A Comprehensive Guide to Submitting Artwork to an Illustration Agency
Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Artwork Submission Protocols for Illustration Agencies
Illustration by Hey Neighbor
As an agency we are always on the lookout for fresh talent and unique artistic styles, making them a great avenue to kickstart your career as an illustrator.
However, with the sheer volume of submissions we receive, it's essential to understand how to make your work stand out and reach the right audience. We’ve been asked a lot about what are the best protocols and how best to submit your work, so we figured why not write a short guide to help you out.
In this guide, we'll walk you through some professional and strategic steps to ensure a successful submission to us and other illustration agencies.
Determining Your Readiness for Agency Representation
Before we dive into the submission process, it's crucial to assess your readiness for representation by an illustration agency. Understand that securing an agent shouldn't be your immediate goal right after completing your education. It's not a guaranteed shortcut to instant success. Instead, you need to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to your craft.
‘Determining Your Readiness’ Animated by Hey Neighbor
While an extensive client list isn't necessary, there's a significant difference between a portfolio designed for personal use and one that showcases your professionalism as a professional illustrator.
Good Submission Protocols
‘Good Submission Protocols’ Animated by Hey Neighbor
Every illustration agency may have its unique submission preferences, so thorough research on each agency is key before making your move.
Below, we've compiled a list of UK illustration agencies along with their specific submission guidelines. While this list isn't exhaustive, we've included essential considerations to help you succeed.
A List Illustration Agencies and their Submission Methods:
Dutch Uncle
Submission Method: Utilize the dedicated submissions form at dutchucle.co.uk/submissions to upload your work, provide website and Instagram links, and answer questions about your experience and location.
Arena
Submission Method: Welcomes submissions from unique professional illustrators via the provided form under 'contact'.
The Artworks
Submission Method: Email a link to your website or send 5-6 low-res JPEGs to submissions@theartworksinc.com.
Debut Art
Submission Method: Email info@debutart.com with a link to your website or social media, an introduction, and a PDF showcasing your work.
Handsome Frank
Submission Method: Email at least nine low-resolution JPEGs to submissions@handsomefrank.com, emphasizing attitude and professionalism.
NB Illustration
Submission Method: Email a brief introduction and 72dpi RGB JPEGs (1MB max) to submissions@nbillustration.co.uk. Be cautious, as emails with only a link may end up in spam folders.
Agency Rush
Submission Method: Submit no more than six low-resolution samples to join@agencyrush.com.
Bright Agency
Submission Method: Upload a PDF with at least ten samples via their online form, including a link to your website.
Roar Illustration
Submission Method: Utilize their online form and monitor their social media for new artist intake announcements.
B&A Reps (Bernstein & Andriulli)
Submission Method: Email your work to uksubmissions@ba-reps.com. Specific instructions are not provided.
Oskar Illustration
Submission Method: Contact submissions@oskarillustration.com.
JSR Agency
Submission Method: Email submissions@jsragency.com with a brief introduction and your work.
Lemonade Illustration Agency
Submission Method: Follow their strict guidelines via email at studio@lemonadeillustration.com. Include a link to your website and a concise explanation of your approach.
Jelly London
Submission Method: Send an email to submission@jellylondon.com. While specific guidelines are not outlined, consider the general considerations provided in this guide.
Central Illustration Agency
Submission Method: Forward six low-resolution images or a link to newart@centralillustration.com.
The Artworks
Submission Method: Email a link to your website and 5-6 low-resolution JPEGs to submissions@theartworksinc.com.
Heart Agency
Submission Method: Send a website link and provide a brief explanation of why you seek representation to mail@heartagency.com.
Illustration X
Submission Method: Utilize their online form for submissions. Note that students are discouraged from applying.
The Different Folk
Submission Method: Send them an email with no less than six jpgs of your work and a link to any relevant sites.hello@thedifferentfolk.com
How Do You Do
Submission Method: Send them an email with no less than six jpgs of your work and a link to any relevant sites studio@howdoyoudoagency.com
Common Considerations for Submitting Work to an Illustration Agency
To maximize your chances of success, here are some common considerations to keep in mind when submitting your work:
Familiarize Yourself with Guidelines: Read and follow each agency's submission guidelines meticulously.
Image Format: Send low-resolution JPEGs (72dpi) optimized for web display, with a maximum width or height of around 1000px to ensure quick loading and prevent inbox congestion.
Introduction: Introduce yourself briefly, providing a few sentences about your background, artistic style, and reasons for seeking representation.
Professionalism: Maintain a professional, personalized, and error-free email, even in the informal industry of illustration.
Client List: Feel free to include a concise client list.
For further reading check out :
Rebecca Fulleylove’s article for Creative Review :
‘DO YOU NEED REPRESENTATION AS A CREATIVE?’
creativereview.co.uk/representationagent-producer-creative
2. TOM MAY’s article in Creative Boom :
‘How to get represented by an illustration agency’
creativeboom.com/tips/tips-from-agents-on-how-to-get-represented-as-an-illustrator/
