New Artist Rep Agency

A new rep agency in New York has popped up.

Ara Edsinger, formally of E. Poje, has started iCreate. She is representing some up and comers.

Check out the work at icreatenyc.com

Photo Reps - The list

212 Artists Representatives Inc.
VII Photo Agency

Achard & Associates
Acme Photo
AFG Management
Ally Godfrey Represents
Alyssa Pizer Management
Anderson Hopkins
Anne Albrecht Artist Agents
Anyway Artists
Aperture Access
Apostrophe
Arc Representation
Arlene Johnson & Associates
Art + Commerce
Art Department
Art Mix Photography
Artists and Creatives
Artist Representation Inc
Atelier Management
Aurora Select

B-Hive
Balcony Jump
Barbara Laurie Photographers
Beauty And Photo
Bernstein & Andriulli
Bill Charles
Blink Management
Blur Photo
Bockos Creative Representation
Bransch
Bruml Conlon
Bryan Bantry Inc
Bunny Fisher Represents
Button Represents

Cake-Factory
CameraLink
Carole Lambert
Carolyn Somlo Talent
Chapman Represents
Charlene Colombini : CAC Reps
Chris Boals Artists
City Artists Management
Clare Agency
the Clik Group
CLM (Camila Lowther Management)
CPi Reps
Creative Exchange Agency

Daniela Wagner Photographers
Daniele Forsythe Photographers
Deb Ayerst
Deddens + Deddens
Deborah Schwartz Reps
Defacto
Design House Reps
Doug Truppe Represents

Edge Reps
EH Management
Elyse Connolly
Emily Inman Artists Representative
Erica Chadwick : etc creative inc.
ESP Agency
Exposure NY
Eye Forward Inc.

Farimah Milani & associates
Faucher Artists
Felix Management
Friend and Johnson
Freda Scott
Fox Creative

Gary Mandel
Giant Artists
GF Represents
Greenhouse

Hamilton Gray & Associates
Heather Elder
Held and Associates
Hennessy Represents
Holly Hahn + Co.

i2i Photography
iGroup

Janice Moses Represents
Jean Gardner + Associates
Jed Root Inc.
Agent: Jeff Cerise
Jennifer Butters
Jennifur Condon & Associates
Jessica Oldham Representative
JGK
JH Artist Group
Jim Hanson Artist Agent
JK Reps
Jodi Zeitler artist representative
Joel Harlib Associates, Inc.
John Kenney &
Joseph Reps
Josette Lata
Judi Shin
Judith Miller Inc
Judy Casey
Judy McGrath
Julian Meijer Agency
Julian Richards

K. Ray and Company
Kate & Company
Kate Ryan Inc
the Katy Barker Agency
Korman + Company
Kramer + Kramer

L2 Agency
L&A Artists
Lamoine Photo Group
Laura Lemkowitz Represents
Lesley Zahara Represents
Levine/Leavitt
LGA
LVA represents

M Represents
M3 Reps
Magnum Photos
Mama Management
Management + Artists
M.A.P.
Marco Santucci
Marek & Associates
Marge Casey + Associates
Marianne Campbell Associates
Marilyn Cadenbach
ME Reps
Meo Represents
MergeLeft Representatives
Michael Ash Partners
Michael Ginsburg Associates
Michele Filomeno
The Mitchell Agency
MiteyBig Representation
Monaco Reps
Moo Management
MS Logan

Nadine Kalmes Artist Representation
Nancy Grant
Norman Maslov

O'Gorman Schramm
Oliver Piro Inc.
Orchard Photographer Representation

Peter Bailey Company
Photographic Management Inc
Pinkstaff Photographers
Pojé + Associates
Proof
Punch Artists

Radical Media
Randy Cole Represents
The Rappaport Agency
Ray Brown Represents
Red Eye Reps
Redux Pictures
Rep Girl Inc.
Renee Rhyner and Company
Rich Hall Reps
Robert Bacall Representatives

Sally Bjornsen Represents
Sandberg Agency
Sarah Laird
Schumann & Company
See Management
Seed Reps
Sharpe + Associates
Shotview Photographers Management
Snap Artists
Snyder & Company
Spinnler Reps
Steichen Represents
SternRep
Stockland Martel
Syndicate Six ::: A Photographer's Collaborative

