Comments on: Do I need an Artist’s Agent?

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:40:21 +0000

Hey David,

Thanks for the question (and the comment!). I introduce myself as Drew’s agent, or manager. They figure it out quickly that I’m related since I have the same last name. Congrats on having your wife take over your communication – it’s helpful to have a barrier between you and your clients or potential clients. It adds a bit of professionalism and takes challenging people off your hands so you can focus on creating the art.

By: David Macomber

David Macomber — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:17:34 +0000

Maria – when you contact someone when you are representing Drew – Do you introduce yourself as his Wife or Rep or both?

My wife is going to start taking over some of my emails and we weren’t sure on how to handle this.

Thanks for all your help.

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:45:19 +0000

Alan, in my article I talk about how difficult it is to find an agent unless you are already a very successful artist. If you currently do not have strong sales of your work, than you will most likely have to pay a monthly fee to an agent.

There are many agents that are willing to take you on for a monthly fee (sometimes as much as $2,500 a month), but it’s risky. Even if you pay that fee, there is no guarantee that you will see sales.

The best way to find agents is to network – go to art trade shows and find out which agencies are exhibiting or walking the show, then contact them for a meeting.

Another is to ask for a recommendation from an artist who is already represented.

I am not aware of any lists, however, trade shows will have lists of agencies that attend or exhibit.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:28:30 +0000

I am mentally ill and am not able to represent myself as I lack the business and people skills. Where do I find an agent if I am okay with paying the %50. I have never had a piece shown anywhere, but I know my paintings are relevant. I have the skill to create, but not the faculties to apply to the search for who will sell or buy. This is why I feel I need an agent, but I don’t understand where to find an art agent, every article about them is the same, “There are pros and cons” “Try representing yourself” etc.

By: Charles

Charles — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:56:23 +0000

I agree.
Artists have to take as much control of everything as possible – from representation to production to PR to sales.

By: Linda Sale

Linda Sale — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:29:17 +0000

Thanks for your blog. It is very interesting to see how we have evolved in the art world. When I got into art many years ago, there were very few instructors except on the college level, and no free advice from anyone about technique or business or even any encouragement from other more experienced artists. It is wonderful to see artists and people who support the arts given freely of their experience and knowledge so willingly. It think your efforts to support are great. At one time those in the art world were so reluctant to share that they knew rather than understanding that no one steals your technique and really duplicates it or your wisdom, or your intelligence and the more you give the more you receive in all those areas. Thank you for your efforts!

By: Travis Rice

Travis Rice — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:07:45 +0000

I had been searching all day for an Artist Rep when I came across your blog. Now I’ve read about 9 of them and I must say thank you. I am great at creating art but lousy at selling it, even to people who seem to want it. I’ve had a disconnect between knowing what to do and how to go about doing it, your blogs are helping to fill in some of those gaps.
If you are willing to give me any recommendations I would be grateful.

By: David

David — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:03:59 +0000

It’s the classic catch-22. Marketing and promotion takes a LOT of time. It is time away from creating that which you are marketing. Yet, if we don’t budget any time for marketing we end up a mere hobby artist with a house full of unclaimed masterpieces. Finding the time to do both is extremely challenging. Plodding ahead will someday have its payoff.