Artists - Do You Need an Art Agent?

Most visual artists dream of possessing an agent that will industry their perform, obtain collectors for them, and support them by carrying out all that tedious, non-artsy stuff like marketing and advertising and promoting.

But the reality is that it is really hard to uncover a very good agent, and a single that you can perform effectively with.

HERE'S HOW IT Operates:

The agent-artist partnership Operates differently in each and every circumstance. Generally, the agent will agree to represent an artist in exchange for payment, either on a percentage basis or a month-to-month retainer.

A % payment ranges from 30% to 50%. In this case, the agent would be paid when artworks are sold and paid for.

A month-to-month retainer or stipend arrangement is exactly where the agent would be paid a certain dollar quantity each and every month. Some agents charge $a single,500 per month, other individuals charge $two,500 per month. The downside to this arrangement is that they acquire paid regardless of what sells.

WHAT GOES Incorrect:

The cause it is hard to uncover a very good agent and then make it function is that if you paying an individual on a % basis, the agent ends up placing in lots of unpaid hours. Over time, the agent will drop steam and you are going to drop faith.

Most artists can not afford to pay an agent a month-to-month retainer, and so that arrangement is really uncommon.

THE Most effective AGENTS:

The Most effective agents are effectively connected, and for the reason that of that, they place in less time to connect you with purchasers and bargains. But, to acquire a single of the Greatest agents to perform with you, you are going to have to be a established seller, or the subsequent Ideal emerging artist in their eyes.

Option TO AGENTS:

Consultants: You can employ consultants on a have to have basis. I've normally hired consultants to support me to resolve a trouble that I have tiny practical experience with. They charge by the hour, and they are a very good resource.

Represent Oneself: Representing Oneself is the most common way to go. It is preferable, in my opinion. You are going to have extra handle over what takes place to your art, your brand and your connections. You will also gain to retain all of your proceeds. The down side is, you are going to have to function tougher. But lots of artists do really nicely representing themselves.

To do the Greatest job of representing Your self, take time to obtain education on marketing and advertising, sales, promotions. Study books for artists - there are several great ones out there. Take classes, on line and reside. Use the practical experience of consultants.

And try to remember, you are not in a race. Take your time and you will acquire to exactly where you have to have to go.

Written by Maria Brophy, art advertising queen and specialist art agent, published writer and creator of http://www.mariabrophy.com, a weblog that assists inventive men and women to style the life and profession of their dreams.

(c) 2010 Maria Brophy