Agents for Illustrators: What they do and how to get one
As you build your career, you may be wondering if you need an agent (and how to actually get one). I’ve been represented by both an illustration agency and a literary agency, and I can say with confidence that my agent has been one of the most valuable parts of my career.
But before diving into the process, let’s start with the basics!
I’ve created two comprehensive video guides all about agents. Below is a quick overview of what I cover!
What does an agent do?
An illustration agency (can also be known as an art representative) or literary agent represents an artist and their work. They help you:
Find and pitch you to clients (publishers, studios, brands, etc.)
Negotiate better fees and contract terms
Handle communication and logistics with clients
Advocate for your best interests throughout your career
Be your personal cheerleader
Some agents are more hands-on than others, and each agency will work differently, but in general, having someone in your corner can be a huge help.
How much do I pay an agent?
You do not pay an agent directly. Instead, agents earn their income by taking a commission on the work they help you secure.
For literary agents, the standard commission is typically 15%.
For illustration agencies, the commission usually ranges from 25-50%, depending on the agency and the type of work.
It’s important to note that if an agent asks you to pay them upfront or for any services outside of their commission, that’s a scam. A legitimate agent only gets paid when you do.
Why is the agent’s fee worth it?
An agent handles the business side of your career—everything from contract negotiations to client communications, payment follow-ups, and even promotional work. Their goal is to get you favorable deals, higher fees, and better opportunities. Remember, the more you earn, they more they do as well, so they have a higher incentive to negotiate better rates.
They have the experience and education to navigate complex contracts and can advocate for better rates or royalties that you might miss out on if you’re doing everything yourself.
Plus, they save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on what you do best… creating!
The amount of work that my agent does for me makes her 100% worth it.
Do you need an agent?
Not every illustrator does! There are many full-time artists who don’t have agents and still have thriving careers. But having an agent can be a game-changer if:
You want to break into publishing or expand into new industries
You’re overwhelmed by contracts, rights, or negotiation
You’re getting inquiries from publishers and want help evaluating them
You want to submit to publishers that don’t accept unsolicited work
If your work is more self-driven (commissions, zines, Patreon, online shop, etc.) or sporadic, an agent might not be as relevant. But for long-term projects, licensing, or book publishing, representation can be incredibly helpful.
Art Representative vs. Literary Agents
Illustration agents/Art Representatives:
Focus on commercial work, licensing, editorial, advertising, packaging, animation and sometimes publishing.
They generally submit your work for a wide variety of client-based projects that fall under the illustration banner.
Have a 25-50% commission
Literary agents:
Focus on book publishing projects only
They represent authors, illustrators, or author/illustrators.
They help pitch your book projects to publishers, negotiate deals, and guide your publishing career.
Take a 15% commission
If your goal is to write + illustrate your own books, and want to focus your career in publishing, a literary agent will be your best bet. If you want to work on packaging, games, editorial, and advertising in addition to publishing, you may consider an illustration agent.
How do you know when you're ready?
Ask yourself:
Does your work match the quality of artists already represented by the agency?
Do you have a strong, focused portfolio?
Are you getting client inquiries, or feeling ready to?
Being honest about your work level is important. If you're not quite there yet, study the portfolios of represented artists and work toward that level. Aim to showcase pieces that reflect the kind of work you want to be hired for.
But also… don’t wait for perfection! Some artists never feel ready, even when their work is more than strong enough. If your portfolio can stand alongside those of artists at your dream agency, you're probably ready!
When in your career should you get an agent?
I got my first agent right after graduating, and while it helped in some ways, I rushed into the first agency that accepted me and later regretted it. After I left, I joined my current agency at a more established point in my career, and it was a much better fit.
Pros of joining early:
Help navigating contracts and pricing
Access to opportunities and clients
Support and guidance from the start
Pros of waiting:
More experience and a stronger portfolio
Clearer goals and understanding of your value
Ability to attract more competitive offers
Many agencies prefer artists who have some experience, but it’s not a strict requirement. A strong, focused portfolio and clear artistic voice can go a long way.
