HELP! Art Style & Illustration Agents?

[MarcRobinson]

In the first half of 2023 I'm aiming to have enough work together to make a website and start approaching Illustration Agents here in the UK. I've been doing some research and have found about 30 agencies of varying sizes. What's got me worried is that I really cant find anywhere that does work in the style I have. I've found some stuff in the book-cover world but not much. Lee said in one of the critique arenas that publishers would like my stuff, but the lack of work like mine being visible on their websites has got me worried.

Have any of you guys with experience with agents been told anything about making art in the "right" style? Also, have you found that agents are good at getting you work? Are smaller agencies better than big ones with loads of artists?

This is all very new to me, and as 2023 is going to be a bit of a make or break year for me, I want to make sure I'm not wasting my time.

I've popped my most recent work below so you can see what I mean. Any information or advice would be appreciated.

[NessIllustration]

@MarcRobinson It's not necessarily better to have a style that the agents already have - then they would pass on you because they already have an artist that does that and wouldn't want you to compete with that artist.

So when it comes to style you're not necessarily looking to find others in the market that have done the exact same thing. The sweet spot is a style that's a great fit for the market and works within the current visual trends (in general terms) but still a bit unique and maybe looks like a spin on something that they know does sell.

It looks to me that your style fits that description!

P.S. Just my 2 cents but agents are INCREDIBLY competitive right now. It's gotten increasingly hard to get into an agency recently. I'm not saying you shouldn't shoot your shot (never give up!) but don't put all your eggs and hopes in the "agent" basket. Reach out to publishers too!

[MarcRobinson]

@NessIllustration thank you, that makes a lot of sense. Yeah I'll definitely have to also try going direct to publishers, but sometimes they put me off with the discouraging language they sometimes use on their submission pages! I suppose they use that to filter out some time wasters. Thanks again for the advice!

[davidhohn]

This post is deleted!

[Jeremiahbrown]

@MarcRobinson Admittedly, this isn't helping you with your goal, but your work is incredible and I'm shocked that you aren't represented or getting work! I'd imagine it's a matter of not effectively getting your work into the vision holes of the controllers of the content realm. They're a closed off bunch cloaked in mystery and confusion. I don't think it should take you too long though, especially with the advice from all Rabbits(I think that's what we call ourselves) on this forum. Great job and best of luck!

[NessIllustration]

@Jeremiahbrown I prefer "bunnies" myself!

[kirsten-mcg]

@MarcRobinson Your art is amazing! It looks very professional and polished, and your style is solid, even if it isn't "trendy." You really need to just start submitting your work and see what happens. My guess is that you will be pleasantly surprise. And just because it's not trendy, doesn't mean you can't get work. I would guess it will help you stand out. I can easily see your work on the covers and interiors of MG novels. Do you have any black and white work? That would be a really great thing to include in a portfolio site if you want to do covers. But I think you could make beautiful picture books as well. And don't get discouraged if you don't get jobs immediately. I've heard it can take an art director seeing your work 2 or 3 times before you come to their mind for a project. My goal is to try to re-submit to everyone on my email list at least every 6 months (you can do up to 3 months) and have several new pieces in my portfolio with each new email submission.

I do have an agent. I signed on with her about 6 months ago. So far she hasn't brought me any work. She is a new agent, and her focus is more literary, but she is branching out into representing illustrators too as well. I'm just starting to submit to publishers on my own, because I finally realized that I need to be doing some of the work, even if I do have an agent! Agents very in the way they work, and mine is ok with me doing work on my own without her, if I find the clients. But she is also willing to work with me if I want help with contracts, etc...which makes me feel a lot better because I really don't know what I'm doing! I'm also working on manuscript ideas with her, because eventually I would like to be an author illustrator.

Good luck in your hunting! I'm looking forward to seeing books with your artwork.

[Jeremy Ross]

Hi @MarcRobinson, not to repeat what the others have already said, but don’t worry about style too much.

In my opinion, your work is advanced and at pro level, so it’s only a matter of time.

