Why do you need to know how we are going to use the artwork?

Everyone has heard about copyright. Yet, what each person knows about copyright law and how they feel about it varies pretty wildly. Some are strong supporters of artists’ rights, while others believe copyright law has gone too far and think the use of creative work should be more free and easy. Others still are unaware of the business of licensing artwork altogether.

If you are ever in doubt about the licensing of work commissioned from a JW artist, please ask and we shall promptly explain! In the meantime, we have provided some examples of classic licensing-related exchange for your perusal below: (portions of this text have been adapted from the American Society of Media Photographers excellent Business Resources section)

Original illustration is intellectual property and licensing its use is one of the ways we generate income for our artists. The fees for a specific project are based on the use of the illustrations because the more the images are used, the greater value they have. Since they’re worth more, they cost more.

You mean I pay you and I don’t own it?

Illustrations are the intellectual property of the creator. Much like software or a book, you can purchase the use, but the creator still owns the material. The individual illustrator owns the rights to their artwork, but every job includes a license that will let you do whatever you need to. Our price will reflect the value of that license as well as the time to create the imagery.

I do not want to come back to you each time I need to use these images.

We are more than happy to license a package of rights for all artwork, but you might end up paying for uses you do not really need. JW is service-oriented and accessible if additional uses arise. Our primary goal is, of course, to build a long-term business relationship, so tell us what your plans are and we can work out an equitable license or set structure for future re-use.

I do not want someone else using my images.

We are happy to quote a price for exclusive use of these images, but because this type of license prohibits us from generating any additional income, it will significantly increase the cost of the project. There is therefore limited exclusivity on all our licenses; this gives you exclusive use of the images, but it doesn’t restrict our ability to earn additional income forever.

What about Licensing for Publication and Editorial Work?

Publications frequently have a standard contract for hiring illustrators to fulfill editorial assignments. If your publication does not have a standard usage contract, we are happy to provide one in our initial estimate to meet industry standards.

I really love the work of Artist X that I saw on your site/print promo. I'm just going to Google their contact details and call them directly, that’s cool right?

No, not really. The Jacky Winter Group is a full service agency, not a creative network or a portfolio site. Our business relies on relationships with clients and artists, and a good deal of money is spent on promotion - in print, online, and in person. We kindly ask that you call the agency as your first point of contact if you discover the artist in question through our efforts so that we may continue to bring you the finest illustration talent that this country has to offer.

But we have such a small budget, won't going through an agency be more expensive?

Not always. As an agency we have to balance out both sides of the equation, maintaining excellent relationships with both artists and client. We have a responsibility to our clients to fairly charge for the creation and usage of original artworks, and have to balance that with our duty to our artists to get the best price for their work. At the end of the day, commissioning work through an agency will always yield better results. Our existing close relationships with all of our artists our mean that we have the knowledge and experience to help you get what you need as efficiently as possible - on time, on brief and on budget. We also look after the production-side of all jobs, and send you cool stuff in the mail.

Seriously, we only have X amount of dollars for this.

We have worked budgets of all shapes and sizes, and are able to tailor a job in both its creation and licensing so you get exactly what you need, no more, no less.

Our deadline is in one hour/tomorrow morning/on Sunday afternoon, can you help?

We can try!

Can I speak to Jacky?

There is no Jacky.

Will Jacky Winter represent me?

The Jacky Winter Group exclusively represents Australasian artists. This includes both Australasian artist living abroad and locally, as well as international artist residing in Australasia permanently. Submissions from international artists will not be accepted.

What about Rock of Eye?

Our international agency, Rock of Eye operates by invitation only.

OK, I’m Australasian/living in Australasia permanently, how can I show you my work for consideration?

Email is the preferred method of contact for submissions. Please send a PDF of at least 5-10 pieces of your work, no larger than 10MB, to info@jackywinter.com with the subject ‘Artist Submission’. Please do not post printed folios or drop off work in person unless requested.

