@mattramsey that is an excellent question. I am hoping to have my agent there with us during the session, so I can ask about that.
If I were to answer it, I'd say it would be a tough sell to sign a part time illustrator. When an artist turns down work it can get frustrating for a client and if they are turning down 80% of the jobs offered, it could be a strained relationship. The x factor there is that if you are good enough, an agent will still probably sign you. It's based on two factors, the first obviously being money and how much an agent can make from you. But the other thing is reputation. If you work looks good on an agents site and bumps up their status, it can be a good thing. Then when a client comes for you and you can't do it, the agent should be able to redirect the client to someone else on their roster. This happened a lot at Shannon Associates which was my first agent.
Thanks for all your questions guys, keep em' coming! Also, if anyone is at the point of needing or wanting a rep (be serious here), please post a link to your website. I may have my agent critique some of the work from an agents perspective.