What are some examples of a bad estimate?
Guest Post, Mara Serdans: Misunderstanding the project deliverables or details. Low-balling the estimate or forgetting to include specific expenses. This helps no one because it’s very difficult to ask the client for more money once a job is awarded.
Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans
(Comm Arts): What advice would you give to a designer who wants to work in advertising but doesn’t know where to start?
(Will Chau): Find a mentor. Be tenacious and humble, and find someone whose work you admire. Ask for advice and learn from her or him, even if it’s a short e-mail or a five-minute conversation. People in this business are incredibly busy but are generous and giving, too. Seek them out and pick their brains. You never know where it can lead.
Guest Post: Will Chau, creator of http://www.AustinCreativeDepartment.com
Quote Excerpt from Comm Arts Interview: http://www.commarts.com/columns/1-1-3
If I think I would be a good fit for a certain client what would be the best way to approach them? Should I be approaching them directly? Or their agency? And if I am to contact the agency how can I best reach the right person at that agency? So many companies have different agencies for different products or platforms…
Yes, approach the client directly and also get in touch with their agency. Go for it in as many ways as you can think of. Get creative, innovative, discover ways to get their attention to your work. To find the right person, ask around. I highly recommend LinkedIn as people tend to respond to it. Go get ‘em!
Can a photographer be represented by more than one rep, in different locations?
Yes, some photographers have east coast/west coast/midwest reps. I don’t agree with this for myself because I’ve worked hard to get to know clients everywhere.
With the internet I am able to be in NY, Chicago, Portland and Europe as easily as I’m in Los Angeles.
Just today I have been on calls with people in New York, Kansas City and Los Angeles. I emailed with the UK, Germany and a variety of clients across the US… The only reason to have different reps is if they cover different types of clients.
What are you looking for in a new photographer?
Guest Post, Jorge Perez: I want a photographer who has a business sense. There are a lot of artists out there who create beautiful art, but if they do not have a mind for business they will not make it.
I am looking for a partner in crime when it comes to their business.
You have to be your own agent first, get yourself work. It’s a red flag to me if someone has been shooting for 25 years and has never had a rep.
Guest Post: Jorge Perez, JP Reps
What’s the best way for a photographer seeking representation to reach you?
Guest Post, Jorge Perez: I prefer emails. But with that said, you need to be innovative.
You have to “cut through the clutter” . We get a million emails a day. If it’s a new photographer seeking representation – make the email short, personalize it, put the one best image that represents your work.
Keep it short and quick. Even direct message me on Instagram. Think outside the box.
Guest Post: Jorge Perez, JP Reps
Should I shoot portfolio work with the intention to appeal to certain kinds of clients?
Paul Barshon: If you love the subject matter, then why not!? For example if you love shooting hyper-realism, there are a lot of commercial clients who primarily use this kind of photography. So why not focus on shooting portfolio work that focuses on hyper realism? Again, though, shoot what you love. That will garner the attention you are after.
How would I get in contact directly with brands for in house marketing? Who should I be looking for specifically and how can I find that person? Does Yodelist or Agency Access provide these contacts? Regarding Yodelist and Agency Access. Which do you use?
In today’s market we now have so many more options of finding the right people. I would definitely suggest using Agency Access or Yodelist and then using all social media and LinkedIn. Look for creative (art director), art producer, or other terms that are a part of the marketing dept. Agency Access and Yodelist often do have those contacts. I have used both of these companies and they both seem to have solid information, sometimes one is better than the other.
What does “re-use” mean?
Re-use is when an image is purchased to be used beyond its original licensing agreement. If this amount was not agreed upon in the original bid, the client will ask for a new price to use the image again based on the new usage they want to purchase.
What factors make you want to put a particular photographer up for a job?
Guest Post Mara Serdans: There are a few factors that come into play when recommending a particular photographer for a job. First and foremost, the photographer’s style is paramount. It needs to sync up with the art director’s vision. His/her level of experience is also a consideration. Where a photographer is located sometimes comes into play although many photographers these days are open to working as a local in larger markets. Lastly, budget is a factor. The photographer needs to fall within the ballpark to be considered a contender.
Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans
