Saturday Question: Getting an Illustration Agent

From Herb:

Q: I recently completed illustrating my first children's book which is due out later this month. Should I begin to look for an agent to represent me for more work in this field?

A:  First, it's good that you're pursuing this kind of work as once an illustrator catches on, the gigs pour in. I once heard of a very talented illustrator who had some 5+ years of book assignments awaiting his attention. Nice problem to have. That said, you may want to wait to see if the book is a success before beating the bushes for an agent. If it is, then it'll be much easier to get an agent's attention. In the meantime, I would suggest building up a portfolio specifically designed to get book illustration work (scout around on the web to find out what would be in this kind of collection as opposed to other fields such as animation). One way to add to such a portfolio would be to find an old public domain fairy tale or the like and illustrate your own version of it -- with a humorous twist or not. If you have a good book illustration portfolio then you'll be in a much better place when the time comes to seek out an agent. They'll ask for one anyway. That's my non-illustrator take on it.

Illustrators:  You folks (obviously) have a lot more experience in this field and I would welcome any corrections or advice for Herb. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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Got a question for a self/traditionally published author and TV animation writer (who'd be perfect for that show you're staffing)? I thought so. Leave it here in the comments and I'll try to answer it on the following Saturday.

New Feature: Saturday Question

Got a question for a self and traditionally published, TV animation writing, Emmy Award nominated low-level showbiz type, and sometime actor (who'd be perfect for that series or commercial you're casting)? I thought so. Send it this way and I'll try to answer it on the following Saturday.

(Side Note: This feature was inspired by (copied from) comedy great Ken Levine's excellent blog - definitely check it out for more showbiz-y/author-y goodness.)

This week's question comes from Marie:

Q: I am a writer and I've got an idea for an animated feature. I just have the idea and couple of different endings. I have two contacts through my sister in LA who are producers for big animated companies. I spoke to one and she definitely believes it is definitely a full-length feature film,  that no one has done, yet. She told me that I needed to own it as long as I can, write the treatment, screenplay. I have no experience in writing scripts. Do you have any advice or can suggest any materials that someone like me could follow? I get very frustrated when I write. So far I am just watching as many films as I can and reading other scripts. --Marie

A: I would recommend three things. First, even though "no one has done" a script like yours yet, determine an animated feature that your idea most closely resembles, then hunt around on the web for a copy of that script (there are many resources, some free) and use it as a model/template for your own idea. I'm not telling you to copy it, just to use it to see how professionals execute an idea similar to your own.

Next, you may want to pick up a copy of Syd Field's classic how-to book, "Screenplay." It's considered the industry standard in how to structure a screenplay.

Finally, you may want to invest in some screenwriting software to help you make sure your script looks right. I, and most other pros use Final Draft or Movie Magic. Each of these is a little pricey but I think well worth the investment if you plan on writing professionally. I have no doubt that there a few free script formatting programs out there, too. Hunt around and see what you can come up with. Good luck!

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If you have a question for me, please leave it in the comment section. Thanks!