Tell me something that sticks
I had one instructor at Ringling say something that has stuck with me for my entire career. “Keep it simple stupid.” When I say it back to myself I drop the word stupid and hear “Keep it simple.” As an artist that impartation has shaped my career, it has been a guideline when I create. Rules are made to be broken, I get that. However, we are a product of our decisions and actions. I continually choose to act on that principle. Keep it simple works for me.
I had an agent in San Francisco, we worked together for fourteen years, she retired in 2009. She was a mentor and a friend, Jan was smart, I treasured that season. She taught me plenty about this business. With the illustrators that are in our group, I hope to be friendly, kind and consistent. Will I be friends with everyone, nope. Can I be kind towards everyone? I hope so, that is my goal. Kindness is an attitude. Manners and kindness work.
Our agency has been around less than two years as of the date of this writing. It is working. We are seeing our illustrators get work. It’s been said that I am a seasoned illustrator and a rookie agent, there is some truth to this statement. I’ve illustrated, full time for 27 years, and now we have an agency and I’m representing 14 other illustrators. Even rookie pitchers in the major league have a shot to prove themselves on the mound, they are not judged on how many seasons they have been in the league, but they are given a chance to prove themselves against each batter. It’s not your age but your performance. Stats do not lie.
Our agency is doing well, we are making progress, we are building momentum. I’ve seen enough in the past eighteen months to know I enjoy the work and would like to move forward and double down. Enter the interns. We have a program we are building for aspiring artists. We are not offering representation to the interns, however that does not suggest that they will not be represented at some point in the future, by us or another group. The world is a big place, a lot going on, options are endless. However, I’m writing, speaking and working with one small group on this planet, a select band of talented souls that either currently make their livelihood by creating illustration or those that would like to make their living as an illustrator. That’s it. That’s my calling. I’m a life long illustrator that loves my career, I draw six days a week for clients. There are many reasons why I have enjoyed my choice to draw and paint for a living. Being an agent is an extension of who I am as an artist.
You’ve applied for the internship. Our first goal is to bring twenty interns into the fold, after four weeks of applications we have six interns signed into our program. We have seen thirty applications and six applicants made the cut. We are just starting to get the word out there about this opportunity, we will continue to accept applications. Interns will come, interns will go, it will be a revolving group. Some will stick around for a while, some will jump ship early. Even when we hit twenty interns, we will continue accepting applications.
Do you want an internship with our group? Fill out the application online. Second, start a medium account and write something, tell me a story, draw me a picture, express something that sticks. Give me one reason why I can’t refuse your awesome creative powers. Third, start a pinterest account and pin 20 illustrations from 20 different illustrators you admire, be thoughtful in your selection as you are showcasing your ability to curate. Fourth, read each short article I’ve written on medium, it will take you about an hour to read all of the short entries. Then be prepared to ask me questions during our phone interview that we schedule. Hope to see you inside the internship program.
Keep it simple. Be kind. Draw six days a week.
Travis Foster is a freelance illustrator, illustration agent, cartoonist, husband and dad to four kids, Travis Foster Reps is based in Nashville.
