How is an agent-artist relationship typically governed?
All agent-artist relationships should be defined and established by a written contract. There are certain aspects of the contract that can fluctuate based on the relationship, and others that should be fixed based on industry standards. The agent is typically responsible for assembling portfolios and keeping them updated. The artist is responsible for providing samples. The arrangements of covering these costs can vary. Sometimes the artist will bear all portfolio costs and other agents will contribute a percentage to the maintenance. In all cases the portfolio should remain the property of the artist and should be returned to the artist in the event the relationship is terminated. Expenses related to promotion, for example mailings, directory advertisements, and web postings, are usually divided between the agent and the artists, with the artists bearing the greater part of those costs. Office overhead is usually borne entirely by the agent and is covered by the commission they receiv
