Creative insights from Skye Kelly-Barrett
Skye is the founder of The SVKB Group, a place for two creative companies: Roar Artist Agency and Skye Victoria Projects.
How do you feel about the current state of the creative industry?
Hmmm… A tough one! I waver between being really worried and really positive to be honest. The past few years have been hard, i’m not going to lie, we’ve seen creative projects take a real backburner for companies, it always seems like when the world is burning the first thing that gets slashed is creativity, which is such a shame as lets be honest, it’s the visual arts, creative experiences and human touches that we really need when things are feeling a bit meh.
On a positive note, I do see a turn towards more human made projects to counter the rise of AI, many brands are trying extra hard to show that they are supporting and using the talent that AI is essentially ripping off! We just need to hold our ground and get through the next year or so.
What's your favourite thing about being an agent?
Getting to be a small part of something amazing, from an artist's first job to watching them grow as a creative, I always say it’s like being a parent, you feel the pride and joy in seeing them succeed and knowing that I could help in some way, it’s mega.
Another thing I love is just the projects themselves, we get to work with such amazing brands and the teams that come with them, some of these projects are months long and at the end you’ve really built up a working friendship with them and that is a truly cool part of being an agent.
Do you have a top 3 tips for artists on how to get commissioned?
Be polite! Speak to people with manners and interest and that will get you further than a blanket c&p email.
Additional note on this, re-read your email, you’d be surprised how many people email Roar telling me how much they love (another agent company) lol.Have a good solid body of work, and it doesn't need to be huge, 4-10 pieces is a lovely amount that shows someone who you are, what you have to say and most importantly what they are going to get if you’re commissioned.
Just keep reaching out, a “no” today is not a “no” forever.
How do you distinguish a great portfolio that will get you work from an average one?
A great portfolio has a solid voice, a unique connection to the creative and shows me who that person is. It’s not trend driven, and it’s not messy with 100 different styles.
House keeping notes: An artist should have a website for their portfolio most importantly, everything else comes after, social media is not a portfolio.
Book a ticket for Skye’s upcoming masterclass all about curating your portfolio to get commissions
