Our approach
Our approach to artists
We have always been recognised for our role in developing artists and have discovered and launched the careers of some of the best unpublished artists to hit the scene in recent years.
As agents, we see it as our responsibility to give help, encouragement and direction to our artists and the Bright Academy exists to do just that. We influence and encourage our artists on the direction of their careers – helping them to tailor their work to the needs of the market, without losing touch with their creative personality.
Above all, we listen to our artists – some desperately want to be trade picture artists, others are financially driven or solely work on decorative/stationary books, whereas some just want to draw dragons! Whatever direction our artists want to take we work tirelessly to help them achieve their aims and find the right work from the right clients. If this means working directly with them to create the perfect portfolio pieces to win a particular commission, then our in-house art director is on hand to help.
The Bright Academy is also available to help established artists looking for a change in direction – many artists who have already enjoyed a successful career may look to follow a different creative path and when that happens, we are right behind them. We have resurrected big name artists and re-launched them with new styles and pseudo-names. We have been able to triple the income of established professionals by seizing opportunities that may exist outside that artist’s main creative channel. For example, we have helped a stationery artist move into decorative gift books, and moved a top picture-book artist into children’s packaging and clothing ranges.
Whether you are just starting out, or are at the peak of your career, the Bright Academy is here to help and guide you. We work with and for our artists and that’s why we have been able to deliver the most creative results in artist representation that the children’s market has seen in recent years.
‘Bright is a young, innovative agency that is passionate about the new talent it encourages and nurtures. They are a delight to work with as they are so proactive’
EMMA LAYFIELD
‘I love working with this agency. There is so much energy
and brightness in everything they do, from finding the incredibly quantity of hugely talented artists, to the way they keep in touch with all their clients. I’ve found that whatever the brief, the Bright Agency will have the perfect solution!’
ELINOR BAGENAL
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Meet the team
Vicki
Director and Founder
Vicki is the founder and the engine that powers Bright; her enthusiasm is infectious and she is passionate and believes in everyone involved in The Bright Group. She is straightforward to work with, direct and good fun. She loves what she does and Bright is her creative playground. Bright is where Vicki makes things happen.
Lucie
Agent - Publishing
Lucie is delighted to be working for Bright and loves the world of Children's Books!
Lucie’s experience with both artists and clients spans over nine years and she relishes the challenge of making sure everything runs smoothly and successfully. When not working Lucie’s other passion comes into play, that being the outdoors which compliments her day to day ‘Bright’ life!
Kirsten
Agent - USA
Kirsten has worked in the publishing industry for 15 years. In this time, she has risen from editorial assistant within a major publishing house to senior editor at a leading book production company. On the side, Kirsten has written more than 130 published books, most of which are for children. To date, Kirsten has been involved in the pairing of hundreds of artists and projects. She is excited to take this passion and make it her full-time focus as the U.S. publishing agent within The Bright Group.
James
Agent - Associate
James joined The Bright Group, straight out of the creative world of Central Saint Martins and has quickly become an integral part of the agency. James believes in what the group does and how they do it…
No matter what project is throw at him, James is able to come up with an effective and speedy solution and always works with a smile.
James excels is finding illustrators for trade picture books and the digital platform.
Lauren
Agent - Literary
Lauren began her children’s book career over 10 years ago, gaining a wealth of editorial, publishing and licensing experience, as a writer and editor at top publishing houses. Having written hundreds of children’s books, and worked with award-winning names, she has an eye for recognising talent and prize-winning masterpieces, and a big heart for representing Bright Academy’s authors and illustrators.
Therese
Finance Manager
Therese is the gatekeeper at Bright and manages the accounts single-handedly, allowing Vicki to sleep at night! Colleagues often refer to Therese as the Rottweiler; her role is one of the toughest in the agency and she is constantly chasing clients and getting back to artists. Her workload is heavy and despite seemingly aloof in responding, she is however fighting tooth and nail to get artists paid as fast as possible... there are only so many hours in the day! Therese is a legend.
Lulu
Credit Controller
Lulu is working closely with Therese to ensure that payments are received on time and that the accounts systems are in good order. She is also enjoying developing and implementing the credit control procedures. After giving birth to a cute baby boy called Yu Cheng, she has come back to the Bright team with a fully committed heart and is devoted to the children's publishing world.
Monty
Head of Security
It's quite remarkable how much Monty looks like a moving soft toy, not so remarkable when you realise he was found in the toy department of Hamley's, was sprinkled with magic dust and came alive. Monty's pack leader Vicki appointed him head of security after he showed a keen interest in the buzzer and visitors. He prowls bins, snores in the office and sleeps with his legs in the air.
Coco
Monty's Wing Girl
Coco is one foxy chocci lab, with extended legs and an elegant nose. Coco has become the love of Monty's life - they play together, run together and snooze together... Monty being the alpha male does sometimes like to assert territorial rein over his castle of which Coco delightfully ignores, she's a stunner and utterly fabulous!