Artists Reps

printmafia-connie · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 05:43 PM

Does anyone have any experience working with a Rep?
Any suggestions on reps that deal with gigposter types well?

Jesse · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 06:02 PM

I had one for a year and was far from pleased with the amount of work he was able to get me (about $5000 TOTAL for the entire year)--at a time where I had just been nominated for a Grammy, you'd think would have made me an easy sell. When taking into account the 30% commission he took from all work he got me, I decided it wasn't worthwhile for me.

However, there are some folks who have them and they work out great. Heads of State has one, and I think he works well for them.

If you decide to work with a rep, I'd suggest keeping a solid food grounded in reality. They MAY be able to find a lot of work for you, but also be prepared in case they don't. I thought having a rep would mean a steady flow of work always coming in. In my case I was SO wrong.

VegetableLasagna · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 06:09 PM

I think idealy you should still look for work on your own even if you have a rep, a rep is supposed to make it easier and do the heavy lifting.
I think of you work with the rep and let them know what type of work you'd like to do, companies you like or think you'd fit with then it makes it easier. But i'm talking out of my ass as I've never worked with a legit art rep.

But for reals, I'm with Connie if anyone has anyone to recommend i'm all ears.

Shad · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 06:39 PM

We have people helping us in industries that are hard to navigate (hollywood stuff, book publishers) but I can't imagine getting much use out of a general agent since most of our work comes from personal relationships with art buyers and other people.

If people know that we're looking for work, we usually get work. A lot of times people don't get gigs just because the people who'd give them gigs assume they have better things going on.