bright:
adj shining; full of light; vivid; clear; cheerful; vivacious; clever; illustrious; hopeful; having good prospects; beautiful.
Dan Crisp.
I think the Bright agency fills the role of school that opens my field as illustrator. They pull out the talents and possibilities that I would not have
Found by myself. I believe any artists can keep on developing with their lead and their spirits of “Challenge” and “Never give up”.
Masumi.
The Bright Agency is a little like the Trinny and Susanna for Illustrators. They look at your portfolio and go ' herm no -too dated' Or ' Yep a bit more work and it's there' They get you to look at you strong points and weakness and to tweak up your strengths.
It's wonderful being involved with such a strong stylish agency - seeing other illustrators with them doing so well keeps me on my toes.
The agency work so hard to keep me in work and I really appreciate that.
Kay Widdowson.
I'd been working freelance and independently for about 10 years when Vicki contacted me as a potential recruit for her forthcoming agency. I didn't realize that good agents worked very hard, were extremely enthusiastic and brimmed with confidence, having had previously only one very mediocre experience with an agent. So as the business grew so did my work and income - its was the best decision to join up, and although staff occasionally change they are all really nice people to deal with as well as working hard to make sure there are plenty of jobs on the horizon. I'd say that it’s been one of the greatest benefits to my sense of security - there always seems to be one or two or three or more jobs coming up, securing an income for some months ahead. Before Bright (BB Circa 2003 ish) I think about one or two month's future was all I could anticipate.
AND another thing - self promotion has always been such a tortuous experience for me, SO MANY DECISIONS to make concerning which pictures to send, how many, what size, coated or matt paper, wide variety or just a select few, cartoons mixed in with serious stuff?..........and on and on and ON .................BUT now Bright do all that, make strategic decisions, contact appropriate publishers, promote widely, go to Book Fairs, and tell people that your are GOOD at the job!!
AND the variety of work has been really good for personal development; Bright have confidence in you and you take on work which stretches your ability at times, taking on styles that extend what you already do, so the portfolio gets wider and better of course.
To summarize - I've found that Bright have freed me up to get on with the drawing / illustration production and enjoy what I'm happy doing without worrying about where the next job is coming from. And that's a very grand thing.
Mike Spoor
I've only been illustrating for a couple of years, and for nearly all of that time I've been with Bright. I came from an art background however my change in career direction was still daunting, but Bright have been there the whole way, holding my hand and answering my numerous questions. Together we've developed my portfolio, but they don't let you get too complacent and are always encouraging you to produce new work. They're straight-talking and tell you exactly what they think (which you might not necessarily want to hear!) but which is so important. I think the girls and boys at Bright are a fab bunch and they've helped me realize my dream, which isn't a dream anymore but a new and really exciting career!
Charlie Alder
I graduated in 2005.I studied for my degree mostly on a part-time basis. Luckily for me I was able to exhibit my work at the New Designers two years running. The first time, in 2004, I met Vicki from Bright who suggested that I should sign up with the Agency. I wasn't sure what to do, as I still had a year left until I graduated, and the final year is always the busiest - how was it all going to work?
I sent samples of my work out to many different publishers, and got in touch with the contacts I made at the New Designers also, but it became very apparent that most publishers like to take on Illustrators who are signed with an Agent. So I decided to sign up with Bright. My ultimate fear was that I wouldn't be able to get enough work to live on, and signing the contract was a big step for me, but I needn't have worried, as I haven't stopped working since.
Being new to the Illustration world, signing up with Vicki and co. at Bright was the best decision I could have made. Bright are always there to help. At first I worked along side Vicki, who set me some work to develop my characters, so that they would be more publisher friendly! Building up a good body of work for my portfolio was also important, in order for her to be able to go out there and promote me.
Bright take the pressure off me: they find the work, are able to arrange the best deals, and also sort out any legalities on my behalf. Bright keep me updated with any new trends within the art world, and with their direction and support my work is kept fresh, and ensures that I keep getting work with the top companies.
Since I signed up with Bright, Vicki has expanded the company. This in turn expands all Bright Illustrators options for which area they would like to work in, if not all - from Children's Publishing, Greetings Cards, Advertising to Editorial. It's exciting to be a part of a vastly growing company which has a spotless reputation.
Janet Samuel
The thing I appreciate the most about Vicki and the Bright is that I had never had a pressure that people usually have while working...I always felt that I had the ultimate support and belief in her...and having someone, who really feels what you enjoy doing most and is always there for you is a true blessing.
Sanja Rescek
I’ve worked in newspapers, theatre, education, and started illustration in greetings cards where I had to learn a verrrrrry wide range of styles....then onto books, agents, and
Eventually to Bright.......who are fabulous and attractive and I’m writing this at gunpoint.
Truth is though, they are the best.
I’m old enough to have two young children, and wise enough to know that life is short and you should try to work at what you enjoy. So I do!
And I swim, drink Jack Daniels (not simultaneously) , write and record music, make short films and animation, and am working on two books of my own which the world needs
to see......
Graham Smith
One of those places where my drown line is brought me is Bright. I am
New here, just from a moment ago, but I can see distant horizons in direction of my drowning line and brighter way. Let’s go further!
Zdenko Basic
I find Bright very young and enthusiastic and that gives me the sort of influence I need.
Artists are often shy and doubtful (I am anyway) and it’s great feeling part of a team, even if I’m physically working on my own.
Bright has found a new way to promote my work and I think I’m working at great projects at the moment!
Barbara Vagnozzi
Bright are great!
They lend me their donkey whenever I need to go to Asda.
Clive Goodyer
Bright is the third agent I have had over many years working as an illustrator? My first agent was great at getting me started and noticed when I first left Art College. My second agent was great when I moved into advertising work.
When I moved into children's picture book publishing, I represented myself for a number of years, but Bright has been the agency that has kept me fully employed over the last four years working in the field which I love.
Having been with Bright since its birth, the experience Vicki and the team may have lacked in the early days, they more than made up for with raw energy and drive. This is what first attracted me to them. Over the last four years they have kept all that energy and drive, and added experience. This, coupled with Vicki's obvious talent and passion for what she does, has made Bright a winning team and I feel fortunate to be one of their stable of illustrators.
Agents such as Bright have an important role to play in the future of illustration. As the interface between illustrator and client they have the job of matching two sets of needs and demands and maintaining an equitable balance. In an ever changing market, which is now very different from when I first left art college, the need has never been greater in the industry for good responsible agents like Bright to look after the interests of illustrators. Only if a realistic balance is maintained between the fees and work required will illustration have a bright future.
Steve Lavis
The people at Bright, each with their own specialized skills and an enormous drive, have really helped me develop my portfolio and made it possible for me to work full-time with something I love.
Julia Nielsen