Successful Art Rep Relationships – Case Study 1

(Illustration by Frank Hansen)

In response to requests from the EFII Community, I’ve been discussing the topic of artist representatives all week.  So far I’ve talked about things to consider when thinking about working with an art rep, how to find one, and how to be attractive to him or her.

Today I’d like to share a real-life example of what a positive Art Rep relationship looks like.

I think it’s always beneficial to speak with our fellow artists to learn more about the industry and the many ways to operate within it, so today I’ll be using a real-life “case study” in order to explore the current topic a little further.

You may remember Penny Dullaghan of Illustration Friday speaking fondly of her agent on Episode 6 of the EFII podcast.  I’ve asked her to elaborate and talk about why her arrangement with her art rep works.

Here’s Penny’s Story:

I started collaborating with my rep, Scott Hull, in 2005, and it has been a great relationship thus far. I think a lot of that can be attributed to mutual respect, honesty and growth. I really admire Scott’s ability to talk to people on a familiar level (he always seems to know someone and he makes friends easily) and his straight forward methods as far as pricing, timelines and contracts. I offer my input, of course, but mostly I don’t have to worry about any of that stuff because he’s so good at it. And that frees me up to just focus on the art. Scott also comes to me for my ideas and thoughts on projects, promos and developments, which is really nice. I feel like I am part of the process.

Honesty is a big part of it too. He is up front with me on what’s going on business-wise and in the industry, good and bad. And what pies he’s got his thumbs into. And I am honest about what I am comfortable with as far as projects (timeline, type of client, etc), and also when I am working on projects that he’s not involved in. It helps that there are no places you can’t go in conversation.

And lastly, growth. We’ve grown and changed as a team over the last few years. He asks me where my interests lie and what I want to pursue and also shares his thoughts on other possibilities. He’s stuck with me as my style has changed and developed. And even encouraged me to keep evolving and playing. It really works.

Thanks to Penny Dullaghan for sharing her story of what seems like the ideal type of relationship to have with an art rep.  I’ll be posting more case studies like this one in the future, and applying this format to other topics as well.

Do you have a story about a positive art rep relationship?  Please share it in the comments section of this post.

Related Posts:

• Successful Art Rep Relationships – Case Study 2
• Should You Work with an Art Rep?
• Is Your Art Rep Doing Anything for You?
• How to Find an Art Rep
• How to Be Attractive to an Art Rep

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