An artist's agent spends considerable time making calls and booking shows.
Just like actors and professional athletes have agents to find them jobs and negotiate contracts, so too do artists, musicians and other creative professionals require the services of booking agents. Booking agents have a knack for networking and multitasking. They need to have strong organizational skills and must be excellent communicators. According to PayScale, business agents for artists make an average salary of between $34,035 and $74,362. Becoming an agent for an artists is fairly simple, but it does require some creativity and ingenuity.
Instructions
1. Obtain post-secondary education in business management. Having a background in art is not necessary, but it can be helpful. If possible, pursue an undergraduate major in business management and a minor in art. An art minor will be helpful in providing you with the knowledge of evaluate the work of potential clients and converse with the owners of art galleries or private collectors who may wish to either purchase or showcase your clients' work. Business management skills are necessary to learn skills in negotiation and contract management.
2. Complete an internship at an art gallery or even at a talent agency in another industry. Experience is essential to gaining a leg up in the booking agent industry. You need to know the ins and outs of land clients, gain them employment and negotiate work on their behalf.
3. Network your way to success. One of the defining characteristics of a good agent in any industry is the ability to establish an entire network of contacts who can serve as a source of referrals for you. Seek out agents who represent professionals in other industries that you will not be competing with and to whom you can provide referrals also. For instance, if one of your networking contacts only works with musicians and you happen to meet a talented and aspiring musician at an art show or elsewhere, you can refer them to the musician agent. This will solidify your relationship with the other agent and make you his first point of contact when he runs across artistic talent.
4. Apply for licensing in your state, if necessary. Some states require talent agents, sports agents and other individuals who negotiate contracts on behalf of others to obtain a license. Check with your state's licensing board to determine whether or not you need to obtain a license.
5. Acquire clients and begin booking business. You may need to start off small and gradually expand your business. Most artists do not strike it rich, so you should not expect to do so either with just one or even a few clients. Slowly but surely, build your client base and establish regular business for your clients.
