Hello! (Introduction + Agency Question)

Kait

@davidhohn I did ask for more clarification on the trial, and they stated that it was a non commit for 12 months— I would supply the work and they would try their best, but no promises.

It does appear that there isn’t exactly a contractual relationship for the trial, and looking over it, the “stable of illustrators” seems likely. I reached out to a couple of illustrators in the agency, and they did say work had been slow. This was either due to the pandemic or because they were a new illustrator on the trial as I am.

It’d be preferable to work with an agent who offers a clear contract and is upfront on providing information and answers, over a trial that doesn’t seem as secure. I plan on submitting an updated portfolio in several months again, as my rejections have also given valuable feedback. Thank you for the info, it is incredibly helpful!

Kait

@Kori-Jensen Thank you so much for the kind words, I appreciate it!

For agency applications, I haven’t been able to get any offers besides this one. Thankfully some of them have given feedback, from making my art more marketable to including more narrative scenes with characters.
It’s great to see that you have projects and an abundance of fun designs! I’m thinking of checking out more material in children’s illustration to get a better idea of how I could make my own work marketable. Maybe studying the works in the area you want to pursue could help you tailor your works more to a market.
Since you are creating your own books as well, you can consider also applying for literary agents who are looking for author-illustrators, rather than strictly illustration agencies. Hope this helps somewhat, best of luck in your agency journey too!

Kori Jensen

@Kait thank you so much. I had posted for requests on critique of my portfolio. I think the problem was that I wasn't good enough yet...big emphasis on "yet" lol. That's the good part about being an artist I think. Makes me happy!

Nyrryl Cadiz

Hi, Kait. You should ask one of out friends here in the forum @Judy-Elizabeth-Wilson . She's currently represented by Allied Artists. Or maybe DM her on IG. her handle there is judyelizabethwilsonillustrator

I was also offered the same arrangement by Allied Artist back in 2019 I think. But I asked to much questions and I guess they just got annoyed and ghosted me.

Judy Elizabeth Wilson

@Kait Hey Kaitlyn, I don't have a contract with Allied, sorry I didn't mention that in our email. Initially I sent in my first picture book manuscript to them and they really liked it. Then they asked if I would like representation. I don't remember they said there was a trial, if you join you will be free to leave if you wish as there is no contract. Hope this helps. Feel free to write if you have any more questions.

Judy Elizabeth Wilson

@Nyrryl-Cadiz LOVE all your new work Nyrryl, your characters on IG are awesome! How are you finding your agency, do you have a contract with them? Just wondering about your experience as this is my first experience with an agency. Do they ask you to do specific illustrations for promotions or themes? I have been working on my picture book dummy for my agency and some more fairytale with animals illustrations.

carlianne

Hi! I'm wondering if they are actually just adding you to their freelancer list? I received a similar offer from an agency that basically said they can add me to their freelancer list, but that they aren't officially representing me and thus no contract. But from that I did have a few people reach out to see if I could do small gigs (mostly picking up the slack after another illustrator left).

Kait

@Nyrryl-Cadiz Hi Nyrryl, Judy had been one of the illustrators I asked for agency info— good to see her on here too! And yeah, being new to agencies I want to ask plenty of questions but was also worried about taking up too much of their time. Still working on building the confidence to just ask though, since it is for our work after all. Thank you for your response and glad to see you found a better suited agency!

Kait

@Judy-Elizabeth-Wilson Hi Judy, it’s good to see you here! And no worries, I could have clarified on my questions more. I think I figured most agencies would provide contracts before offering representation, so it is interesting to see how this one is operating. As you know, I did move forward with allowing my work to be listed. It couldn’t hurt to pick up any projects that come in my direction, and I will still be updating my portfolio and keeping an eye out for opportunities down the line. You mentioned it being a long term investment and I’m sure this will provide for growth as an illustrator. Thanks so much for all your help, it’s greatly appreciated!

Kait

@carlianne Hi Carlianne, I believe so! Since this would be a trial, I’m assuming I would be classified as a new illustrator until after 12 months have passed, so it is not official contracted representation. It’s good to hear you’re receiving work! Did the people reach out to your agency, who then connected you to these gigs?

ambria

Hi! I love your art style! I especially like the first one. It's so cute!
(I don't know anything about agencies or anything like that, I just like your art.)

carlianne

@Kait yep that's how it works!

You would have to ask the agency regarding if they would give you a formal contract after the 12 months, I wouldn't just assume that would be the case. The work I was contacted about was more just a flat rate with no royalties, similar to the education market, and they wanted me to match someone else's style. I actually turned the assignments down so I'm not sure if there would be a contract for the individual assignments as they come in

Kait

@carlianne True, it'd be important to actually confirm the possibility of a contract with them. Thanks for sharing your experience too, it's super helpful!

Kait

@ambria Thanks so much! Your art's great, and it's awesome to see you tackling the fundamentals like perspective and light/shadow too. Looking forward to seeing more of your work