[.ca] 2007 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market (ISBN 1582974292)

This book is good for commerical artists, not fine artists:
This book is trying to be too many things to too many people. It is primarily a book aimed at commericial artists, with a few token gallery pages. I alerted the publisher's of this book of a scamming "art consultant" two editions ago, and this person is still in the book. I don't think facts are checked too thorougly, and having visited some of the galleries in person, I think the editors rely too much on gallery self-disclosure. If you are a commercial artist trying to break into the field or want to design greeting cards, it might be a helpful resource. If you are a fine artist seeking gallery representation, I would suggest the annual "Art in America" guide that comes out annually in August. It is a much more accurate and comprehensive listing of galleries region by region, although they by no means get all the galleries in a particular geographical region either. Frankly, I think this book is not benificial for fine artists, and the fact they put "artist" in the title is misleading. There is a world of difference between marketing commerical and fine art, a distinction lost on the editors of this book.

a "must have":
If you're an artist, illustrator, cartoonist, just starting out or a seasoned pro, this is one that belongs in your book collection on a yearly basis. The 2002 edition starts out with an intro from the editor (thank you Mary Cox for this invaluable book) and a "Keynote Address" from speaker/consultant Ilise Benun on self-promotion. The 2nd section continues with "Business & Marketing Seminars", tips and guides that are very informative. Lance J. Klass, president of Porterfield's Fine Art Licensing (one of the best in the field) writes "Ten Secrets to Success in Art Licensing", and anything Mr. Klass writes is worth reading, reading again, and memorizing ! The terrific Jim Hunt, cartoonist extraordinaire, writes "From the Front Lines...Practical Advice from Freelancers to Freelancers", and interviews 3 successful illustrators...I like the answers to Jim's question: "Besides having a really "cool boss", how has working for yourself changed your approach towards getting up and going to work each day ?". Of these and the 8 other articles, there will be at least half that you'll find fit in to your line of work, and you're sure to learn, and be motivated by them. 3rd section: "The Markets". Listings on the many places you can market your work, and this needs to be updated yearly, as you'll find new entries, and very important, many new contact people on the listings from previous years (each listing is marked with an icon if it's new or has a change of address/contact person). The listings run the gamut from greeting cards to record labels, and there are 4 "Insider Reports" included. Many of the listings have web sites, which I always check, to see if the style represented is one I'd fit into. 4th section: Artist's reps, web sites, glossary and indexes. It's a great book...it will help keep you in touch with what's out there, make you realize that there are a lot of opportunities to tap into, and if you're ever feeling "stuck", open it's pages, and send some post cards, slides, etc. to one or more of its market entries...it will get you moving, and you never know, you just might get a positive response.

As valuable as my pen and ink:
As a professional illustrator I've come to depend on certain things to help me in my freelance business. A clean pen tip, a full bottle of ink and the AGDM. Each year, this book features new and interesting prospects. The 2004 edition is no exception. I'm continually browsing through lead after lead. As an established illustrator, I receive numerous e-mails from artists who are looking to "break in" to the freelance market. I tell them that the AGDM is something they NEED to have. The detailed information is critical in helping an artist recognize who and who NOT to send samples to. There are many factors that have contributed to my success as a freelance artist, the Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market is one of them.

A very useful informative book:
This book has an enormous amount of information that is extremely helpful for getting a start, or pumping up, ones art career. There are thousands of places to submit art work, and advice for the beginner and professional alike. The writing style is very down to earth with lots of information on how to approach an art department and when. If you only want to show your art in galleries and demand huge prices then you wont need this book. I know someone who contacted the editor directly (Mary Cox) and she was completely open and helpful to him. Just because one person makes a complaint about one of the contacts in the book is not enough reason to have that resource removed! (As in anonymous fr Oakland, CA reviewed) With us right-brained creative types, this book can be a very big help! I recommend it highly! This book offers comprehensive, timely and relevant information about the process of marketing art