advice please
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- SunSunSun
Hey guys,
I'm doing an illustration job for a book for which I've done all the sketches (22 full pages) I'm working on another couple of books also which my agent has given priority to. The priority company was late with amends and the whole schedule has gone to fuck.
I don't have time to fit in this other book anymore and they've come back with major amends on every page. The agent has suggested helping by getting someone to paint but it'll still mean loads of time fixing shit up in photoshop.
Can I just cancel this job so far into it?
The contract states that if i fail to deliver I don't get paid. I don't care as i haven't been paid any of it yet...
- GeorgesII0
Do you need the money or the client?
- SunSunSun0
none, I don't care about either anymore because of the stress that it's causing...
- Horp0
Faced problems like this on weekly basis as an . If I've understood correctly, you should be able to explain to the company with the long list of amendments that they will take time, and weren't scheduled for, so they'll have to wait. Then tackle other jobs, then go back to that one. Publishers actual deadlines are always 12 months after what they tell you. If the amends are not a direct result of your incompetence they will wait. If they won't, then they're fucked because they'll have to start from scratch.
- This is great advice. Project deadlines, expectations, etc are not always as black and white. Any reasonable person should understand why you would need more time especially if they were part of creating the delay.Josev
- understand why you would need more time especially if they were part of creating the delay.Josev
- SunSunSun0
I've written to say I just physically can't fit it in.
Thanks Horp. Helps to hear that others have been here too...
- albums0
I like getting the work I was hired to do, done. Clients who drag feet, make changes, delays, etc all come with the job. I'd rather not be a quitter in the face of adversity. A concensus should be able to be made. I see no reason to shit on them simply because you're inconvenieced.
- SunSunSun0
^ It's a little bit more complicated than that. I agree with you completely though.
The whole thing happened because my agents 'priority' client (big money and big reputation) messed up their schedule. The agent isn't telling this other smaller publishing company the truth and blaming the whole schedule on me. They don't want the smaller guys to know they are prioritising someone else.
This smaller company has given me FINAL dates which don't leave me anywhere near enough time, so I don't see any option but to bow out of it. I hate that my bridges with them will probably be forever burned but understand someone has to be the scapegoat.
Right now it's anything for less stress.
- mikotondria30
^
"Hey, you're my agent - you work for me, that's what agent means - I pay you to administer the interface between the people with the money and my production, don't use that position to damage my reputation in this industry - I categorically pay you to maintain and enhance my reputation. Please repair my standing with [smaller firm] immediately by negotiating further or finding a suitable proxy or alternative source of production for them, and apologise profusely for having mis-scheduled their work.
Then phone me and thank me for pointing out what exactly is required of you in this role, and apologise for not having done it."- haha, brilliant! Wish I had the balls to send that.SunSunSun
- so true thoughSunSunSun
- So rewrite it in words that you're comfortable with. It would be a good exercise because there's nothing unreasonable in that message.Josev
- message. It's better to learn to deal with conflict earlier than later.Josev
- And if your agent is giving you this many projects he values your work. He/she should be more respectful.Josev
- Good advice,webazoot
- A+ response!animatedgif
- <-This.dobre
- lambsy0
since you already don't care, outsource it.
- cannonball19780
Also, point out to the priority client that their lateness has pushed their schedule back.
Also, tell your agent you will be prioritizing from now on , not them.
- albums0
mikotondria3,
Slow clap building to standing ovation.
- Daithi0
The only thing I would add to the above (great advice folks) is that if you are willing to walk away from this job that puts you in a very strong negotiating position. If you can, use this to your advantage and find a settlement that you can work with.
- SunSunSun0
Thanks for the help and great advice guys.
It's highlighted for me that the agent really doesn't support me the way they should and don't feel they are on my side at all. They just don't want to look bad themselves at all costs.
- monNom0
^ it sounds like your agent isn't really an agent, but an order taker. This 'priority' client might be your agents priority, not yours. It is your reputation on the line. Your agent is letting you own the problem, so it's up to you to fix it. Sub out what work you can, as long as you'll be happy to pass off the work as your own. Push back to each of them if their demands aren't reasonable/possible. Better to be late than to leave them in the lurch trying to find a new illustrator at the last minute.
After this, I'd have a serious conversation with your agent and what they're doing to negotiate for you. If they can't work on your side to ensure you're not double booking projects, you might need to seek out someone who's more interested in a long term working relationship.
- chossy0
I think you should look to move on from your current agent and also you should contact the smaller company and explain the situation. Plenty other agent out there, don't let yourself feel trapped under one agent go out there and breathe some fresh air :D.
- SunSunSun0
They are going to sub out the work under the pretence that it's me doing it. I haven't had that happen before and it makes me a little nervous that the quality will be compromised. Is this a standard practice?
- SunSunSun0
Is there anything wrong with telling the publishers that there will be more than 1 person working on it?
I think what I'm not comfortable with is hiding information from them.
- chossy0
Well it is a standard practice in as far as producing goes, generally people tend to do that on a wider sense.
In as far as company a would contact company B (you) and say I need this done then company B gets it done somehow by someone, company A thinks company B did it all. Which is absolutely fine. Saying that you personally did it is a bit weird and not very professional at all. Again it is perfectly fine for the other company to think you did it no worries what do they care, but it is a hassle you don;t need and your agent shouldn't be putting you in any awkward positions now or at any time. Hopefully it all works out for you and you manage to move on to a more professional and productive agent.
- SunSunSun0
^ Yep, that makes sense. Thanks dude.
I've written to the agent and asked them to let the publishers in on what's going on and get the first final artwork approved.
Really appreciate everyones good advice.
Can anyone recommend a good illustration agent that specialises in childrens books? Haha.