I suggest you listen to this podcast from Giuseppe at The Illustration Department, wherein he talks to Charlie Bowden, Agent and founder of Pickled Ink. Lots of wisdom in this podcast, especially around style.

https://illustrationdept.com/podcast/giuseppe-castellano-talks-to-charlie-bowden

2023 is on your side!

[ArtMelC]

Are you on Twitter (or whatever is left of it?) Art directors often post a call for illustrator with a specific style or subject matter interest. You can then reply with a few images and your portfolio link. Heard some unagented illustrators have gotten work that way don't give up, I think your art will find its audience when marketed correctly.

[ArtistErin]

@Jeremy-Ross Yes, I was going to suggest The Illustration Department! Love this podcast. Guiseppe is bar none sooo super helpful and a rare gem in this business, I have listened to a few interviews with agents, editors, publishers here! Encourages the discouraged artist. And he does a weekly critique group on Thursdays, so helpful. Anyway, thought I'd say this is an avenue I would check out!

[ArtistErin]

@MarcRobinson Holy cow Marc your work is so dang good and consistent all you need is to trust you're at that level and the right ones will be making their way to you.

If I can offer any helpful words, then let these be the ones I hope to share in a way you can take inside and let it resonate. You to me, seem already, like a big fish in a small pond. Your work just stands out. I think I already said once that you remind me of Brandon Dorman, a working illustrator, prolific in the market. He's always working. I know it's a numbers game, for as many submissions and queries, etc. all it takes is just one to bite. So, trust you're on your way and the right situation will be revealed!

There is something to be said of the study of neuroscience and a simple daily practice of saying what you want, at first it is strange and almost silly but you start seeing through different and kinder eyes at yourself, and you can feel the incredible opportunities just waiting to pop.

When I first saw your work I could sense you're closer to what you want than you know. I am waiting to see your post about it! I am already cheering you on.

[Katherine]

Is anyone else just dying to know what the deleted @davidhohn comment was, or have I just spent too much time on Reddit?

[davidhohn]

@Katherine It wasn't a big deal. I realized my "advice" didn't pertain to the original question of agents and styles.

I was just off topic and didn't want to take up space.

But I'll take this moment to say that Marc's work is great. And he's getting great advice from other members!

[geekinm]

Hi Marc I think your work is great. I don't have any advice to offer about agents and style but have you considered a portfolio review? Orange Beak Studio are currently offering portfolio reviews for £20 - it's just written feedback but I thought it might help and they know the UK industry.

I hope its OK to suggest a them on here.

[geekinm]

I have seen similar style to you in books - The Legend of Podkin One Ear (5 Realms) by Kieran Larwood illustrated by David Wyatt. Chapter books for 8+ year olds. I read them during covid lockdown home schooling!

www.davidwyattillustration.com

Maybe take a look at his website for some more info.

I don't think he does picture books more on the chapter book side.

[geekinm]

See also Jonny Duddle www.jonny-duddle.com

[MarcRobinson]

@Jeremiahbrown Thanks mate. I appreciate the good vibes. I've not yet tried to get representation, and I'm really grateful for all the advice from you guys. And this is the first time I've ever heard the term "vision holes". I like it.

[MarcRobinson]

@kirsten-mcg Thank you Kirsten, I appreciate the kind words. I was definitely concerned when I saw the lack of my style on all of these websites. But like you say, just because it's not on trend, doesn't mean there isn't room for it. It's funny you should mention black and white work, because I was just thinking of adding some inked linework pieces that could fit in the interior of some kids novels. Maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself and psyching myself out. Once I start sending my stuff out in the spring, hopefully it'll all work out. Hopefully your agent will find you some jobs soon, but I'm encouraged by your example of looking for stuff yourself. I admire your entrepreneurial spirit! I have a habit of talking myself out of things, so maybe this time I should have some faith.

[MarcRobinson]

@Jeremy-Ross cheers mate. Thanks for the podcast tip, I'll definitely listen to that this week.

[MarcRobinson]

@ArtMelC I used to have a Twitter but got rid of it a couple of years ago because I wasn't using it. I'll have to create a new one for my art and see what I can find! thanks for the tip off!