The SAA are very pleased to be supporting the World Illustration Awards by sponsoring The SAA Agents Award for New Talent.
Author: SAA 
Lucy Truman was commissioned by Weight Watchers to create this stunning image for their magazine. Lucy's beautiful artworks are renowned for striking the fine balance between aspirational and achievable. Lucy Truman is represented by New Division
‘BB Blogger’ is Gavin Reece’s latest creation for Undiz. Taking inspiration from social media and Pop Art, this fabulous campaign is live now. Gavin’s artwork is being used across social media, direct mail, press and in-store. Gavin Reece is represented by New Division
Tom Cole, Space Race book for Nobrow
This month we have the pleasure to talk to Lucy, Steph and Alex, the girls behind the success of the boutique agency "The Artworks"
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Please give a short summary of your company history and provide a bit of information about yourself and how you got into the business?
The Artworks is a long established agency founded in 1983. Current agents are Lucy Scherer, Stephanie Alexander-Jinks and Alex Gardner. Lucy came into the business through publishing and law, Stephanie through illustration and PR and Alex through illustration. We all have very different skills which when combined make the perfect team for any artist looking for representation. The Artworks is a very small agency and always has been. This is a deliberate thing, it’s like a family, and we are very close to our artists some of whom have been with us since the agency started. We are very focused on the future at this agency, either with the direction of our existing and established artists or seeking out the new talent fresh from college through our Startworks programme.
Sarah Gibb, Beauty and the Beast, Orchard
How would you describe your day-to-day role as an illustrators’ agent?
It starts early with a cup of tea and a chat about what we know is happening in the day. We do all of our website promotion and social networking in-house so there is a lot of that to keep on top of now. There is always a lot going on and the momentum of work is kept at a high pace because the phone is always ringing with new jobs or emails coming in so we have to be ready for that too. We speak to all of our artists all the time either on the phone Skype or email whichever they prefer. Many of them live locally so they come in for meetings about their work and what direction they want to go in and sometimes just to say hello.
Rob Ball, Pie and Mash shop, E17x17 exhibition
Kate Forrester, McDonalds Campaign
What are the commercial advantages for artists represented by your agency?
We have long-standing relationships with clients across all areas, this means that we can support our artists in any direction they would like to go and advise them of how to get into areas they might not have considered. There are many examples of this where by working on their folios with them and expanding their diversity our artists have been extremely successful in areas they might never have tried. Our clients trust our opinion so if we have faith in our artists they do too. Being with a small agency like ours means you get noticed and you are not competing with others who work similarly to you. It’s a rule of ours that we don’t take on artists that clash with existing ones. It’s tough enough as it is out there!
Chris Wormell, Adnams Campaign
Chris Wormell, Anchor Butter
What other benefits can an artist gain from being represented by you?
Exposure, reputation, guidance and support. It’s a team effort though.
Andrew Davidson, CD cover for Alex Clare
What are the benefits of networking within the wider artistic community?
Feeling part of something is very important, as unless you are with an agency or work in a studio it can be a very lonely business. It’s also crucial to know what is happening in the industry too so an artist can be sure that they are doing the very best for their career.
We would never encourage our artists to follow trends as such, rather to make sure that they are in fact the “trendsetters”.
Kate Forrester, card design
Debbie Powell, card designs for Lagom
How do you help your artists to recognise their market and help them adapt to new ones?
We have regular meetings and if necessary we set them projects to allow us to break them into markets they would like to try. The relationships with our clients is the key though and they allow us to work with them in order to help our artists break into those markets. Our artists have a great reputation so it makes things a lot easier.
Daniela Terrazzini, private view of Foyle’s exhibition ‘Life of a Picture’ 2013
What do you consider is the main role and responsibilities of the illustrators you represent to help you to build their career?
Professionalism, keeping their work fresh and making sure they stay in control of their style and not allowing it to become diluted. Never take anything for granted and stay positive and enjoy it.
Portfolio selection
Andrew Davidson, Rolex Masters 2012
What advice would you give to an illustrator looking for an agent?
Do lots of research as there are so many brilliant ones and they are all so different. Take a look at the kind of work they do and choose one that you think fits with your work. The more research you do the more likely you will find an agent that wants to find you!
Lindsey Spinks, Cinema scene – self promotion
Laurindo Feliciano – our most recent addition to the agency
Ian Whadcock was commissioned to produce an illustration about creating a good working culture for RBS.
The image is comprised of many elements, incorporating subjects such as sustainability, trust and community, cleverly woven together.
Ian Whadcock is represented by Eastwing
New Internationalist have commissioned Jonathan Allardyce to produce 12 artworks for the 2013 'World In your Kitchen' calendar. Every month suggests a favourite vegetarian recipe with delightful illustrations of the dish or the place from which it comes. Proceeds from the calendar go to a number of charities including Amnesty International, Traidcraft, CAFOD, SCIAF and Christian Aid. The calendar is still available here.
Katharine Asher's super art for Irish International has been used to beautiful effect recently. Last month saw the annual Hennessy Gold Cup take place at Leoparstown racecourse. In addition to providing the trophy and prize for the race, Hennessy have a 'best dressed lady competition' for which Katharine's illustration was used. The image could be seen on posters to promote the event, online for the Facebook application and also in the Best Dressed Lady Marquee on the actual day
Katharine Asher is represented by Illustration
Our very talented Daniela Terrazzini has been asked to showcase some of her beautiful work in a special exhibition at Foyle's Gallery on Charing Cross Road. Come and have a look at her amazing work from 5th - 26th March.
Daniela Terrazzini is represented by The Artworks
Tom Cole has blown us all away AGAIN with this series for the "James Herriot Memoirs" commissioned by Littlebrown. As you can see the series of 4 covers fit together to make one panarmaic landscape, beautiful. New to the industry Tom proves how diverse you can be whilst still keeping true to a unique style. We didn't think that Space Race could be beaten so quickly. Everyone is jealous of your bold and confident colours. Well done Tom can't wait to see what's next.
Tom Cole is represented by The Artworks
We are so very proud to show you the first of a three series set of Stamps by Chris Wormell. "Freshwater Life" is the set you see here which shows Chris' absolutely incredible depiction of "pond life". The colours are so beautiful, the way the illustrations appear as though the water would ripple right off the page. Look out for the forthcoming "Life in Lakes" and "Denizens of Rivers" out later this year.
Chris Wormell is represented by The Artworks
Dave Hopkins recently completed two pen and ink drawings for a Sygenta ad commissioned by Ogilvy Primary Contact. Dave’s authentic engraving style was perfect for the aged Victorian feel the client wanted to achieve. Accuracy was vital and various bee experts were on hand to give advice!
Dave Hopkins is represented by Phosphor Art
