I have some exciting news to report. Yesterday, I became an agent after I signed my first client. Most of you are probably wondering what sport my client plays (as I am writing on the SportsAgentBlog). It’s definitely not what most of you would expect.
My first client as an agent is a graphic designer who specializes in sports cartoons, logo creation, and other illustrations. Coincidentally, Darren just made a post about this topic and it’s not the sports artist he featured either. This opportunity just fell right into my lap and I gladly accepted the challenge with open arms.
As fellow contributor Kenji Summers has pointed out, sports and entertainment are intertwined. This is why I felt it would be relevant to many of the readers of this blog to shed some light on the matter.
At first glance, I didn’t really know that much about the graphic arts industry. Even though I currently work in the entertainment industry, this area fell outside my expertise. This didn’t stop me however.
I have been an artist my whole life and had enough background to know where to start. I began researching the industry online and ordered some literature from the Graphic Artists Guild that explained the industry (yes there is a union for everything!). I also called several agents and fellow entertainment attorneys who were able to assist me.
One sports and entertainment agent provided me with great insight and recommended that I research some of the top graphic artists in the field. This way, I could better familiarize myself with the industry and pick up on a few nuances that would help me better serve my client.
I’m in the process of creating a representation plan and have already started pounding the pavement in search of work for my talented client. As I have previously said, signing a client is only the first step. Your success as an agent comes down to producing for your client and making him or her happy.
I have my work cut out for me and you better believe that I will be working hard to find opportunities for my artist.
Similar to what Darren and Dynasty have done with bowlers, it would be nice to carve out my own niche in graphic artist representation.
I hope to keep you all informed as I move forward in representing my client.
If you have any questions or insight, please feel free to email me.
4 replies on “Graphic Artist Representation”
So random that our posts on representing a graphic designer who focuses on sports on the same day, after never having discussed this topic on SportsAgentBlog.com in the past. Anyway, congratulations, and I wish you a bunch of success. Make sure to keep our readers informed as you move along the process in getting your client some projects.
Thanks Darren.
Darren,
What is with all the love for graphic designers all of the sudden? Like I have said it is appreciated. I really enjoyed creating the logo for Dynasty Reps. To keep this topic rolling, I do believe that in todays world of marketing, artist and the image which an athlete is represented by are hand and hand. Look at Anna Kornakova or Brady Quinn, neither have done much, professionally, in their respective sports, not to say they wont, but they are among the top in representation within the media. I guess the point I am trying to make is that, as we see with Serena or Lebron, their images within our society are almost as impactful as their performance within their profession. Would you agree?
Joel
Image and branding are definitely the keys to success. There is much more money to made by the few at the top who are earning a majority of the endorsements from mega companies. That being said, I think you are being a little harsh on Quinn. He has only been in the league for a year and had the unfortunate consequence of sitting behind a guy (Derek Anderson) who came out of nowhere to have a very successful statistical year. Give Brady a chance, he still has plenty of time to show that he can be a performer in the NFL.