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    Getting an Agent was bad for me.

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    • MarcRobinson
      MarcRobinson @Jason Crowley last edited by

      @Jason-Crowley it's kind of you to say mate but I wouldn't say there is no hope for you! Our styles are different and there will be opportunities for you, it's just a case of when. It's funny you should mention concept art for games because that's kind of where I've come from. Well, sort of. I did game art at university, then had a spate of freelance concept gigs. But I think I've realised I don't like making other people's stuff! Ha. It's going to have to be my own stories. Have you ever considered doing a short story/novel that is illustrated? Might fit your story idea better than a picture book?

      Jason Crowley 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • Jason Crowley
        Jason Crowley @MarcRobinson last edited by

        @MarcRobinson Like a chapter book? I hadn't considered that, but drawing in black and white appeals because I struggle with colour. Apparently, according to SCBWI, chapter books aren't doing well, I guess because kids are more into their phones than reading. I've been thinking of learning to write screenplays and submit the ideas for film/tv, which skips over the illustration part completely...

        That's funny about you starting out in game art, I hear you about just wanting to do your own thing. I have a lot of game ideas but I don't have time to learn C# to build them.

        Good luck with your next agent and comic!

        https://www.jasoncrowley.art
        https://www.instagram.com/jason_crowley/

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • Nyrryl  Cadiz
          Nyrryl Cadiz SVS OG @MarcRobinson last edited by Nyrryl Cadiz

          @MarcRobinson hi Marc! I’m so sorry to hear that. Lemonade is similar to my previous agency Advocate. It’s absolutely their fault you’re not getting any jobs. They take on too many artists and they can’t find jobs for all of them much less give them the proper time and attention. And you’re saying they didn’t even give you helpful art direction. Given how they mentioned they took you on because of your multiple styles makes me think they were hoping to have you on so that you can stand in for any projects their top illustrators might pass over. I hate agencies like them. Looking at your work, I think you would’ve done well with book covers for older kids and you might’ve made it too had they put in the leg work.

          I hope things get better for you. If working on your own stuff gives you the satisfaction you need, then definitely focus on that. We’re excited to see what you make. Anyway, all the best!

          Portfolio: nyrrylcadiz.com
          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyrryl_cadiz/
          YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJCF1Im8ZO7hpGWTKOJMuA

          MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
          • Tom Harshberger
            Tom Harshberger last edited by

            Marc, I really admire your artwork and how hard you've worked to level up through all the SVS challenges. You churn out stuff and it's always so good! I always look forward to seeing your pieces when they come out.

            It sounds like the comic-con route is still a great option for you. In fact, you should come to the Belfast one next year, I'll buy a book and a pin!

            instagram.com/tomharshberger.art

            MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • MarcRobinson
              MarcRobinson @Nyrryl Cadiz last edited by

              @Nyrryl-Cadiz thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. Sorry to hear you had a similar experience with the other agency. Book covers are something I'm very open to, but I've always wondered what sort of agent I'd need. A literary agent or just an illustration agency? I need to change my agency either way I guess.

              Nyrryl  Cadiz 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • MarcRobinson
                MarcRobinson @Tom Harshberger last edited by

                @Tom-Harshberger ha thanks mate I appreciate it! It's been a while since I've tabled at a convention but if I get up near Belfast I'll make sure to let you know! The last couple I went to were Thought Bubble in Leeds and the Lakes festival just before covid. Once I get a book finished I'll re-apply.

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                • Nyrryl  Cadiz
                  Nyrryl Cadiz SVS OG @MarcRobinson last edited by Nyrryl Cadiz

                  @MarcRobinson both could do the job but you need to read their profile and see if they specialize in picture books, or middlegrade and chapter books. Go for the one who does middlegrade and chapter books.

                  Portfolio: nyrrylcadiz.com
                  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyrryl_cadiz/
                  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJCF1Im8ZO7hpGWTKOJMuA

                  MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • MarcRobinson
                    MarcRobinson @Nyrryl Cadiz last edited by

                    @Nyrryl-Cadiz you're a star, thank you.

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • MarcRobinson
                      MarcRobinson @Lynniesketches last edited by

                      @Lynniesketches hey thank you for sharing. It's easy to fall into trying to create stuff to fit in, but I think it often shows in the work, even on a subconscious level. I ALWAYS create better illustrations when I make it on my own terms. I think this self publish pro course looks amazing and one day I might be able to save for it. Until then I'm going to try and go my own way. I'm sorry to hear you had a similar experience with your agency, and you're right that it appears to be more common than a lot of people assume. I'm hoping if I create a newer portfolio with stuff that I love to do in it, then the right agent for me will pick it up. Maybe that approach would work for you too.

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                      • MarcRobinson
                        MarcRobinson last edited by

                        I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for sharing your experiences and thoughts. I have just left my agent today, and it's time to take stock and re-evaluate what I'm doing and why. I need to be more focused and intentional.

                        Enni Heikura jenn 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 5
                        • Enni Heikura
                          Enni Heikura @MarcRobinson last edited by

                          @MarcRobinson Marc, it's admirable that you had the courage to make a decision that feels right! Big cheers for the future, and I’m sure everything will fall into place in time.💪

                          https://www.instagram.com/ennis_illustration/
                          https://eeh.pb.gallery/

                          MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                          • MarcRobinson
                            MarcRobinson @Enni Heikura last edited by

                            @Enni-Heikura thank you.

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • jenn
                              jenn @MarcRobinson last edited by

                              @MarcRobinson Thank you for sharing your story. I think it took a lot of courage to discuss it. I am wishing for a more fruitful journey ahead for you, and it sounds like the experience has validated your gut feelings. I feel compelled to caution you that people can read forum posts without logging in so you might wish to **** the name of the agency if you didn't want word to get back to them about it somehow (I only had to log in to comment/react). Maybe if people want to know the name they can message you. ❤ Again thanks, I draw inspiration and support from Rabbits like you every time I visit the forum.

                              studiojcd.com
                              she/her/hers
                              Insta/Twitter: @chengdesautels

                              MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • MarcRobinson
                                MarcRobinson @jenn last edited by

                                @jenn thank you Jen, I've removed the agency name from my original post. Good idea.

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                • Miriam
                                  Miriam last edited by

                                  @MarcRobinson said in Getting an Agent was bad for me.:

                                  I would love to do the Self Publish Pro course, but at the moment I can't really afford it

                                  In case you haven't seen these, Will Terry has a couple of books that might be helpful:
                                  'What They Don't Teach in Art School' & 'The Complete Kickstarter Playbook'
                                  Both books are available on Etsy in multiple formats, or use the link above for Amazon.
                                  https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillTerryDorbz?section_id=21038214

                                  MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                  • MarcRobinson
                                    MarcRobinson @Miriam last edited by

                                    @Miriam hey thanks! Going to check those out now.

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • Mariana B.
                                      Mariana B. @MarcRobinson last edited by

                                      @MarcRobinson thank you for sharing your experience. As probably many of us feel at the beginning, being represented sounds like the ideal goal that will push us to another level, but indeed it seems to not always be the case.
                                      I don’t have experience with agencies, but I just wanted to comment to say that it sounds like your gut is telling you what is best for you. Working on projects that you will be excited, and for what you say about the conventions seems like people enjoy, I think it’s great because you have a “brand”, a specific style that gives you an advantage.

                                      MarcRobinson 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • MarcRobinson
                                        MarcRobinson @Mariana B. last edited by MarcRobinson

                                        @Mariana-B thanks Marian a, I'm definitely going to go with my gut on this. An agent definitely seems to not be a quick fix, and in my case it wasn't a good fit.

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