips:
Find what’s true to you as a creative and as a person. This will feed into your artistic practice and will give your work more fidelity, and feeling.
Try not to worry too much about what other people are doing, or how “well” other creatives are perceived to be doing around you. Social media has helped create a false narrative of success because of numbers, and it’s really not the case in a commercial context, so try hard to focus on your artistic journey, and your goals.
Work hard, be kind and be humble.
It’s okay to change your style, it’s okay to try new things, it’s okay to grow as an artist, and to be honest we expect that – just always remember that link between you and your creations. Never create for trends-sake, it will show.
Take breaks, allow your brain to reset, you do not need to be creating 24/7 to be successful. Burnout is not a badge of honour.
Have an online portfolio.
“How do I get an agent, and do I need one?”
Ask yourself this simple question: Why do I want an agency, and what am I looking for from an agent?
Research agencies and the kind of artists they represent which in turn will help you work out if they are the right place for you. Having an agency doesn’t guarantee new commissions or clients, so it has to be a place that you’re excited to be a part of and grow with.
An agent is not right for everyone and may be right for you at certain stages in your career, and not in others. It’s not the be all, end all of an artist’s career. An agent is there for support, guidance, protection, and nurturing, whilst also hopefully managing client work, but it’s not something an artist cannot manage by themselves, so please do not let having an agent deter you, many successful artists are without an agency, and love managing projects themselves!
Do not let rejection get in the way of your career, a no doesn’t mean you’re not good enough, it just means you’re not quite right for right now.
Do your research when contacting anyone (this goes for anyone who you are contacting in a professional capacity) a direct email will get you further than a basic “to whom this may concern”. There is also nothing worse than receiving an email that starts “Dear Sirs” when the company is female run (like Roar). If you are unable to find a direct contact, simply direct the email to the agency name, or the team who handles submissions.
What do I need to be a commercial artist, and does this matter for agencies and clients?
In my opinion it’s very important to have a website that shows your work and is easy to navigate, if you use social media, have it somewhere we can click though nice and easy. I would always suggest a portfolio site over Instagram, social media should never take place of the old but trusted website and should be thought of more as a PR tool to further the reach of your work and your audience.
Create personal work, and never stop challenging yourself or your practice.