It’s been X amount of weeks since I submitted my work, and I haven’t heard anything. What should I do now?

Due to the large number of artist submissions we receive each week, it can sometimes be a long time until we respond – anywhere from 2-10 weeks. We personally read, review and respond to every single submission that comes in, and we like to set aside the time to do that properly. Our existing commitments to clients and artists means that this time can be hard to come by! The best thing to do would be to wait. Calling or emailing every few days will not speed things along.

No really, it’s been a super long time, I haven't heard back from you.

Check your original email to us. Did you copy and paste a form letter? Did you not write more than a half sentence of text? Was our email address one line in a long cc list of agents? Did you address the email to Jacky? If so, we probably won't write back, sorry. If not, then please see the previous question.

You rejected my submission. I hate you and everything you stand for. Die!

Relax. Don't take it personally. It breaks our hearts that we can't take everyone on, but just because we can't offer you representation at the time does not mean it is a negative reflection on your work. As an agency, we have a very specific aesthetic in some ways that might not be the best fit for your work. Have you looked at other agencies? There are plenty of them out there! Sometimes we see a lot of very cool work that in our opinion would have little commercial application, and we don't want to take people on that we won't be able to benefit. Finally, maybe you need some time to develop. While we do support emerging artists with our incubator agency, The Hatch, you might want to consider looking at our Student FAQ for some resources you can use to further your education, and don't forget to keep sending us work as you progress!

I would prefer to show you my work in person, is that possible?

If you are in the Melbourne area and would like a personal folio review, we are happy to arrange for short folio reviews when possible. Please email info@jackywinter.com for more details. We also hope to offer larger portfolio nights, so make sure to sign up to our mailing list for more details.

What are you looking for in a potential illustrator?

This is a very difficult question to answer on many levels. In some ways, we know it when we see it; as with any art form, opinions are highly subjective. Regardless of the quality of the work, the first thing we look for is a good attitude. Illustration is a commercial art, and as much as we represent artists, we need to be 100 per cent confident that our artists will represent the agency in a positive light. After that, we look for a consistent, inimitable style. When clients come to Jacky Winter, it is usually for artists that are the best at what they do, or produce work that is unique to them. We like to see a personality shine through, and most of all, we like to see ideas and thinking behind the work.

I am doing a report on JW/JW artist. Can you/they answer these questions?

If your question is not answered here or in the interviews, please email us at info@jackywinter.com and we'll see what we can do. All requests for JW artists will be passed on to the artist in question, and they will contact you directly if they are available.

Can I bring my student group to your studio? Will you do a talk at our course?

Anything is possible! Email us at info@jackywinter.com with the dates you have in mind and we'll see what we can work out.

I am interested in illustration as a career, but have no idea where to start, what should I do?

The first thing we always recommend is to stock up on your Steven Heller books. One of the most prolific writers on the subject, his books are relative goldmines of illustration. Featuring heaps of amazing interviews with legendary art directors and working illustrators, some books even include example course syllabuses for you to set your own assignments. I would start with The Education of an Illustrator, move on to Inside the Business of Illustration, and finish with the most recent, Marketing Illustration.

My other two favourite books are How to be an Illustrator by Darrel Rees (founder of the Heart Agency) and the phenomenal AOI publication, The Illustrators Guide to Law and Business Practice.

If you head online, there are more sites than you can poke a stick at. This list will probably be updated, but our favourite sites at the moment are: Escape from Illustration Island, Illustration Mundo, Drawn!, Illustration Friday.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to any budding illustrator?

Life drawing. Every day. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Most local cafes will have flyers advertising some sort of class. Also check out adult education institutions like CAE in Melbourne, or your local council.

My question doesn’t seem to be answered here, where can I find out more about Jacky Winter?

You can check out some interviews with founder Jeremy Wortsman here on his personal site, Immortality Projects.

Jeremy is also a regular contributor to Australian Infront.