I've been peeking in on the progress of Joey Lawrence and am astounded with the success he has had in such a short time. Kudos to him and his talent.
Its clear his creativity is responsible for much of his success but I have also learned it is partly attributed to him being represented by an agent. This intrigues me and I'd like to open a discussion on the concept of agency representation identifying both the pros and cons.
For me, it seems counterproductive to expend an enormous amount of energy in doing things you may not be good at when you can simply hire someone to do it for you. I can see this becoming a bigger problem when you are an "artist" and represent yourself. Its hard to depersonalize your feelings about your work which would then hinder your ability to market your results as a photographer. No need to explain this further as this is why we have talent agents and head hunters etc.
I figure, I'm pretty good at snapping images and dressing them up. I also realize my ability to snap images is significantly better than my ability to consistently market my photography. If I take more pictures, I'll also get better and earn more. This marketing thing is the fly in the ointment. Is seeking representation realistic, attainable and viable for us wannabees??
From everything I've read...no. You have to be generating a certain amount of heat and pulling in a certain amount of revenue to make an agency even acknowledge your existence. I mean there probably are agents that will take a risk on an unknown, but I would assume that they have to have an eye to know what the next big thing is. An agent isn't going to want to deal with someone that is pulling in $1000 per job, as they get a cut, and is $150 really worth it to them? Probably not.
It sounds like what you need is someone to help with your marketing and point you in the right direction, which could just be as simple as finding a consultant to do the initial leg work for you and then go from there (and as one site I read suggested: get an intern to do the mailers, the web site updates, the coffee runs, etc.)
Also, my personal opinion is that in 2009, we don't really need agents (outside of someone to look at a contract now and again) due to the internet making it much easier for us to have contact directly with potential clients.
From everything I've read...no. You have to be generating a certain amount of heat and pulling in a certain amount of revenue to make an agency even acknowledge your existence. I mean there probably are agents that will take a risk on an unknown, but I would assume that they have to have an eye to know what the next big thing is. An agent isn't going to want to deal with someone that is pulling in $1000 per job, as they get a cut, and is $150 really worth it to them? Probably not.
It sounds like what you need is someone to help with your marketing and point you in the right direction, which could just be as simple as finding a consultant to do the initial leg work for you and then go from there (and as one site I read suggested: get an intern to do the mailers, the web site updates, the coffee runs, etc.)
Also, my personal opinion is that in 2009, we don't really need agents (outside of someone to look at a contract now and again) due to the internet making it much easier for us to have contact directly with potential clients.
Your comments are sensible but also indicate there is an enormous opportunity for "agents" who are willing to pound the pavement for up and comers. I constantly sense the frustration many, on this site have, have with the logistics associated with the transformation from hobbyist to pro. It can be the hurdle that stops you cold.
I had one for many years. Couldn't have survived without her. She took 20% off the top. And, for what it's worth, most successful artists have "agents" as well, though agent/gallery are often basically the same thing for them.
As a less drastic alternative to an agent, knowing an enthusiastic, driven Rotarian can generate a lot of weekend/night time business for a photographer who makes a living at an unrelated day job.