They Representation Inc.
Tim Mitchell
Tom Maloney Reps
Tricia Joyce Inc
TTS Reps

Unit c.m.a.
Utopia

Walter Schupfer Management
Watson + Spierman Productions
Webber represents
Weiss Artists, Inc.
Westside Studios
Wonderful Machine

Vaughan Hannigan
Velvet Reps
Vernon Jolly Inc
Vertical Reps
Vicki Sander Represents
Vince Kamin & Associates
Virtu
Vis A Vis Reps
Visu Artists

Finding an Agent

As the previous couple of posts prove, finding a rep is like finding a partner. It's finding a partner for business and creativity. Not all photographers have reps and not all photographers need reps.

There are plenty of solo photographers that I have and will continue to work with. I will be honest though, when starting research for a project the first places I end up going (out of habit) are to the agent sites.

In my opinion you want a rep who is going to help market you and your talents to the right clients for the right project. You'll want to collaborate as much with them as you do with any art director, creative, photo editor, etc.

If you are in search of an agent just remember it's as much of an interview for them as it is for you.

I won't be posting the next few days (off to a weekend wedding) but I am compiling a big list of agents and will post all the links here next week.

Agent + Artist Relationship (part two)

I wanted to continue today from yesterday's post with a few more comments and advice from current photo reps. The comments will remain anonymous but these agents work for their own company or one of the larger ones. (a hearty thanks to all the agents who offered their time and their opinions)
The questions I asked of them were: What do you think the most important things are as a rep in your partnership with your artists? And what advice would you have for an artist who is shopping for an agent?

On important aspects of the partnership:

"I would say that the most important elements in an agent/artist relationship are the same elements that are most important in any other successful, healthy relationship: communication, honesty and trust. If the lines of communication are kept open and the artist is open to honest and direct feedback from the agent based on their knowledge of the marketplace, then there is the opportunity to develop a partnership that fosters growth and flexibility."

"Most important things... Honesty, shared vision and work ethic, creativity - appropriate division of labor and respect for what each person brings to the table to create a partnership"

"Good communication. Mutual trust and respect. A common vision about the artist's work: where it applies, as well as the means of getting there. A strong collaborative spirit."

Advice:

"Before looking for an agent, I think an artist needs to be very clear about why they want an agent. A lot of artists aren't good at marketing themselves or negotiating with clients, or are too busy shooting and they see the value of having someone handle this side of the business for them. Other artists also see the value in having an agent that can offer career advice and a professional perspective on the marketplace. If an artist already feels like they are the best negotiator, marketer and feels like they have a current, global view of the industry then I would say they don't need an agent."

"A relationship with a rep is VERY MUCH like a marriage...you can't take it at face value, you won't get something without putting something into it, it doesn't come easy and it takes time and patience."

"Do your research: What talent are they currently repping? How is the fit with what you do/want to do? What is their reputation among your clients (chances are, if your clients/prospective clients have never heard of them, it's not a good thing)? What do their talent think of them? What are they like in person (there should be a strong personal connection/fit)? What are their expectations? How do they align with your own?

Include the reps who you've researched and feel might be a good fit in all of your marketing efforts.

Remember: a rep is NOT a panacea!"

Agent + Artist Relationship

I think this is an important aspect to discuss. Being on the other side it's important as an art buyer to know the talent you're hiring has a good partnership with their agent, if they have one. Specifically because we rely on the communication between the two and hope that our needs are addressed and taken care of whether it's creative or budgetary.

I asked a few reps their thoughts about what the most important things are as a rep in the partnership with their artists. As well as their advice and suggestions for an artist looking/shopping for representation. The following statements are anonymous thoughts from these agents (more comments tomorrow as well).

On important aspects of the partnership:

"Trust and communication. Trust comes with time, but once it's achieved the relationship starts to run a lot more smoothly and productively. Communication is also crucial. I try and talk to my artists every single day, if not by phone then by email or IM. I would also say availability, it's important to make time for everyone and spread yourself evenly amongst the roster, it's tricky but that way no one falls through the cracks."

