March 12, 2013 @ 10 a.m.
in The Marketing Lab
by Christine Andrews | Agency Access
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An Interview With Photographer Matt Dutile

 Lifestyle and travel photographer (and Agency Access member) Matt Dutile recently tweeted a photo of his newest direct mail promo:

March 1, 2013 @ 11:15 a.m.
in The Business Lab
by Nick Moy | Agency Access
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Question: What’s one piece of advice you would give a photography student to help them understand the business of photography? 

"The best advice I can give to a photography student is that commercial photography is mostly not photography. You'll spend the vast majority of your time not taking photographs.  There is an awful lot of work involved in promotion, management, digital image workflow, client services, and more. Make sure you're prepared to do a great job not just at taking photos but at all the other aspects of the job. However, don't let this be a license to spend all day on Twitter and photo blogs. Make sure you set limits and work efficiently so you can get back to the part of the job you look forward to the most - making photographs."

Question: What are the best networking tactics for conferences and trade shows?

More than anything, getting results at trade shows requires a clear concept of what you want to accomplish – and when in doubt, go with my mantra: Be good and be nice.

The friendships you make at trade shows can make your career. Genuine friendships almost always result in commissions.

The key here is they have to be real, and you can’t fake that. There are some basic rules and guidelines to making this happen: ways to approach, ways to request a review or follow-up call. However, the best results come from not looking for results. It is a meditative practice of nonattachment. Being your true self – without reservation – will draw people to you and your work.

To create the mental space to “just be yourself,” you need to:

Question: I always read about networking at industry events and socials. As a creative professional, I want to chat with those who will actually hire me. What are some networking tips for this – both online and in person?

Picture a networking event at an organization where Bob, a mid-career photographer, has been a silent longtime member. People wearing nametags are gathering at a large studio, and Bob is packing about 50 business cards, but he has no idea where to begin.

He spots an art director, Joan, who’s just finished a conversation with Bob’s competitor and appears available. Bob recognizes Joan’s name from his mailing list, but cannot remember where she works or anything else about her. He reaches out his hand to introduce himself.

Question: Besides applying for freelance jobs on my membership sites, what’s the best networking route for an illustrator with a less-than-extensive résumé?

First Things First: Be Proactive!

Instead of waiting for jobs to appear on those freelance sites, find companies that you’d want to work for and send them samples – before they're even looking for illustrators. Once they've seen your work, you have the opportunity to be top of mind when an appropriate project comes along. Freelance sites are great, but the downside is you’re one of many bidding for the same projects – and the fees offered on those sites are usually very low.

You can also poke around and see who’s commissioning work, and what kind. Don't just send random samples to these companies - target your promos. If you illustrate flowers, don't send samples to a place that commissions car illustrations. One of the busy art director’s biggest peeves is receiving samples not suited to his or her industry. Promote yourself vigorously and smartly by targeting companies where your work fits.