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Calling all Agents
Here at The Textile Directory we have many designer makers contact us as they are looking for an agent or representative to help them sell their work. We have tried to do some research in this area on their behalf, but have had very little success. One of the people who contacted us was designer and photographer Ken Walters who was particularly interested in selling his work in Japan and The USA. We spoke to Ken to find out more about his experiences when looking for representation.
Ken started with a basic internet search where he found the agent magazine Agent Base and decided to advertise with them. He says, “This was my first mistake really as I got no replies. They tend to be really good for artists with completed work to sell, but I’m struggling to find a licensing agency for my designs and prints.”
As Ken is particularly aiming to sell his work in Japan his next step was to contact the Japanese Embassy. They pointed him towards the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) where Ken placed another advert. Once again he has had no response.
Ken says, “In America the government helps their artists to sell their work, but our country does nothing. Just to join the UK Trade and Investment costs £1500 and there’s no guarantee of getting anywhere. I haven’t found organisations like the Design Council much help either. They are great for finished products, but I can’t find anyone to help with licensing. It’s such a legal minefield so I’ve got to get it right.”
Another problem Ken is facing is that he isn’t seen as having the ‘right’ type of degree. He says, “There is a lot of snobbery involved. The licensing agents seem to want people with art degrees, and although I have degrees in other subjects they still aren’t interested.”
So what’s his next plan? “It’s looking like it will be easier to build my own website and do it myself. I wonder if it might be worth people getting together and trying to order some sort of online trade show. I know there would be grants available for that type of website too. I’m interested to hear other people’s experiences in this area, to find out if they have had the same problems as me.”
Have you had a similar experience to Ken? Have you managed to find a design agent, or are you one yourself? We would love to hear from anybody with any thoughts on this subject that may be able to help Ken and our other designer makers. You can get in touch by emailing Sara at admin@thetextiledirectory.com or by clicking here to visit our online forum.
You can get in touch by emailing Sara at admin@thetextiledirectory.com or by clicking here to visit our online forum.
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