As Follow-up: Heather Elder Get’s A Return Letter From an Art Producer

Another read worth seeing over at Heather Elder’s Blog.  It’s the answer to her open letter from last week.

Dear Rep. – An open letter from an art producer

Heather Elder

Heather Elder has an impressive group of photographers in her care; most notably (to me at least) is Andy Anderson. Her site is worth a visit just to look at her stable of photographers.

However, here are short segments from her post – you must go to her site to read the good stuff, sorry.

1. When you ask me what our budget is, usually I don’t have access to that info, or I’m given a number that needs to include so much more:
2. Personally, I don’t kiss and tell, er– divulge who folks are bidding against, until after the job has been awarded
3. I try to offer feedback about creative calls, and estimates, when I have time.
4. I will always let you know when I am asking for a third bid, and your photographer has little chance of getting the job.
5. I don’t ever want to be the art buyer you jokingly want to charge each time I  make you triple bid for the hell of it, or revise an estimate 20 times.
6. What kind of art buyer doesn’t tell you that you didn’t get the job?!
7. Are you kidding—portfolio shows are one of the best parts about being stuck inside this cube, and not out on production bossing everyone around!
8. I appreciate the email blasts to alert me who is doing what. Unfortunately, my in box is inundated with them– half are from sub-par talent, and repeating weekly.
9. I wish reps/photographers would market the appropriate audience, once a month or when there’s truly awesome new work.

So now … go here:  Heather Elder Blog to find the context and some other goodies.