@baileymvidler Here's my 2 cents to the best of my knowledge
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Agencies are really busy and receive a lot of submissions.. I imagine the submission system they put in place helps them. Although you can't know for sure what could help your chances, if they do have a submissions page I think the best practice is to follow their instructions to the tee. I think it's respectful!
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Not sure, but since postcards are such a common practice in the illustration industry and I heard that art directors love them, I think unless they specifically say no postcards then it should be okay. Postal submissions, I think, refer to a physical bound portfolio. Those are bulky and would be hard to handle in quantity (and store). But a postcard doesn't present the same problems.
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It depends on each agency. If they only accept local artists, they will certainly mention that. If they don't, they are likely an international agency. I think most big agencies are, these days. I live in Canada but am represented by Astound Us which is based in the US but also has offices in Europe and Asia. Before that I was represented by Beehive Illustration, a UK agency.