It wasn’t so long ago when I found out about agencies for illustrators and never really knew it was a thing. So it something that I have started to look into and see what they are about.

No doubt there are illustrators who can have a career without any sort of agency, but I see having an agency as someone dealing with the aspects of emailing clients, contracts, etc, as a benefit as it frees up time to be able to get on with the creative work. I think being in an agency allows for more opportunities with clients, than if you were on your own. I remember being able to meet Claire Melinsky and she said it was through the agency that she was with that got her the job to illustrate the Harry Potter books about 10 years ago, as well as food packaging. With agencies you have to email and submit portfolios to try to join them, as well if they already have someone with a similar ‘style’ or approach to illustration they would be less likely to take you on. But there has been some illustrators found by agencies who end up joining, though it isn’t common. The Artworks Illustration Agency did a call out for graduates in 2020 to join them through the Startworks mentoring scheme, which a few illustrators I had been following ended up getting chosen for it, so that is something to consider if the agency does it again or if any other agencies do anything similar. I think I am considering trying to join an agency, but at this stage I need loads more work and understanding of what it will entail before doing so.