"Understanding what the artist is about. In other words, what is it they love to do and what it is that is unique to the industry. Understanding their vision and how they work. It is a relationship based mainly on trust and communication. There are times you work a great deal there are other times there seems to be no work at all. The artist must understand that I position the right talent for the project. It is not uncommon for me to get a call for a recommendation. My recommendations are based on who the artist is and what they will bring to the table based on the parameters. IN other words I do not put a square peg in a round whole. Our artists understand that. I always need person work from the talent. The artist must understand we fight for them and do everything we can to get the price the market allows for that work. That does not mean what the budget is but what is fair. We fight for what is fair for everyone."

Advice:

"Know the agent's roster. Often times people call or email me and their work just doesn't fit in with my brand. So do your research. I like a nice, short, personal email with a link to a site and maybe a little background or client info. I personally review everything I get and keep files on artists, especially if they're out of my usual market. I usually only meet with new artists a few times a year so if I get back to you and tell you to keep in touch -- do it. I'll probably set up a meeting at some point, just not maybe right at the moment you contact me. I typically hear from someone once and then never again. Ask your clients who they might suggest rep-wise. I get a lot of photographers that way "so-and-so recommended you", and to be honest, that usually peaks my attention."

"Take pictures you love that show some type of production value. Very important to make sure these images are unique to the industry. Everything has been done. I want to see how you make it different and how it flows through your book. Show me the images that you feel are reflective of who you are and who you want to be seen as. Send me an email every couple of months with a small jpg sample of your work."

What makes a good agent?

Having a good agent means having a good partnership. Essentially the agent and the artist goes into business with one another.

In my mind a good agent is an advocate for the artist and acts as a consultant while letting the artist still explore their creative. I remember reading once on APE a comment left by a photographer that stated the rep should "carry your karma". It's about finding a rep who is going to match your talents and market them the way you might market yourself.

They are also the business end of the creative as well, maintaining relationships with agencies, art buyers, photo editors, etc. A good rep also realizes that it's not always all about money but about working on amazing projects that build the artist's creative repertoire.

What's the Word?...

Allegra Wilde has been kind enough to keep her fellow art buyers and photo editors (at the art producers group with Yahoo groups) informed with some news in the industry. Allegra is a Creative Director and Visual Strategist at her own company, Allegra Wilde -- many of you might remember her from her days at Workbook. She's compiled quite the list...
If you have any information to share about job openings, gallery shows, photographers or illustrators with new reps please send to Allegra at allegrawilde@yahoo.com or aw@allegrawilde.com

So here is the news going around:

Tricia Scott - Sahler of Merge Left Represents is now representing Gustavo Marx and George Fulton.

Michael Ash has departed from Radical Media and has formed Michael Ash Partners. He is looking for a new assistant : Contact him if interested at ash@michaelashpartners.com

Robin Ogden has added fashion and product photographer, Martin Menocal and also Ron Crofoot, interiors photographer.

Rona Siegel of Rona Represents reports that Henrik Bulow was named Fashion Photographer of the Year by Dansk Magazine.

Fashion and celebrity photographer, Hanspeter Schneider, is now represented by Alex Newhall of Snap Artists

Bob Wolter is now representing NY and Chicago based food and still-life photographer, David Bishop.

Melissa Hennessy added location and portrait photographer, Michael Hall, and is representing him exclusively in the U.S.

Still life photographer Mark Platt of EVCreative, Inc. has teamed up with art director Guillaume Bruneau and digital master Ray Martinez to form Shop Studio- a digital still life photography studio which specializes in luxury goods

Artist Representative Michael Smith, previously with Artist Logic, has joined Illustrator and Storyboard agency 411 Creatives. 411 Creatives recently signed Fashion Photographer Natasha Lee.

Norman Maslov has added still-life photographer Sue Tallon and food, travel & leisure photographer Justin Lewis to his roster.

Richard Solomon Artists Representative announces that 3-D Illustrator Liz Lomax has joined the agency.

Susanne Bransch announces Ofer Wolberger has been awarded the Humble Arts Foundation Spring 08 Grant for his project, "(Life With) Maggie"

________________________
If you have industry news to share, please send it along!

Monaco Reps announces new site

Monaco Reps has launched their new revamped website: monacoreps.com.

The site is easier to navigate through and has brand new galleries. The gallery bookmarks include a news section which tells the viewer about any new talent joining the roster and new work and portfolios from the photographers. I personally love the new work section because it gives you the sneak peek into what that particular photographer just worked on in the past month.

Definitely take 5 minutes to poke through the site and re-familiarize yourself with the talent they represent.