About

A society of like‑minded British illustration agents

Our aim is to promote the use of quality illustration and encourage the very highest standards of professionalism, diversity and equality - for the mutual benefit of clients, illustrators and fellow agents.

Our story

Founded in 1992, the Society of Artists' Agents brought together 20 of the UK's leading illustration agents with a shared ambition: to raise standards and strengthen the industry from within. What could have been a room of rivals quickly became a united front - proving that collaboration, not competition, would drive real progress.

From those early conversations, the SAA took shape. A governing board was established with a clear mission: to champion best practice and protect the interests of agents, illustrators, and clients alike.

Momentum built quickly. The SAA launched Originals, a globally distributed directory spotlighting top talent, partnered with Transport for London on a high-profile poster competition, and later created an online portfolio hub to showcase artists' work. In 2009, following close collaboration with contract lawyers and the AOI, it introduced a new suite of industry contracts - setting a benchmark for ethical, transparent working practices. In 2019, the SAA began sponsoring the AOI SAA New Talent Award, now a recognised part of the World Illustration Awards, cementing its commitment to nurturing the next generation of illustrators.

At its core, the SAA has remained committed to fairness and integrity for all creatives - and continues to campaign for them in an ever-changing landscape.

What we do

Three things sit at the centre of the Society's work.

Supporting best practice

We promote professional best practice through shared resources, AOI-approved contracts, and trading guidelines built across the membership - and a community that supports and shares knowledge.

Campaigning

We challenge fee erosion, inequitable contracts, and unpaid work, and campaign - with the AOI and others - to protect artists' rights, particularly around copyright and intellectual property.

Nurturing new talent

Through portfolio reviews, mentoring, and the AOI · SAA New Talent Award, we give creative graduates a head start and support the next generation into the industry.

Governed by our members, held to a shared standard

The Society is run by its membership. Every member agency agrees to uphold our Code of Ethics and Constitution - the shared commitments that make SAA membership a mark clients and illustrators can trust.

Code of Ethics → Constitution & Aims →

Join the SAA

New membership from like‑minded UK agencies is actively encouraged. If you believe in protecting the rights of illustrators and upholding the standards of the industry, we'd like to hear from you.

Become a member