- Evaluate your current marketing tools (portfolios, mailing
pieces, Web sites, e-mailers, and so on) and make sugges-
tions that will benefit all of your promotional efforts. - Target markets and research appropriate contacts for your
talent. - Actively promote your talent through portfolio showings,
direct mail, Web site presence, and e-mail blasts. - Negotiate licensing fees for all assignments generated
through the rep’s efforts. - Obtain printed tear samples when available.
- Develop an ongoing client relationship once it has been
initiated.
Sound ideal? Ready to sign up? Well, join the crowd. There
have always been many more photographers seeking represen-
tation than there are seasoned, experienced reps. So before
undertaking the search, make sure representation is a viable
option for you. Ask yourself these questions:- Do you have a strong belief in the commercial potential of
your work? - Has this belief been confirmed by clients? Are you billing
$300,000 or more annually from advertising clients? - Are you willing to spend at least $5,000 to $10,000 a year
promoting your talent? - Do you have a distinct, easily recognized visual style?
- Have you become too busy to seek out new business?
- Do you wish to go after a market that is outside of your geo-
graphic area? - Have you been servicing clients for at least five years?
- Have you actively marketed your work (thirty to forty port-
folio showings a year plus direct mail, e-mail, and Web
portal placement) for the last two to four years? - Are you able to be a team player, making decisions with
another person? - Are you willing to make a long-term commitment?
Most seasoned reps are looking for an affirmative answer
to the questions above. It’s a rep’s market, and agents are
interested in aligning themselves with people who have aPART3 / TEAMChapter 13.qxd 6/27/07 9:04 PM Page 78