Do you have a manager, agent or representative who helps you sign or close deals? Why or why not? If you do have one, how did you find them and how did you know they were the right one for you? These are some of the questions we asked some very talented folks from the community and we’ve shared their responses below.

Cat Min

After completing the Illustration & Visual Storytelling summer residency at the School of Visual Arts in 2016, I did my best to be active on Instagram, posting doodles and illustration work almost everyday. I also joined SCBWI and participated in a few illustration competitions. After participating in one of the competitions, I got an email from a literary agent asking me for any manuscripts I may be working on. At the time, I was working on the manuscript for SHY WILLOW (my debut picture book published in 2021), which was closer to the type of stories I wanted to write and illustrate. And for some odd reason, I also had a “safe” manuscript with a more generic story that I felt was what most people would like in a picture book. Read more>>

Just Semaj

I didn’t not sign to agent, simply because I haven’t found and agent who would work for me. What I mean by that is my luck with people helping support my career hasn’t been the best. I have been burned by the wrong people so it’s hard to trust anyone agent can help me get to the next level. I will say this I’m open if they come along the way, and we Benicia each other. I officially signed myself to my own label and have my team helping build my music brand with me. I believe it’s going to be and my handpicked pick team who take this brand to the next level. Read more>>

Gus Krieger

My first agent came from growing up in Los Angeles and having “friends of friends” connections – just remember that finding an “in” with representation is not half as important or difficult as having excellent material to showcase when the opportunity arises. Read more>>