PK 154: How an Artist Agency can Help Your Career.

Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “I think what’s really important is to work on a style that makes you happy. I think you have to create artwork or work in a style that you get really excited about.” ~ Anna Goodson. Can an art agency help your career? In this week’s interview, we talk to illustration agency owner, Anna Goodson. Since setting up in 1996 with a tiny budget, no clients (but stacks of ambition), Anna Goodson Illustration Agency has now grown to be one of Canada and North America’s most respected creative houses. And, over the years, she’s helped artists go from obscurity into the pages of The New Yorker and the homes of famous pop stars. So, is getting an agent the right move for you as an artist? Check out this week’s interview to find out... Interview Chapters [01:18-07:29] Introduction and Overview Your host, Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Anna Goodson, owner of the Anna Goodson Illustration Agency. She talks about how her background in advertising and fashion photography eventually led her to set up her own illustration agency back in 1996. Find out why it’s been one hell of a ride in this chapter... [08:32-15:08] What was Anna’s Breakthrough Moment? When Anna started her agency, the internet was still in its infancy and social media hadn’t even been invented yet. So how did she break through and make a name for herself in the hugely competitive world of creative agencies? In this section, you’ll hear how she went from being told ‘you’ll never make it’ to selling artwork to the legendary pop star, Prince. [15:52-22:33] What Does Anna Look for in an Artist? The Anna Goodson Illustration Agency represents artists from all over the world with a wide range of styles. So how does she choose artists to work with? In this chapter, you’ll hear how to make an impact with your art when reaching out to an illustration agency...and how to invest in your own career as a professional artist. [23:06-27:24] What Should Your Vision be as an Artist? Many aspiring artists have a vision of where they’d like to be, but they often don’t know how to go about getting there. In this section, Anna reveals the importance of having a realistic, attainable vision and the steps you need to start taking to reach this goal. [27:59-33:34] How Has The Internet Changed Things for Artists? The development of the internet and social media has brought about all kinds of changes, but how do these relate to artists? In this chapter, Anna talks about going from competing as an agency on a local scale to a worldwide one, but reveals why the traditional values of hard work, dedication, and passion for your craft are just as important today as they ever were. [33:39-37:54] How Should You Approach an Artist Agency? Decided you’re ready to reach out to an agent to help promote your art to a wider audience and get more clients? In this final part of today’s interview, Anna reveals the key mistakes to avoid when approaching an illustration agency, and why developing your own style should always be a deeply personal choice. [37:55-39:42] Conclusion Mitch wraps up today’s interview with Anna Goodson and lets you know where to find out more about her illustration agency.