The Choice of an Illustration Agency Should You or Should You Not?
With start-ups and freelancing becoming the trend these days, more artists, designers and illustrators prefer to strike out on their own and simply accept freelance projects and assignments. But the idea of being affiliated with an illustration agency also has its merits.
What an Illustration Agency Does
An illustration agency is very much like a firm that has a roster of illustrators, animators and artists who work on commissioned projects and assignments. Furthermore, most of these agencies began as start-ups and collaborations among friends and a small group of illustrators.
Illustration agencies, in a way, act as the “agent†of the illustrator or artists, connecting him with certain clients, assigning projects, and serving as the liaison between artist and client. In some cases, the agency may represent artist and illustrators on per-project or contractual assignments. In this case, the artist is not a regular member of the team and is only contacted when a project comes up where his/her skills fit. This kind of arrangement is a popular choice among artists who would like to maintain more freedom in terms of the kind of clients and assignments they would like to take on.
Will an Illustration Agency Work For You?
There are downsides as well as merits to working for an illustration agency. Lets explore some of these pros and cons.
The Upsides
If you are looking for security, working for an illustration agency is definitely likely to give you this than when you’re on your own. Big companies and projects would still rather trust their projects to an agency so big-time and high-profile, not to mention, many projects go to these agencies. If you are part of an illustration agency, you can be assured that you have a steady stream of assignments and projects coming in.
With the agency serving as your liaison or  you can also command or negotiate higher fees because you are taking on an assignment as a professional illustrator, not a freelancer. More than anything, your affiliation with the agency will provide your work enough promotion and marketing.
Its also a good place to start for building your network and client base, especially if you are just starting out. You will be introduced to high-profile clients, companies, writers, and even publishers who can all be prospective clients in the future.
The Downsides
The common argument against working for an illustration agency is that you have less freedom to move around and choose your projects and assignments. In fact, most artists and illustrators argue that being part of an agency that is governed by a set of values, mindset, and work ethics can curb creativity and innovativeness.
An illustration agency is a company in itself and time is spent on other non-creative work such as meetings with clients, project pitches, and brainstorming sessions. Some think that these take up time that can otherwise be spent doing creative work.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal goals in terms of your career as an illustrator and artist. Should you want to try working for an illustration agency, try to find ways that you can strike a balance so you donate lose your works individuality.
What an Illustration Agency Does
An illustration agency is very much like a firm that has a roster of illustrators, animators and artists who work on commissioned projects and assignments. Furthermore, most of these agencies began as start-ups and collaborations among friends and a small group of illustrators.
Illustration agencies, in a way, act as the “agent†of the illustrator or artists, connecting him with certain clients, assigning projects, and serving as the liaison between artist and client. In some cases, the agency may represent artist and illustrators on per-project or contractual assignments. In this case, the artist is not a regular member of the team and is only contacted when a project comes up where his/her skills fit. This kind of arrangement is a popular choice among artists who would like to maintain more freedom in terms of the kind of clients and assignments they would like to take on.
Will an Illustration Agency Work For You?
There are downsides as well as merits to working for an illustration agency. Lets explore some of these pros and cons.
The Upsides
If you are looking for security, working for an illustration agency is definitely likely to give you this than when you’re on your own. Big companies and projects would still rather trust their projects to an agency so big-time and high-profile, not to mention, many projects go to these agencies. If you are part of an illustration agency, you can be assured that you have a steady stream of assignments and projects coming in.
With the agency serving as your liaison or  you can also command or negotiate higher fees because you are taking on an assignment as a professional illustrator, not a freelancer. More than anything, your affiliation with the agency will provide your work enough promotion and marketing.
Its also a good place to start for building your network and client base, especially if you are just starting out. You will be introduced to high-profile clients, companies, writers, and even publishers who can all be prospective clients in the future.
The Downsides
The common argument against working for an illustration agency is that you have less freedom to move around and choose your projects and assignments. In fact, most artists and illustrators argue that being part of an agency that is governed by a set of values, mindset, and work ethics can curb creativity and innovativeness.
An illustration agency is a company in itself and time is spent on other non-creative work such as meetings with clients, project pitches, and brainstorming sessions. Some think that these take up time that can otherwise be spent doing creative work.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal goals in terms of your career as an illustrator and artist. Should you want to try working for an illustration agency, try to find ways that you can strike a balance so you donate lose your works individuality.