Hi! Any AD from children's book field? I'm a newbie in children's book but I think my work is okay. I've sent a few emails hoping to be represented by an agency but they are pretty much full. I'm not sure what should I do next?
Yes, some of us work in kids publishing. But for any industry, I think you have it backwards. Agencies want to sign illustrators that will bring them money. If you are a newbie and just starting out, chances are the only agencies that will offer for you are ones that exist by signing up a TON of artists and then just leaving them on an overpacked website to see what clients happen to browse past. You don’t want to be in that herd. You want to establish yourself as an artist with good art, good work ethic, and the ability to get jobs on their own. Then good agencies will want you. In 99.9% of cases, agencies aren’t for beginner artists. They are for medium successful artists that agents see the potential to be very successful artists, with the boost an agent can bring.
What you need to do is establish your career right now. First you need to get some feedback on your work, if you just “think your work is ok” — get some feedback from peers and pros and ideally Art Directors in your field. You need to figure out who the Art Directors are in children’s books and start sending your work to them. Extra credit if you can get in front of them in person at events or conventions. For kids books the SCBWI is the best resource for ADs and find events.
Definitely read through the posts here for advice, but since it sounds like you’re starting out at art career ground zero you might want to check out these Art Business Bootcamps. Which fill in all the blanks you’re missing about starting (or leveling up) an art career.
Good Luck!
—Agent KillFee
