PP3 Research - Freelance Vs Agency Article

Often finding myself a little daunted by the prospect of post uni life and unsure of where I or my practice fits within the illustration industry and creative context, I frequently make note of articles aimed at practitioners like me - that give advice on key career decisions.

Such decisions could involve wether to get an agent or not and to better understand if this is the correct move for me , I came across this article which has seem great information to keep in mind.

link to article: https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/so-you-want-to-be-represented-by-an-agency-or-agent--cms-26029

Key notes

What are the benefits of having an agent?

• "maintaining a thriving business in a way that may be difficult for an artist by themselves."
• "someone to have your back legally"
• "managing client rosters"
• networking and collaboration - "community between the artists themselves" and "camaraderie"

"artistic representation isn’t for every artist, and not every artist is for every agent or agency out there."

This is an important point to cover for me. I have always wondered how this scenario would play out. You bag yourself an agent and begin the exciting process of working and building a professional relationship with the much needed guidance of your representation. However you quickly realise your practice doesn't align quite right with the agency, other artists on their roster or just their general ethos as a whole. Then what? For me I could see myself trying to adapt my practice to fit, in order to please and although this could benefit my practice as a whole in some ways - being something I am not is what I am trying to move away from. Pandering to what I think other want has left me with a lack of ownership of the work I make and a bit of an identity crisis which I have carried with me across the duration of this course.

The reality of this scenario is as most are in the professional world. If things aren't working with an agent, communication is key. This communication will either lead to a resolution or an end to the contract, where I then move on.

I am sure it wouldn't be a pleasant experience and one that could leave me feeling a little lost and confused and possibly unmotivated to try again with another agency. Despite my tendency to take things personally, this article has made me aware that not everything works out and this is common and ok and also something which greatly shapes the journey of becoming a professional practitioner. Things not working isn't a reflection of my practice in terms of "it isn't good enough therefore we don't want you anymore". It is therefore important to remember that not all things work out how you intend them to and that this is common place in the illustration industry and that its ok to say "this isn't working for me", and I shouldn't be deterred by this if seeking further representation. 

"Understanding what an agency specialises in, who their clientele are, and what the other artists they represent do helps you to understand if an agent would be right for you."

When working with an agent or agency:

What’s a Typical Project Like?

- no project is the same, the process of acquiring a new project, however, tends to be typical...

1. A potential client contacts the artist or the agent. If a client contacts the artist, depending on their contract terms, they may have to forward those messages or contact their agent to set up negotiating project terms.
2. The artist’s availability will be noted. If the job comes to the artist through the agent, they need to make sure the artist is available before project terms are settled.
3. Agents will iron out project details: negotiating pay, getting the scope of the project, negotiating contract terms, etc.
4. Depending on how the agent or agency works, they may continue to act as a go-between for the client and artist or simply check in on both as the project progresses. Some artists have little to no contact with the client while others work directly with them, each reporting back to the agent as needed.
5. Payment for the project comes through the agent once it’s finished, possibly weeks or months later. The exact terms are stipulated by contracts and vary from agent to agent or project to project. Additionally, there’s usually some sort of non-disclosure clause within these contracts, so specifics aren’t going to appear within this article.