How to Research and Find Agents
This is arguably the most important part of the process. Ideally, you will have a long relationship with your agent that lasts most of your career. Choosing an agent isn’t something to rush into, so make sure you do your research first.
Here are some ways to build your list:
1. Snoop on your favorite artists.
Find out who represents them by checking their website or social media bios. This gives you a realistic picture of what kind of art each agency gravitates toward.
2. Explore online directories.
3. Use publishing resources.
Publishers Weekly Rights Reports (lists new publishing deals and the agents involved)
The Book from SCBWI (available with membership)
Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market book (updated yearly)
4. Search on social media.
On Twitter/X, BlueSky, LinkedIn or Instagram, search keywords like “literary agent,” "open to submissions," or hashtags to find agents looking for new creators.
Is this Agency Right for Me?
Don’t waste your time and theirs on submissions that don’t even fit what they’re looking for!
Before you apply:
Are they currently open to submissions?
Do they represent illustrators or author/illustrators?
Is your work a good fit stylistically for this agency?
If they have a ‘wishlist’ of what they are looking for, do you fit the criteria?
Do they have reputable clients or publishing deals?
Do they accept submissions from your country?
You can also reach out to artists already represented by the agency. Most artists are kind and willing to share honest experiences about what it's like to work with their rep.
Submitting to Agencies
Always follow the submission instructions exactly. These are usually listed on the agency website.
For illustration agencies, you'll usually need:
A strong online portfolio (not just Instagram!)
10–20 finished pieces that reflect your ideal work
A short bio or artist statement
For literary agencies, submissions vary depending on whether you’re:
Illustrator only: A portfolio is usually sufficient
Author/Illustrator: Send a query letter and book dummy (full manuscript, rough sketches of each page, and 2–5 fully finished illustrations)
For graphic novels, literary agents may request:
A pitch/summary
Character designs
Sample pages (usually 15+)
Detailed synopsis and chapter breakdowns
If the agency is interested, they may set up a call and send a contract. Take your time to evaluate the offer, ask questions, and trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
What clients or publishers have you worked with?
How do you promote your artists?
What is your commission percentage?
Do you charge for marketing or materials?
What is your marketing strategy?
What is your relationship like with clients/publishers?
How hands-on are you with career planning or portfolio development?
How involved are you in client communications?
Before signing on with any agent, it is extremely important to get a testimonial of the agency from an artist who is already represented by them. In your research, email these artists to ask for their honest thoughts on the agency. Better yet, ask the agency to connect you with someone!
A good agent will be happy to answer these questions. If they pressure you to sign quickly or seem evasive, take that as a red flag.
Red Flags to Watch For
When considering an agent, watch out for the following red flags:
Paying for promotional costs:
If the agent asks you to pay for marketing expenses, such as art directories or convention submissions, that's a red flag. These costs should be covered by their commission, not you.
Lack of transparency:
If the agent doesn’t include you in important communications or fails to forward contracts, emails, and updates regarding your work, they may not be prioritizing your involvement.
Low-paying projects:
Be cautious if the agent pushes you to accept low-paying projects or doesn't advocate for fair compensation, which could signal they’re not negotiating effectively on your behalf.
Exclusive or dismissive communication:
If an agent’s communication feels exclusive, rude, or dismissive, or they don't respond to your needs, it may indicate they are not invested in your success.
Promises of exposure or royalties instead of payment:
Avoid agents who promise future royalties or exposure as payment. They may be attempting to exploit your work without guaranteeing fair compensation.
Always trust your gut and make sure that the terms of your relationship with an agent are clear, professional, and mutually beneficial before signing anything.
Getting an agent isn’t the end goal — it’s a step forward in your creative career. The right agent can advocate for your worth, open new doors, and allow you to focus on what you do best: making art. But the process takes time, effort, and a lot of research.
Don’t rush.
Wait until your work is ready, and take the time to find the right fit. You deserve an agent who understands and believes in you.And remember: it’s better to have no agent than a bad one.
✸Still feeling uncertain about how to approach agents or navigate the agency world? Let’s chat!✸
Book a consulting session with me and get personalized advice on finding the right agent, negotiating contracts, and setting yourself up for success in the illustration industry.
